Pre-lodgement process
Matters (applications for resource consents, notices of requirement or requests for regional plans or private plan changes) of national significance can be lodged directly with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for consideration for referral to a board of inquiry or the Environment Court.
If you are considering lodging a matter you should contact the EPA as soon as possible. The EPA can provide guidance about the process and information requirements. In addition, you should inform all relevant local authorities of your intent to lodge a matter directly with the EPA.
The EPA has only 20 working days (from the day it receives a matter) to assess it and make a recommendation to the Minister on whether it is of national significance and should be referred to a board of inquiry or the Environment Court. In addition, if the matter is referred to a board of inquiry, a final decision must be made within nine months of public notification.
It is therefore important that all information is received by the EPA at the start of the process and that the matter and supporting information are fully ready to be processed. If you contact the EPA prior to lodging a matter, it can assist you to ensure your application is comprehensive and complete.
Matters must include the information required by the Resource Management Act 1991. In addition, they will need to be on the correct forms.
Once you lodge a matter with the EPA, it will be assessed for completeness and national significance.
Last updated: 1 October 2009
