Tips for writing a good submission
Good writing needs good planning! Think about what needs to go in your submission, organise it in a logical order, and stick to the facts. A clear and well-written submission is more effective than an unstructured and emotional one. Facts supported by evidence, not emotion, is what the council will use when making decisions.
A well-written submission has two key elements: the right content, and a readable style.
Include the relevant content
- Remember that the RMA is concerned with managing and protecting the environment.
- Focus on the positive or negative environmental effects, as you see them, of the proposed plan, plan change or variation.
Negative effects might include:
- the proposed rules might mean a factory could operate in your neighbourhood and might generate a lot of noise
- the proposed rules might mean a night club with late opening hours could open next door to you.
Positive effects might include:
- the proposed rules might mean older heritage buildings are protected in your part of town
- the proposed rules might protect trees in your neighbourhood
- Clearly state your concerns about any environmental effects, and how you want these concerns to be addressed.
- Stick to issues that are relevant to the proposed plan, plan change or variation.
- If you run a business, only identify any environmental effects on your business. The RMA doesn't allow councils to consider the effects of trade or business competition.
In a submission you should also:
- remember that if you speak at a hearing you'll only be able to talk about issues that you included in your written submission. Make sure you include everything you want to speak about
- be specific and use examples where you can, especially if you are requesting the council to change the wording of provisions
- be clear about how you want parts of the proposed plan, plan change or variation to be modified to address each concern you have
- where appropriate, include maps, diagrams and professional opinions that support your submission.
What not to do in your submission
Make sure that your submission does not:
- include any personal feelings you have about the council or its officers
- refer to issues or effects that are not related to the proposed plan or plan change
- raise the issue of the commercial success of your business being affected by the establishment of a competitor in your area. This is not a valid environmental concern.
Make it clear and easy to read
Planning your submission carefully makes it a lot easier to write and for the council to understand the points you are making. Unclear and confused writing is often the result of the writer not thinking carefully first.
- Create an outline of points you want to make before you start to write. Decide what point you will make in each paragraph, and the order you will put them in.
- Write short sentences and short paragraphs.
- Stick to one point per paragraph.
- Use lists with bullet points to break up long sentences and make a number of related points.
- Use simple, everyday words. Try not to use lots of jargon or flowery language.
- If you're having trouble writing something down, ask yourself: 'How would I say it face-to-face'?
- Type out your submission if possible, and number the paragraphs.
To write a clear and effective submission:
- stick to the facts
- focus on the environmental effects
- tell the council what you want - don't leave them to guess
- write in clear, simple, everyday language.
