A submission is a written statement about a notified resource consent application.
Where an application is publicly notified, any person can provide a written submission that either supports, opposes or expresses a neutral point of view on the application. Where an application is limited notified, only those persons who have been served notice can provide a submission.
A person or organisation has 20 working days to make a submission from the date of notification. It is important to note that only a person who has made a submission on an application can appeal the decision to the Environment Court.
Should I make a submission?
Before making a submission on a resource application, you should:
- Read all of the information provided in the application materials and ensure you understand what the application is about and what the effects are likely to be.
- If necessary, talk to us or your own professional advisors about your issues and concerns and how they might be addressed (please note - we can’t provide advice on whether you should make a submission or not).
- If you feel comfortable, talk to the applicant and discuss your issues and concerns with them (you may be able to reach an agreement without going through the formal submission process).
Preparing a submission
Your submission will be more effective if it is clear, concise and supports your views with adequate information. It must relate to issues that arise from the application.
Your submission should include:
- Whether you support or oppose the application, or if you wish to make a comment only (neutral submission);
- The particular parts of the application and effects you are concerned about;
- Whether you think the application should be approved or declined;
- Any relief you are seeking and conditions you feel should be imposed if the consent is granted;
- If you wish to speak in support of your submission at any hearing that may be held.
It is important to note that a submission or submitter must not seek to gain an advantage in trade competition, and any submission from a trade competitor must be confined to effects that they may be directly affected by.
How do I lodge a submission?
You can make resource consent submission online or by using the form below and posting or delivering it to Council. You submission must be received on or before the closing date stated on the public notice or letter.
You should also send a copy of your submission to the applicant at the address given on your public notice or letter.
Submissions and hearings
We encourage applicants and submitters to communicate directly to discuss any concerns and identify ways in which they can be addressed. Council may also arrange an informal pre-hearing meeting to try and resolve any issues prior to a hearing. At the hearing, any submitters who have indicated they wish to be heard will have an opportunity to speak in support of their submissions prior to a decision on the application being made.