Useful Links

• Quality Planning Website
  The Quality Planning website promotes best practice by sharing knowledge about all aspects of practice under the Resource Management Act (RMA). This website is for council practitioners and consultants, environmental managers and others involved in resource management practice under the RMA.
• New Zealand Legislation
  Official website providing up to date New Zealand legislation.

• Urban Design Forum
  The Urban Design Forum (UDF) aims to promote cross disciplinary understanding of urban design and represent both specialist urban designers as well as those with other primary specialisms who are determined to achieve good urban design outcomes.
• New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development
  SBC aims to make sustainability easy and clear for members, and inspirational and aspirational to the wider business community.
• Smarter Homes
  Find ideas and information about current practices focusing on smart homes. Smarter Homes is administered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's (MBIE).

• National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA)
  Decision makers at all levels are seeking pragmatic, evidence-based advice from environmental experts. NIWA's science provides high quality insights to underpin important decisions, and innovative solutions
• Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research
  Landcare Research's core purpose is to drive innovation in the management of terrestrial biodiversity and land resources. Manaaki Whenua is a Crown research institute (CRI).
• Natural Hazards Research Platform
  A multi-party research platform funded by MBIE dedicated to increasing New Zealand's resilience to Natural Hazards via high quality collaborative research.
• New Zealand Coastal Society
  The New Zealand Coastal Society was formed in 1992 to promote and advance knowledge and understanding of the coastal zone. It provides a forum for those with an interest in the coastal zone to communicate amongst themselves and to the public.

Planning is a global profession, particularly for those in commonwealth nations or western nations there are commonalities in planning practice and opportunities for work abroad, see the below international planning associations.

• Planning Institute of Australia
  
• American Planning Association
  
• Irish Planning Association
  
• Royal Town Planning Institute
  
• Canadian Institute of Planners
  
• South Africa Planning Institute
  
• Commonwealth Association of Planners

• Resource Management Law Association
  Established in 1992, the Association for Resource Management Practitioners (RMLA) is New Zealand’s leading forum for the interpretation and implementation of the 1991 Resource Management Act. RMLA brings together professionals from multiple fields, keeping them abreast of latest developments in environment and resource management-related policy, law and practice, through news, debate, commentary and collaboration.
• New Zealand Institute of Architects
  The New Zealand Institute of Architects represents more than 90 per cent of all registered architects in New Zealand. Through our members we are committed to promoting and celebrating outstanding architecture and to creating greater awareness of the values and benefits well designed buildings and public spaces can bring to our cities and towns.
• New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects
  The New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects (NZILA) is the internationally recognised professional body of qualified landscape architects in New Zealand. The objective of the institute is to promote the profession of landscape architecture throughout New Zealand, and to promote the appropriate and sustainable protection, planning, design, intervention and management of our landscapes.
• Survey and Spatial New Zealand
  Survey and Spatial New Zealand helps to connect people requiring a survey or spatial professional with our members. We promote growth, innovation and excellence in all facets of surveying and spatial in New Zealand. Our mission is to lead and foster a vibrant sector that allows the surveying and spatial profession to grow and positively influence our communities.
• Engineering New Zealand
  Engineering New Zealand (previously IPENZ) is a non-profit membership organisation that promotes the integrity and interests of its members, the engineering profession, and the industry.

Planning in New Zealand is guided by national government legislation, including the Resource Management Act 1991 and national policy guidance. Key government bodies in resource management include:

• Environment Court
• Heritage New Zealand
• Department of Conservation
• Ministry for the Environment
• Local Government New Zealand
• The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment

There are five Universities in New Zealand that run courses accredited by NZPI, these are:

North Island

• Auckland University
• Waikato University
• Massey University

South Island

• Lincoln University
• Otago University

See the Tertiary Study section for more details.

• NZPI Emerging Planners
  The Emerging Planners Group was established to provide services and support for student and recently graduated members of NZPI.
  
  
• NZPI Emerging Planners Facebook page
  Your go-to social media channel for news, updates, events and connecting with fellow Emerging Planners across Aotearoa in a safe, supportive environment.
  
  
• Study Link
  StudyLink is a service of the Ministry of Social Development. They seek to ensure that students get the finance and support they are entitled to so they can complete their study.
  
  
• Sorted.govt.nz
  Sorted helps students get sorted on money matters. They make it easy for you to work out the best way to pay for your studies, and make smart decisions that will pay off for years to come.
  
  
• What's Tax
  Got you first job? GREAT! This site has been designed to provide introductory information and easy access to tools and services that help you understand and meet your tax responsibilities.
  
  
• Just Focus
  Just Focus is a project for young people, by young people, to engage with issues that affect them in Aotearoa New Zealand, the Pacific, and globally.
  
  
• Royal Town Planning Institute Young Planners Network
  The Young Planners Network (YPN) is a community of young planners, and is for all planning students, all RTPI Student and Licentiate members, and RTPI Corporate members under the age of 35.
  
  
• Planning Institute of Australia National Young Planners Group
  The NYPG consists of a Young Planner representative from each State and Territory Division of the PIA.

• Nature & Environment Courses by FutureLearn
  On these courses, learners will explore the natural world and understand the causes and impact of climate change.