Changes to the way you view plans
We're working to improve our ePlan, so for now the latest versions of plans are available as PDFs on plan webpages. We've also added permanent links on these pages to view Planning Maps on the Canterbury Maps website.
We'll let you know as soon as ePlan is back up and running.
The Canterbury Regional Policy Statement (PDF File, 3.93MB) provides an overview of the resource management issues in the Canterbury region, and the objectives, policies and methods to achieve integrated management of natural and physical resources. These methods include directions for provisions in district and regional plans.
You can find further information, including changes made to the Regional Policy Statement since it became operative, below.
Operative Regional Policy Statement
The Regional Policy Statement (RPS) became operative on 15 January 2013. It was republished in October 2020 to incorporate changes made since 2013. You can view the Regional Policy Statement and associated documents below:
- Canterbury Regional Policy Statement - October 2020 (PDF File, 3.93MB)
- Map A, Chapter 6 – Revised August 2017(external link)
- Appendix 5 Maps – Revised February 2017 (PDF File, 20.95MB)
- Guidelines for the Application of Ecological Significance Criteria for Indigenous Vegetation and Habitats of Indigenous Fauna in Canterbury Region (PDF File, 10.81MB)
Please note: The Guidelines for the Application of Ecological Significance Criteria for Indigenous Vegetation and Habitats of Indigenous Fauna in Canterbury Region was prepared by Wildland Consultants under contract to Environment Canterbury and does not endorse this consultancy above any other for application of RPS criteria.
Schedule of changes to the Regional Policy Statement~~
2020-2021, Proposed Changes to Chapter 6
In April 2020, the Minister for the Environment directed us to enter the streamlined planning process for a proposed change to Chapter 6 of the Canterbury Regional Policy Statement.
In August, the Minister granted us a six-month extension (PDF File, 148.32KB) to publicly notify the proposed change. The extension will allow us to consider implications of the new National Policy Statement on Urban Development 2020 before we notify the proposed change. Notice of the amendment to the Minister’s direction, which sets out the planning process and timeframes, was published in the New Zealand Gazette (PDF File, 32.08KB).
The proposed change to Chapter 6 identifies future urban housing development areas in Rolleston, Rangiora and Kaiapoi and inserts associated policy provisions. This supports the actions of the Our Space 2018–48 Greater Christchurch Settlement Pattern Update(external link).
October 2020, Regional Policy Statement published
In October 2020 the Regional Policy Statement was revised to incorporate the amendments described below.
Timing: Revised October 2020
Document: Canterbury Regional Policy Statement, October 2020 (PDF File, 3.93MB)
October 2020, Chapter 6 and Definitions for Greater Christchurch
In September 2020 the Associate Minister for Greater Christchurch Regeneration approved a proposal to amend Chapter 6 of the Regional Policy Statement using section 71 of the Greater Christchurch Regeneration Act 2016, to provide for the development and operation of commercial film or video production facilities in Christchurch.
Timing: Came into effect on 13 October 2020
July 2019, Chapter 6
On 25 July 2019 a new Objective 6.2.1a was inserted into the Canterbury Regional Policy Statement in accordance with sections 55(2) and 55(2A) of the Resource Management Act 1991 and as required by the National Policy Statement on Urban Development Capacity 2016. Objective 6.2.1a sets out minimum housing targets for the Greater Christchurch area over the medium (next 10 years) and long term (10 to 30 years).
Timing: Came into effect on 25 July 2019
Document: Public Notice (PDF File, 124.29KB)
December 2018, Chapter 6 and Definitions for Greater Christchurch
In December 2018 Hon Nanaia Mahuta, acting for the Minister for Greater Christchurch Regeneration approved a proposal to amend the Canterbury Regional Policy Statement using section 71 of the Greater Christchurch Regeneration Act 2016 to provide for a metropolitan recreation facility at 466-482 Yaldhurst Road, Christchurch.
Timing: Came into effect on 19 December 2018
August 2017, Map A in Chapter 6
In August 2017 the Cranford Regeneration Plan directed amendments Chapter 6, Map A in ‘Greenfield Priority Areas’ in the Regional Policy Statement to provide for redevelopment of the Cranford Basin area in Christchurch.
Timing: Came into effect on 31 August 2017
February 2017, Regional Policy Statement Republished
In February 2017 the Regional Policy Statement was republished to incorporate corrections of minor errors, and to include the amendments described below. They came in effect in April 2016, November 2015, July 2015 and June 2015.
Timing: Republished February 2017
April 2016, Map 4 of Appendix 5
In April 2016 Map 4 in Appendix 5 of the Regional Policy Statement was amended to show the location of the Avon River Mouth and the Coastal Marine Area Boundary, to reflect changes resulting from the Canterbury Earthquake Sequence.
Timing: Came into effect on 16 April 2016
Document: Map 4 before amendments.
November 2015, Chapter 8
In November 2015 the Lyttelton Port Recovery Plan (LPRP) directed amendments to Regional Policy Statement to enable recovery of the Port.
Timing: Came into effect on 19 November 2015
Document: Amendments directed by the LPRP
July 2015, Chapter 11
In July 2015, further changes were made to Chapter 11, Natural Hazards, of the Regional Policy Statement to support the amendments from June 2015.
Timing: Came into effect on 23 July 2015.
June 2015, Chapter 11 and Appendix 6
In June 2015, changes were made to the Regional Policy Statement in accordance with Action 46 of the Land Use Recovery Plan (LURP) and sections 24(1)(c) and 24(3) of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Act 2011, to enable and support recovery and rebuilding in accordance with the LURP. These changes related to the management of development within high hazard areas and the identification and management of coastal hazard areas.
Timing: Came into effect on 12 June 2015.
Document: Public notice and amendments
December 2013, Land Use Recovery Plan for Greater Christchurch
In December 2013 the Land Use Recovery Plan (LURP) for Greater Christchurch made substantial changes to the Regional Policy Statement to enable the recovery and rebuild of Greater Christchurch after the Canterbury Earthquake Sequence. Changes included the insertion of new Chapter 6 and glossary/definitions.
Plan Development
Development materials for the Canterbury Regional Policy Statement have been archived. Please contact customer services if you wish to access any of this material.