Benefits of consultation
This section outlines the benefits of consultation. At its best, consultation can improve your project and the resource consent application process.
Improving outcomes
- Gaining local knowledge - consultation may reveal information on a range of issues (including things such as local traffic or flooding conditions) that is important to your proposal but that you might not otherwise be aware of.
- Incorporating tāngata whenua values and interests - there may be matters of significance to Māori, such as traditional burial sites, that can be accommodated into your proposal. This information will be held by local tāngata whenua (iwi, hapū, whānau).
- Enhanced proposals and improved environmental outcomes - consultation may provide input that will improve your project or idea and reduce its impact on the natural, physical, cultural and social environment.
- Making the consent process easier - consultation may lessen any concern, doubt or confusion people may have about your proposal (in the absence of accurate information). This can reduce potential opposition, and improve the chances of consent being non-notified and granted.
Be as flexible as you can over elements of your proposal that are likely to be of concern. Even if they cannot be removed altogether, they may be designed or handled in a way that reduces opposition without disadvantage to your idea.
Relationship building
- With neighbours and community - the resource consent process can sometimes be the start of your involvement with a particular community. Having a good relationship can enhance public relations, build an awareness and market for your service or product, and help with a future project or an expansion to your current proposal.
- With tāngata whenua - the resource consent process can sometimes be the start of your involvement with tāngata whenua and their values and interests with the environment. Participation of tāngata whenua in your proposal can result in an improved application and build positively on the knowledge and special relationship Māori have with the environment.
Promote any elements of your proposal that could have a benefit for or work in with the interests of neighbours, the community and tāngata whenua. Consider their needs. See your proposal from their perspective.
Tāngata whenua
- Benefit by understanding the Māori world view - tāngata whenua (iwi, hapū, whānau) have a long-standing association with the natural environment. Understanding these cultural values and interests can result in improved proposals.
- Unique to New Zealand and our national identity - tāngata whenua participation in the resource consent process can foster kaitiakitanga - the exercise of guardianship expressed in part, through an ethic of stewardship - and other Māori concepts that are unique to our country which may be used to enhance your proposal.
- Helping councils meet their obligations - ensure the council can see how your proposal will meet requirements under the RMA and strengthen relationships.
Be as responsive as you can. Identify and address issues of interest to tāngata whenua groups before they are raised as a concern with the council.
