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100+ Free S+SNZ Planning & Resource Management Practice Questions

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Key Facts: S+SNZ Planning & Resource Management Exam

Portfolio + Interview

Assessment Format

S+SNZ

NZD $1,825

Exam Registration Fee (Excl. GST)

S+SNZ

2 Years

Min. Practical Experience

S+SNZ

Competent

Passing Standard

S+SNZ

The S+SNZ Professional Examination (Planning, Design and Resource Management Option) is the gateway for New Zealand surveyors and planners to demonstrate professional competency in resource management and subdivision planning. Candidates are assessed via a project portfolio and a face-to-face panel interview. Mastery of the RMA 1991, Section 223/224 processes, and sustainable urban design is required.

Sample S+SNZ Planning & Resource Management Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your S+SNZ Planning & Resource Management exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the core purpose of the Resource Management Act (RMA) 1991 as stated in Section 5?
A.To maximize the commercial development of urban land and infrastructure.
B.To promote the sustainable management of natural and physical resources.
C.To ensure the complete preservation of all natural environments from human activity.
D.To provide a framework for local councils to collect development contributions.
Explanation: Section 5 of the RMA 1991 explicitly states that the sole purpose of the Act is to promote the sustainable management of natural and physical resources.
2Under the Resource Management Act 1991, which of the following is defined as a 'matter of national importance' in Section 6?
A.The maintenance of efficient agricultural production on highly productive land.
B.The preservation of the natural character of the coastal environment, wetlands, lakes, and rivers.
C.The provision of affordable residential housing capacity in Tier 1 urban areas.
D.The optimization of local road networks to reduce vehicular emissions.
Explanation: Section 6(a) of the RMA 1991 identifies the preservation of the natural character of the coastal environment, wetlands, lakes, and rivers, and their margins as a matter of national importance.
3What does Section 8 of the Resource Management Act 1991 require all persons exercising functions under the Act to do in relation to the Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi)?
A.Obtain prior written approval from the Waitangi Tribunal for all subdivision consents.
B.Give absolute veto power to local iwi over any land development projects.
C.Declare all ancestral land as restricted archaeological sites under Heritage New Zealand.
D.Take into account the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.
Explanation: Section 8 of the RMA 1991 requires all persons exercising functions under it, in relation to managing the use, development, and protection of natural and physical resources, to take into account the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi).
4Which resource consent activity status represents an activity that is permitted by a district plan without the need for a resource consent, provided it complies with all relevant standards?
A.Permitted activity.
B.Controlled activity.
C.Restricted discretionary activity.
D.Discretionary activity.
Explanation: A permitted activity does not require a resource consent under the RMA, provided it complies with any relevant conditions/rules specified in the district plan.
5Under Section 11 of the Resource Management Act 1991, what is the default legal status of subdividing land in New Zealand?
A.Subdivision is permitted by default unless a district plan rule explicitly restricts it.
B.Subdivision is controlled by default and must always be granted by the territorial authority.
C.Subdivision is prohibited unless it is expressly allowed by a rule in a district plan or a resource consent.
D.Subdivision is illegal unless the land is classified as general freehold under the Land Transfer Act.
Explanation: Section 11 of the RMA states that no person may subdivide land unless the subdivision is expressly allowed by a national environmental standard, a rule in a district plan, or a resource consent.
6Under the Resource Management Act 1991, what is the primary distinction between a Controlled activity and a Restricted Discretionary activity?
A.Controlled activities do not require an Assessment of Environmental Effects (AEE), while Restricted Discretionary activities do.
B.Restricted Discretionary consents must always be publicly notified, whereas Controlled consents are never notified.
C.A Controlled activity consent must be granted by the council, whereas a Restricted Discretionary activity consent can be declined.
D.Controlled status only applies to regional plans, while Restricted Discretionary status only applies to district plans.
Explanation: Under Section 104A, the council must grant consent for a controlled activity (except in very limited circumstances such as Section 106 natural hazards). Under Section 104B, the council has the discretion to either grant or decline consent for restricted discretionary activities.
7Which Section 7 'other matter' in the Resource Management Act 1991 relates specifically to the exercise of guardianship by the tangata whenua of an area?
A.Kaitiakitanga.
B.The ethic of stewardship.
C.The maintenance and enhancement of amenity values.
D.Intrinsic values of ecosystems.
Explanation: Section 7(a) requires all persons exercising functions under the Act to have particular regard to kaitiakitanga, which is defined in Section 2 as the exercise of guardianship by the tangata whenua of an area.
8What is the role of a National Policy Statement (NPS) within the New Zealand Resource Management Act hierarchy?
A.It sets out binding building code regulations that override the Building Act 2004.
B.It acts as a national register of contaminated land that councils must clean up using crown funding.
C.It provides direction to local authorities on matters of national significance, which regional policy statements and plans must give effect to.
D.It is a set of rules that directly applies to individual building permit applications by-passing district plans.
Explanation: National Policy Statements (NPS) state policies on matters of national significance. Under the RMA, regional policy statements, regional plans, and district plans must 'give effect to' any relevant NPS.
9The National Policy Statement on Urban Development (NPS-UD) 2020 requires Tier 1 major urban councils to provide what type of development capacity for housing?
A.At least enough plan-enabled, infrastructure-ready, and commercially viable development capacity to meet expected demand.
B.A mandatory minimum of 50% social housing units in all subdivisions over 10 lots.
C.An immediate rezoning of all rural productive land within 15 kilometers of the city center.
D.Free infrastructure connections to all residential developments constructed within 5 years.
Explanation: The NPS-UD 2020 directs councils (particularly Tier 1 and 2) to provide sufficient development capacity to meet housing demand, ensuring that this capacity is plan-enabled, serviced by infrastructure (or funded), and commercially viable to develop.
10Under the National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land (NPS-HPL) 2022, what is the primary restriction regarding subdivision of Class 1, 2, or 3 land?
A.Subdivision is permitted only if the lot sizes are kept below 500 square meters.
B.Subdivision is allowed if the applicant pays a soil degradation levy to the regional council.
C.Subdivision is restricted to lifestyle blocks where the owners maintain a commercial garden.
D.Subdivision of highly productive land is avoided unless it is for specified exceptions, such as infrastructure or mapping errors.
Explanation: The NPS-HPL 2022 aims to protect highly productive land (LUC Class 1, 2, and 3) from inappropriate use and fragmentation. It requires councils to avoid the subdivision of highly productive land unless specific, narrow exceptions apply.

