Leaders of Industry

New national rules for granny flats came into effect on 15 January 2026, introducing two separate regulatory pathways. While the changes are intended to make building a granny flat easier, both planning and building requirements still apply. This update explains what has changed, what hasn’t, and the practical steps you'll need to take before moving forward.

The Government has confirmed ten national direction instruments that will take effect on 15 January 2026, including three new instruments and seven amendments to existing ones. These updates will shape consent pathways and council decision-making in 2026, so it’s worth understanding the implications early.

Now is a critical time for Auckland landowners to understand how Auckland Council’s new, risk-based natural hazard framework under Plan Change 120 applies to landslides. Knowing how the updated landslide susceptibility mapping affects your property or planned project will help you make informed decisions about your next steps.

With the granny flats reform now legislated, a building consent exemption for small standalone dwellings up to 70 m² is confirmed and expected to start in the first quarter of 2026. However, resource consent changes are still pending.

In this on-demand webinar, Planning Manager Kaaren Joubert and Senior Planner Chanelle Brodie outline what the partial withdrawal of PC78 and the MDRS, and the new Plan Change 120, may mean for landowners, developers and the wider land development sector.