Notified consents

 A submission is the way GWRC can take into account any views, comments or concerns about someone's resource consent application. Submissions can:

• support the application
• oppose the application
• support parts of the application and oppose other parts.

Submissions must be received by GWRC by the submission closing time stated in the notification advertisement. It’s important to get your submission to GWRC in time. This is because submissions are not accepted by GWRC after the closing date unless the applicant agrees or there are special circumstances.

Some tips in preparing and writing submissions

• Make sure you read the application and the ‘assessment of environmental effects’. Look at any plans associated with the application and, if necessary, arrange to visit the site with the applicant. You should clearly understand the proposal and how it could potentially affect you before you make your submission.
• Our current notified consent applications further down this page provide all information on any resource consent application you wish to make a submission on.
• If others feel the same way as you about the application, you should consider making a joint submission (e.g. by forming a community group and appointing a spokesperson). Make sure you clearly identify the contact person for the submission.
• You can either use a GWRC submission form or write your own submission.

Lodging your submission

You can lodge your submission in any of the following ways:

• In person at our Wellington office (100 Cuba St, Te Aro) or Masterton office (34 Chapel St)
• By post to either PO Box 11646, Wellington or PO Box 41, Masterton
• By e-mail to notifications@gw.govt.nz. (A signed submission in PDF format is required)

You must also send a copy of your submission to the applicant. Please note that all the information in your submission is available to the public on request.

Once your submission is lodged

After the submission period closes, a summary of all submissions received is sent to all submitters and the applicant. At this point a pre-hearing meeting is normally held to discuss the application and issues raised in submissions.

If issues cannot be resolved a hearing is held to determine the resource consent application. Only submitters who have requested to be heard at a hearing can speak to their submission at the hearing.

If you as a submitter are not satisfied with the decision arising from the hearing, you can appeal that decision made by GWRC to the Environment Court. 

GWRC may arrange a pre-hearing meeting so that submitters and the applicant can talk about and clarify issues in the application. These meetings are held soon after submissions close, at a place close to the area affected, to make it easier for everyone to attend.

The issues raised in submissions can sometimes be resolved at a pre-hearing meeting, avoiding the need for a formal hearing. If agreement looks likely, submitters and the applicant are asked whether they want to negotiate consent conditions. GWRC suggests possible consent conditions, and if everyone agrees to them submitters may be asked to withdraw their wish to be heard (not their submission) so that the consent application does not need to go to a hearing. Any conditions agreed to must be approved by GWRC before they are attached to the consent (if it is granted).

To read more about pre-hearing meetings download our  Pre-hearing and hearing meetings brochure. (PDF 341 KB)

A hearing is a formal meeting where a hearing panel considers and decides on a resource consent application. A hearing takes place if one or more of the submitters (or the applicant) asks to be heard, or if GWRC thinks it is necessary. The hearing panel is usually made up of two GWRC councillors or independent commissioners, and an iwi appointee.

Before the hearing

GWRC gives all submitters and the applicant at least 10 working days' notice of the hearing date, time and place. A GWRC 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.

GWRC may also before the hearing direct the applicant and/or submitters to circulate their evidence prior to the hearing. This process can reduce the time required to hold a 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 requested to be heard), GWRC staff, and the hearing panel. Applicants and submitters can bring expert witnesses to help them present their views.

After the hearing (the decision)

GWRC sends out a written decision with consent conditions (if the consent was granted). This is completed within 15 working days after the hearing is closed (unless the timeframe has been extended).

If you disagree with any part or all of a decision on a resource consent, you can appeal to the Environment Court within 15 working days of receiving the decision.

To read more about hearing procedures download our  Pre-hearing and hearing meetings  (PDF 341 KB) brochure.

An appeal is a written request (made under section 121 of the Resource Management Act) to the Environment Court to reconsider a GWRC decision on a resource consent application. The Environment Court decides on the matter by re-hearing all the information we used to make our decision. It’s important that you prepare your appeal carefully. We strongly recommend you seek legal or other professional advice before going ahead.

To read more about appeals download our  Objections and appeals (PDF 354 KB)  brochure.

Horokiwi Quarries Limited (HQL) has made an application to Greater Wellington Regional Council (Greater Wellington) for resource consent to continue activities associated with quarrying. 

For more information on this application visit Have Your Say.

Greater Wellington Regional Council (Flood Protection) has applied for resource consents for various river management activities for flood protection, erosion control, and public amenity purposes in the Waikanae and Otaki Rivers. These applications were notified in 2017, and remain suspended at the applicant’s request. 

Kāpiti Coast District Council (KCDC) has made an application to Greater Wellington for resource consents to continue the discharge of treated wastewater to the Mazengarb Stream and contaminants to air from the Paraparaumu WWTP.

For more information on this application and to make a submission, visit Have Your Say.

South Wairarapa District Council has made an application to the Greater Wellington for resource consent to continue the discharge of treated wastewater into Donalds Creek and contaminants to air from the Featherston Wastewater Treatment Plant.

For more information on this application visit Have Your Say.

Meridian Energy Limited has lodged Resource Consent applications to construct, operate and maintain a new wind farm on Mount Munro, located approximately 5km south of Eketāhuna.

The Resource Consent applications have been lodged with the Manawatū-Whanganui Regional Council (Horizons Regional Council), Greater Wellington Regional Council, Tararua District Council, and Masterton District Council.

Please find all of the information relating to the publicly notified application on the Horizons Regional Council website.