Planning resources

Local government responsibilities include long term planning for their communities, and managing developments in line with those plans.

Long Term Council Community Plans

Long Term Council Community Plans are important documents, providing a framework for direction and priorities.  The following guidelines will help you factor in energy efficiency and renewable energy when developing these plans.

Guide to Energy and Long Term Council Community Plans

Resource Management Act 

The Resource Management (Energy and Climate Change) Amendment Act 2004 requires particular regard be given to to the efficiency of the end use of energy, the effects of climate change, and the benefits to be derived from the use and development of renewable energy resources. This is relevant to the consideration of resource consent applications and when policy statements and plans are reviewed or changed.  To help you do this, read the quality planning guidance note on the Resource Management (Energy and Climate Change) Amendment Act 2004 (Quality Planning website)

EECA works to assist Councils have regard to these matters. To find out more about this work email info@eeca.govt.nz or call 0800 358 676.

Regional energy strategies

A regional energy strategy looks at  the whole spectrum of energy resources and demand-side opportunities available within a specific region. A number of regions are developing regional energy strategies.

EECA and other government agencies have information about energy use and potential renewable energy resources at both a national, regional, and local level, which can help in developing these regional plans.

To find out more about developing a regional energy strategy in your area email info@eeca.govt.nz or call 0800 358 676.

Read the current strategies:

  • The Northland Energy Forum's Strategic Plan, released in early 2012, aims to grow Northland's economy through a reliable, sustainable, diverse, and economic supply of energy. For more information about the strategy, contact Enterprise Northland (09 438 5110).
  • The Bay of Plenty Regional Energy Strategy was launched in December 2011 by Bay Connections, a group comprising local organisations, industry sectors, and representatives from local and central government. The Strategy is aimed at creating a foundation for individuals and business in identifying and successfully pursuing opportunities available from the region's sustainable resources. Read the media release or for more information about the strategy, contact Bay Connections (0800 884 881 x8350).
  • The Southland Energy Strategy was adopted in 2011 to replace the 2003 strategy. The Strategy was developed with key stakeholders and identifies key opportunities with regards to energy generation, storage and use. It provides a high level overview of areas of risk which will need to be addressed while considering the opportunities, in order to maintain economic, cultural and social wellbeing, as well as protect the region's environmental values. For more information about the strategy, contact Venture Southland (03 211 1400).
  • The Waikato Regional Energy Strategy, which was launched in August 2009, provides a comprehensive map of the Waikato's current energy resources, and a range of recommendations on ways in which the region's energy resources could be further developed. For more information about the strategy, contact Environment Waikato (07-859-0851).

More information

The following are relevant to local government when influencing energy use and generation in their communities: