Introduction
The Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) provides a number of ways for you to get involved in council decisions that affect the environment. One of the main ways you can get involved is by making a written statement (a submission) on any of these things:
- a notified resource consent application
- a notice of requirement for a designation
- a proposed plan or plan change.
This guide is for submitters - people who want to make a submission about a resource consent application. This guide focuses on making a submission about a resource consent application but the principles for making a good submission are the same for a notice of requirement for a designation. For more information about the designation process see 'An Everyday Guide to the RMA' booklet 4.1 The Designation Process. For more information about making a submission on a proposed plan or plan change see 'An Everyday Guide to the RMA' booklet 5.1 Making a Submission on a Proposed Plan or Plan Change.
This guide tells you:
- what you need to know before you make a submission
- how to make a good submission
- what happens after the council receives your submission.
Anyone can make a written submission to the council about a publicly notified resource consent application or a designation. You don't have to be an expert but you should have a good understanding of what is and isn't relevant and put this in the submission.
