Commentary on Sections Part 3: Planning Control. Section 34: Making and alteration of simplified planning zone schemes
This section enables a council to make or alter a simplified planning zone scheme at any time in any area of its district.  The exception is where a scheme has been approved by the Department rather than adopted by a council. In such cases, the consent of the Department is required before a scheme may be altered by the relevant council.
In making or altering a simplified planning zone scheme councils must take account of the Regional Development Strategy, any guidance issued by the Department and any other matters either prescribed in regulations or contained in a direction given by the Department.