Notification and submission process

Learn about the different types of notification, how to make a submission on a notified consent, and what is involved in the hearing process.

The RMA sets out a specific order we must take the application through to determine the type of notification appropriate for that application (see page 2 of this Ministry for Environment’s guide to the RMA consent process), as follows:

  • We can look at both localised adverse effects and those that impact the wider environment
  • We can't take into account positive effects
  • We can look at the magnitude of effects, based on the plan provisions and s95 of the RMA
  • We can't take into account the race, gender or economic position of the applicant.

Types of notification

There are three types of notification:

Non-notified

An application will usually be non-notified if adverse effects on both the environment and people are less than minor.

This means that the environmental effects are deemed acceptable, and no parties are considered affected OR written approval has been provided by all those people adversely affected.

These applications are required to be processed within 20 working days.

Limited notification

An application will be limited notified if adverse effects on the environment or people are minor or more than minor.

It will then be open for submissions from specifically affected persons only.

The timeline is:

  • 20 working days to notify
  • 20 working days submission period
  • 45 working days to complete the hearing
  • 15 working days for a decision to be issued.

Public notification

An application will be publicly notified if adverse effects on the environment are more than minor. Anyone can submit on a publicly notified application.

The applicant can also request public notification OR it may be required under Section 95C of the RMA.

The timeline is:

  • 20 working days to notify
  • 20 working days submission period
  • 75 working days to complete the hearing
  • 15 working days for a decision to be issued

How to make a submission

If a resource consent application has been publicly notified, or you are an affected party to a limited notified application, you can make a submission with your views on the application.

Before you make a submission

If you are thinking about whether to make a submission on a resource consent application, we recommend you do the following:

  • read the resource consent proposal
  • review the Assessment of Environmental Effects (AEE), plans and/or drawings
  • discuss the matter with our staff or planning consultants if there is anything that is unclear
  • check district and regional plans, if relevant
  • consider talking with the applicant, if you haven’t already
  • think carefully about the effect of the activity on you and the environment.

Making a submission

When a resource consent application is publicly notified, you have 20 days to make a submission. A submission is the way we and the applicant can take any views, comments or concerns about the resource consent application into account.

Submissions can:

  • support the application
  • oppose the application
  • support or oppose parts of the application
  • neither support nor oppose (be neutral).

If others feel the same way as you about the application, you could consider making a joint submission (for example by forming a community group and appointing a spokesperson). Make sure you clearly identify a contact person for the submission.

When making a submission, you also need to indicate whether you wish to be heard to support your submission. This means you wish to speak to your submission at a hearing.

All submissions will be considered by a decision-maker regardless of whether you wish to be heard. Submission forms will be made available at the time of notification.

What to include in your submission

  • focus on the environmental effects, positive or negative
  • be specific about your concerns and how you want them addressed
  • tell us clearly what you want or any conditions you are seeking on the consent
  • indicate whether you want to speak at a hearing.

What to leave out of your submission

  • personal feelings about the applicant
  • other applications
  • issues that relate to trade competition.