About the S+SNZ Planning & Resource Management Exam

Professional entrance and competency assessment for surveyors and planners in New Zealand. Covers the Resource Management Act (RMA) 1991, subdivision planning and layout design, resource consent processes (including AEE), and post-consent compliance.

Assessment

Performance-based assessment

Time Limit

60-90 minutes

Passing Score

Competency-based

Exam Fee

NZD $1,825 + GST (Survey and Spatial New Zealand (S+SNZ))

S+SNZ Planning & Resource Management Exam Content Outline

20%

RMA 1991 Legislative Framework

RMA purpose and principles (Part 2), national direction (NPS, NES), regional and district planning documents, rules, and activity statuses.

25%

Resource Consent Process & AEE

Assessment of Environmental Effects (AEE) preparation, notification determinations (Sections 95A-F), Section 88 requirements, and Section 104 decisions.

25%

Subdivision Design & Engineering Coordination

Subdivision layout, urban design principles, block and lot configurations, access and roading geometry, solar orientation, services coordination, and reserve planning.

20%

Post-Consent Approvals (Sections 223 & 224c)

Subdivision plan approvals (Section 223), compliance certification (Section 224c), consent notices, easements, and covenants.

10%

Consultation & Professional Practice

Māori consultation (Treaty of Waitangi principles), stakeholder engagement, professional ethics, and serving as an expert witness.

How to Pass the S+SNZ Planning & Resource Management Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Competency-based
  • Assessment: Performance-based assessment
  • Time limit: 60-90 minutes
  • Exam fee: NZD $1,825 + GST

Keys to Passing

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

S+SNZ Planning & Resource Management Study Tips from Top Performers

1Familiarize yourself with Part 2 (Purposes and Principles) of the Resource Management Act 1991, specifically Sections 5, 6 (matters of national importance), 7 (other matters), and 8 (Treaty of Waitangi). You must be able to cite and apply these to practical projects.
2Understand the difference between the activity statuses under the RMA: permitted, controlled, restricted discretionary, discretionary, non-complying, and prohibited.
3Review the notification guidelines (Sections 95A-95F of the RMA) and explain the tests for public versus limited notification of resource consent applications.
4Study modern subdivision design guidance (such as NZS 4404 and urban design protocols), focusing on lot orientation, solar gain, street layouts, and integrated water management.
5Be prepared to explain the exact mechanics of Section 223 (plan approval) and Section 224(c) (compliance certification) and the legal obligations of consent notices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the S+SNZ Planning, Design and Resource Management Option?

It is a professional competency stream managed by Survey and Spatial New Zealand. Successful candidates demonstrate that they are qualified to design subdivision developments and manage the statutory planning approvals process under New Zealand's planning laws.

How is this professional examination structured?

There is no sit-down written test. Candidates submit a detailed portfolio of practical design work (usually a real subdivision project they have managed), followed by a 60 to 90-minute face-to-face professional interview defending their portfolio decisions and demonstrating broader planning competency.

What are the core legislative acts tested?

The primary statutory instrument is the Resource Management Act (RMA) 1991. Other key documents include local district plans, regional policy statements, and the Local Government Act 2002. Understanding the Land Transfer Act 2017 is also important for title creation and easement registration.

What are the prerequisites for this exam stream?

Candidates must hold an approved surveying or planning tertiary degree (e.g., Otago BSurv), be an active member of Survey and Spatial New Zealand, and have completed at least two years of post-graduate practical training under a registered professional mentor.

What does a Section 224(c) certificate verify under the RMA?

A Section 224(c) certificate is issued by a territorial authority (local council) confirming that all conditions of the subdivision consent have been complied with to their satisfaction, allowing LINZ to issue new records of title.