Tips and guidelines on how to prepare a resource consent submission.
Making a submission
A submission is a written statement about a notified Resource Consent application. It may be in support or opposition of an application, or it may just be a neutral expression of your views. Any person or organisation can make a submission on a publicly notified consent application.
Understand the consent application
Firstly it is important that you make yourself familiar with the consent application and that you fully understand what the application is about and what the effects will be.
Current publicly notified consent applications can usually be found on the relevant consent authority website. They can also be obtained over the desk from the respective consent authority.
Engage in discussions
There may be other people in your area that have the same opinions as you do about the proposed activity, they may also be thinking about preparing a submission, so it's important to talk to the people around you. Preparing a submission can sometimes be rather time consuming, so often its a good idea to pool resources and lodge a joint submission with others.
It's also important to talk to the applicant, the consent authority, and your own personal adviser's. The consent authority may be able to provide you with some clarity on certain aspects of the consent that you are not clear on. Also by talking to the applicant you may be able to reach an agreement that takes into account your concerns and minimises the effects on you without going through the process of writing a formal submission.
A submissions is only lodged if you feel that your concerns are not being heard or that your support will not be taken into account any other way.
Preparing a submission
When preparing a submission it's essential that you carefully read the application and its Assessment of Environmental Effects (AEE). Think about how the proposal will affect you and why you want to make a submission.
A good submission is specific and to the point, it clearly identifies which part of the proposal your views relate to, it explains your key reasons for making a submission, and it provides information that supports your view.
Lodging a submission
A formal consent submission must be lodged using the correct form, with each consent authority having their own specific submission forms . Submissions must be served on the consent authority and the applicant within 20 workings days of it being publicly notified. Late submissions may not be excepted. Most consent authorities allow submissions to be lodged in person or via post, email, or fax; however, if sending via email or fax they often require that you also send a hard copy via the post.