The Government has removed unnecessary barriers to installing electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, making it faster and easier to build chargers where New Zealanders need them.
Amendments to the National Environmental Standards for Electricity Transmission Activities (NES-ETA) introduce new nationally consistent permitted activity standards for EV charging infrastructure, replacing fragmented and inconsistent district plan rules.
“Under the current system, anyone wanting to install EV charging infrastructure has had to navigate a confusing patchwork of local rules, creating uncertainty, delays and unnecessary costs for infrastructure that is typically small-scale,” said RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop.
“These changes cut through that red tape. By setting clear national rules, we’re making it much quicker and easier to get chargers in the ground, while still managing effects appropriately.”
Bishop added that for the first time, the NES-ETA explicitly includes EV charging infrastructure, with permitted activity rules covering the full lifecycle from construction through to operation, upgrade and replacement.
The amendments apply to four types of EV charging infrastructure:
- private EV chargers
- EV chargers in a transport corridor
- EV chargers associated with other infrastructure or buildings, such as service stations or supermarkets
- standalone EV charging facilities, including charging hubs
He also mentioned that many New Zealanders have considered getting an EV, even before the fuel challenge, but a lack of public chargers is still holding people back. This Government is tackling that from both sides, by removing planning barriers and backing new investment to grow the network.
“At present, New Zealand has just over 1,800 public EV charging points, putting it among the lower-ranked countries in the OECD for chargers per EV on the road.
With chargers already in progress and the latest investment, the network is expected to more than double to around 4,550 charge points. The goal is 10,000 by 2030, roughly one charger for every 40 EVs.
“Making it simpler to consent to new chargers will help us get there faster. We’re also seeing that shift in the data, with EV registrations so far in 2026 up 96.4 per cent on the same period last year.”
Recent global events have likely accelerated that trend, as higher fuel prices have driven greater interest in EVs.
The new permitted activity standards include conditions to manage effects such as noise, earthworks, size and setbacks near residential areas, and traffic impacts for larger standalone facilities. Where those standards are not met, a restricted discretionary consent will still be required.
The amendments apply directly once they come into effect on the 7th of May (28 days after Gazettal). Councils are not required to amend district plans, and more lenient plan rules will continue to apply where relevant.
“This is another example of how targeted national direction can make the resource management system work better in practice, while we transition to a more enabling, common-sense planning system.”
The policy intent of the changes will be carried through into the new planning system established by the Planning and Natural Environment Bills.
