Services / Resource Consents

The Resource Management Act is designed to promote sustainability in managing New Zealand’s natural resources.

It brings together laws governing land, air and water resources and concentrates on the environmental effects of human activities. It means basically that if you are in business (or looking to start a business), then you cannot ignore the possible impact of your actions.

The Ministry for the Environment has some excellent publications on all aspects of the Resource Management Act and the process of obtaining a resource consent. These are available online at www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/rma

What to include in an application for Resource Consent

The Resource Management Act sets out the requirements for an application for a resource consent. An application needs to include:

  • A description of the activity and its location;
  • An assessment of any actual or potential effects that the activity may have on the environment, and the ways in which any adverse effects may be mitigated;
  • An assessment of any actual or potential effects that the activity may have on the environment, and the ways in which any adverse effects may be mitigated;

All applications require an Assessment of Effects

All applications for a resource consent must be accompanied by an Assessment of Effects (AEE). The AEE should be in such detail to correspond to the scale and significance of the actual or potential effects that the activity may have on the environment.

What to include in an Assessment of Effects:

  • A description of the proposal.
  • Where the activity may result in significant adverse effects, a description of possible alternative locations or methods for undertaking the activity.
  • An assessment of actual and potential effects on the environment.
  • A description of the measures to be undertaken to help prevent or reduce the actual or potential effects.
  • Identification of those persons interested or affected by the proposal, the consultation undertaken, and any response to the views of those consulted.
  • A description of how, once the proposal is approved, effects will be monitored and by whom.

We will be able to advise you about the type of consents that you may require and the information that needs to be included in the AEE so that it reflects the nature and the scale of the proposed activity.

For a good summary of the Resource Management Act and information to assist people and community groups to more effectively participate in processes under the Resource Management Act 1991 visit www.rmaguide.org.nz