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Issuing a consent

Abstract

This guidance note provides advice on good practice at the issuing stage of a resource consent.

Guidance note

Sign-off of consent: Quality Assurance

Before a resource consent is signed off by a consent authority and issued, it is good practice to carry out checks to ensure that each step of the consent process has been completed correctly.

It is helpful to have a list of the quality assurance matters that should be checked off.

This list could include:

Example: Checklist for issuing a resource consent (MS Word 31KB)

  • Prepare a checklist that details the list of the quality assurance matters, include this in the file and include verification of the matters on the checklist as part of the process of issuing the resource consent.
  • Prepare a standard notice of decision template to provide consistency and minimise the risk of errors. Check that the Council decision includes the following:
    • the date the consent was granted/refused
    • date of commencement of consent and (if appropriate) date of expiry of consent
    • the reasons for the decision
    • the main findings of fact
    • the principal issues in contention
    • a summary of the evidence heard and the relevant statutory documents, plans and policy documents considered.

Section 133A enables an amended decision to be issued to correct minor mistakes or defects in the original decision.

  • To help others referring to the file in the future, collect all details of the approved proposal and plans together and put them with the file copy of the consent. Stamp the final set of plans as 'approved' to distinguish them from other versions of the plans.

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Forms and checklists

Example: Checklist for issuing a resource consent (MS Word 31KB)

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Relevant publications

Getting in On the Act
Published by Ministry for the Environment - June 2006
A short, simple guide on how the Resource Management Act works and how it might affect users.

Your Guide to the Resource Management Act: An essential reference for people affected by or interested in the RMA
Published by Ministry for the Environment - August 2006
This guide for the public presents a simple explanation of the RMA legislation, the processes it has established, and how people can use it to pursue their interests.

Resource Management Amendment Act information sheets
Published by Ministry for the Environment - August 2005
A series of information sheets on the amendments made in 2005 to the Resource Management Act.

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Current challenges in practice

Meeting deadlines for issuing of resource consents

The RMA requires that for applications for resource consents assessed on a non-notified basis, decisions must be released within 20 working days of the receipt of the application, or for an application that has gone to a hearing, within 15 working days after the close of the hearing. In situations where the timeframes are tight, the chances of overlooking some details necessary for the issuing a resource consent are increased. The use of a checklist to ensure all processes and procedures have been followed, prior to the issuing of a resource consent, would assist. It also assists if provision is made in this checklist for a senior staff member to sign-off or verify the matters in the check list have been addressed.