Adaptive Consenting (Pilot Process)
Adaptive Consenting is a new, opt-in service delivery model being piloted by the Far North District Council. It applies agile, planner-led methods to adjust the consenting process based on the scale, complexity, and policy alignment of each application.
Rather than applying the full weight of the statutory process to every application equally, Adaptive Consenting offers a proportionate approach — tailored to well-prepared proposals that benefit from early, skilled engagement.
This model is best suited to experienced planning and design professionals acting on behalf of applicants, as it relies on high-quality early inputs and the professional judgement of both parties to maintain momentum.
This process is available to proposals that:
Enter from day one
Applications must enter Adaptive Consenting at concept stage. It is not intended for cases that are already largely prepared or seeking retrospective validation. The value of this model lies in shaping the consent pathway early — not shortcutting it later.
Demonstrate alignment with planning outcomes
Applications may involve rule breaches, but must still reflect the spirit and intent of the District Plan. Adaptive Consenting supports innovation, flexibility, and outcomes-focused design, not workarounds.
Engage early and constructively
Early dialogue is critical. Engagement typically begins with a Concept Development Meeting (CDM) and may involve iterative pre-lodgement discussions. These are used to clarify issues, focus assessments, and agree proportional documentation.
Do not trigger unresolved third-party opposition
Applications involving significant potential effects or known third-party concerns (e.g. affected neighbours likely to oppose) may be unsuitable for this streamlined process and could revert to the standard statutory pathway.
The process is designed to be iterative, collaborative, and proportionate — with four core stages:
Early engagement and scoping
The process typically begins with a CDM where Council planners and relevant technical staff (e.g. engineers, 3-waters) review the proposal with the applicant’s team. The focus is on identifying potential planning triggers, policy tensions, or design issues before lodging. This collaborative pre-lodgement process is charged on a time-cost basis, in accordance with Council’s Fees and Charges Schedule.
Proportional application preparation
Once the pathway is agreed (A, B, or C), the applicant prepares an Assessment of Environmental Effects (AEE) and supporting material matched to the scale and risk profile of the application. Templates and guidance are available for each pathway.
- Pathway A: Minimal effects, largely compliant
- Pathway B: Moderate effects or discrete rule breaches
- Pathway C: Significant effects, or clear departures from planning norms, but with proposed public or environmental benefits
Streamlined assessment and decision-making
Council planners assess the application using structured templates tailored to each pathway. These reports adopt the applicant’s material where appropriate and focus effort on areas where discretion is exercised. To improve efficiency and reduce cost, AI tools are used to transcribe meetings and assist with post-lodgement reporting. For suitable applications, decisions may be issued within 48 hours of acceptance for processing
Exit mechanism if necessary
If during assessment new issues arise (e.g. unresolved affected parties, technical gaps), the application may exit Adaptive Consenting and be processed through the conventional pathway. Applicants are informed early if this occurs.
Contact our duty planner for more information.
Adaptive Consenting is a pilot model and will evolve based on experience and feedback.
It is not a substitute for the standard resource consent process — both remain available.
Participation is voluntary and collaborative; it works best when both parties bring clarity, trust, and a shared intent to resolve issues early.
The process assumes a skilled applicant team with the ability to tailor documentation and respond to planning feedback efficiently.
To find out if Adaptive Consenting is suitable for a proposal you’re working on, contact the Planning team or submit a Meeting Request Form for a Concept Development Meeting or contact planning.support@fndc.govt.nz