Introduction
The Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) sets out a way for councils to make decisions about activities that might affect the environment. Sometimes a council holds a public hearing to help it make a decision. There are two sorts of hearing in relation to RMA matters. First, there are hearings relating to a local authority's district or regional plans. Second, there may be hearings on individual development proposals. These either relate to applications for resource consent or notices of requirement. Hearings give people the chance to have their say about what a council or an applicant for resource consent is proposing.
This guide is for submitters on a council plan or plan change - people who are going to appear at a council hearing. It explains:
- how to get involved in a council hearing
- what you'll do at a hearing, and who you'll see
- how to prepare, and do well on the day
- the rights and rules that affect you
- your responsibilities.
A council hearing can look a bit like a court, with lawyers, witnesses and a hearing committee listening and asking questions. But it's not supposed to be too formal, or off-putting. Council hearings are designed for you to have your say and let other people have theirs. They're a key way for the community to be involved in council decisions about the environment.
