More about the Making Good Decisions Programme
The programme was developed by the Ministry for the Environment and Local Government New Zealand, in consultation with stakeholders and professional bodies, including the New Zealand Planning Institute.
The programme has received the following awards:
- 2010 UCEA (University Continuing Education Association) The Outstanding Program Award – Non Credit For Making Good Decisions – Re-Certification
- 2007 UCEA Region West (University Continuing Education Association) Outstanding Programming Award – Non Credit For Making Good Decisions – Foundation
- 2005 Supreme Award (Resource Management Law Association),
- 2005 Award of Merit (New Zealand Planning Institute),
- Finalist, Public Service Category (BearingPoint Innovation Awards)
It is up to consent authorities to appoint decision-makers to hearings panels taking into account the accreditation requirements of the RMA. The Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 introduced new requirements for the accreditation of panel members at local hearings. All chairs of hearing panels and a majority of the members of any hearings panel must be accredited.
The Minister for the Environment approved the Making Good Decisions Programme as a qualification for accreditation. The Minister announced his decision by way of a notice in the New Zealand Gazette.
Review of MGD programme
The Ministry for the Environment is undertaking a review of the MGD programme to identify any improvements that could be made to the programme. It is expected that any resulting changes will be made at the same time as new material is developed for the Resource Management Reform Phase II.
The Ministry is currently seeking expressions of interest to undertake the review. We will provide progress reports here as the review progresses.
Evaluating Decision Makers Performance
The Ministry is actively interested in the performance of decision-makers and is involved in the evaluations of hearings panels and managing complaints about the performance of certificate holders.
Monitoring the MGD Programme
The Ministry is interested in whether the programme is helping decision-makers and hearings panels to improve their performance. It has commissioned an independent report that strongly suggests the programme is having a significant positive impact on performance across New Zealand. The report can be accessed here.
For more information about hearings panel evaluations, complaints, or to provide feedback on the programme please contact Felicity Boyd, Analyst at the Ministry for the Environment; phone: (04) 439 7589, email: Felicity.Boyd@mfe.govt.nz
Last updated: 28 January 2011
