Hearings

A hearing is a formal meeting where a hearing committee considers and decides on a resource consent application.

When is a hearing held

A hearing takes place if one or more of the submitters (or the applicant) asks to be heard, or if Greater Wellington thinks it is necessary. The hearing committee is usually made up of two Greater Wellington councillors or independent commissioners, and an iwi appointee.

Before the hearing

Greater Wellington gives all submitters and the applicant at least 10 working days' notice of the hearing date, time and place. A Greater Wellington report is prepared, recommending whether the application should be granted or declined. If it recommends granting the application, it also suggests any conditions that should be attached to the consent. This report is sent to the applicant and to all submitters at least five working days before the hearing.

At the hearing

All hearings are open to the public, including the media (unless it is necessary to protect sensitive information). However, the only people who can speak are the applicant, submitters who have reserved the right to be heard, Greater Wellington staff, and the hearing committee members. Applicants and submitters can bring expert witnesses to help them present their views.