Telecommunications facility standards are changing
Environmental standards for telecommunications facilities are being changed, mainly affecting network operators.
Resource Management (National Environmental Standards for Telecommunication Facilities) Amendment Regulations 2026
What's changing
- New types of telecommunications work can qualify as permitted activities without resource consent if they meet the standards.
- Temporary facilities may be installed for emergencies, outages, maintenance, events, or high-capacity demand periods.
- Small renewable power units and battery storage are included in the regulated activities.
- New limits apply to equipment height, size, setbacks, rural locations, and equipment near some buildings.
- Some existing size limits increase, especially for facilities designed for two or more operators.
Who's affected
Telecommunications providers, people hosting telecommunications equipment, and others installing or operating the covered facilities may be affected.
When
The changes come into force on 8 October 2026.
What you might need to do
- Check whether planned telecommunications work meets the new standards.
- Check the new height, size, setback, and location limits before installing or changing equipment.
- Check whether resource consent is needed if the work does not meet the standards.
Background
The regulations update the national standards for telecommunications facilities. They add new regulated activities and clarify equipment, zones, measurements, setbacks, and noise requirements.