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Public involvement
The Resource Management Act 1991 [the Act] ensures that the public has an opportunity to participate in the management of New Zealand's natural and physical resources (water, air and land). This means that when someone wants to do something that has an effect on the environment, or directly affects you, there is an opportunity for you to have your say. You can do this by making a submission on the resource consent application.
What is a submission?
A submission is an individual's or group's written comments about someone else's application for a resource consent. It can support the proposal, or it can object to the proposal, or it can do both. A submission can relate to just one aspect of an application, or to the entire application.
Why make a submission?
Under the Act some activities require a resource consent from the Taranaki Regional Council before they can be carried out. If a resource consent application is publicly notified, and therefore the opportunity for submissions is made available, it means that the proposal may have significant effects, or that the people who will be affected by the activity have not agreed to it. The application will be advertised in the local newspaper, and known interested parties will be informed. Any person the Council considers to be directly affected by the proposal will also be informed. Making a submission is the most effective way to have your say on how the environment is managed.
Preparing your submission
You should only make a submission if you feel that your concerns, or support, about a proposal will not be adequately taken into account any other way. It will help if you can convey your opinions clearly and logically. The Council has a standard form for making submissions. These forms are available from the Council’s office, and will be posted to you on request. If you follow this form, you will provide all the essential information required to make your submission understandable and legitimate, and you will be given the opportunity to make your views known.
Keep these points in mind
Decide which are the most important points you want the Council to consider and concentrate on.
Make your comments as specific as possible. Submissions should be relevant to the application and the environmental issues relating to the resource consent being sought.
Clearly explain how you may be affected, and how those effects should be managed (the submission can only relate to environmental effects, and not trade competition effects).
Suggest alternatives to the proposed approach if you want, but you should give reasons as to why these are more appropriate.
Make it clear which parts of the application you are referring to. If possible, refer to a specific section or part.
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How to make a submission
The RMA requires that a submission must be in writing and must contain the following information:
- the reason/s for the submission;
- whether you support or oppose the application;
- the decision you wish Council to make;
- whether or not you wish to speak at a hearing; and
the conditions you would like to see imposed on the consent if granted.
You must also state your name, postal address and phone number. You must send your submission to the Council, and a copy to the applicant.
You will be given 20 working days to lodge a submission from the date the application is publicly notified. The Council strictly enforces the close of submission date.
What happens to your submission
The Council formally receives all submissions, and you will receive an acknowledgement of the submission.
You may be invited to participate in a pre-hearing meeting (see our brochure on pre-hearing meetings and hearings). These meetings can be used to clarify or resolve concerns and issues in an informal manner. If this can be achieved, the need for a formal hearing may be avoided.
If your issues and concerns cannot be resolved, a hearing will be held, and a Hearing Committee comprising Regional Councillors or an independent commissioner(s) will consider your submission. You will receive notice of the time and place that the hearing is to be held.
Can I do anything if I disagree with the Taranaki Regional Council's decision?
Yes, you may appeal the decision within fifteen working days of your receiving notice of the decision. This will mean the Environment Court will reconsider the application. As with any judicial process, appeals to the Environment Court may be both expensive and time consuming with no guarantee of a favourable outcome. If you are considering such an appeal, you are strongly advised to seek legal advice.
Notice of submission - pdf
Withdrawal of submission - pdf
Resource consent processing timeline
The Regional Policy Statement and regional plans (air, coastal, fresh water and coastal) are available at the Council's office and in public libraries throughout the region.
Remember, you have the right to be involved and heard. If you feel you are not being heard, or do not understand what is happening with a particular application, contact the Taranaki Regional Council Consents staff and ask for assistance
The Council's Consents staff are also available to assist with any queries you may have.
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