How to make a submission to the Environmental Protection Authority
After a matter (application for resource consent, notice of requirement or request for regional plan or private plan change) has been lodged with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), and the EPA has made its recommendation to the Minister for the Environment, the Minister may choose to refer the matter to a board of inquiry, or the Environment Court.
The matter is then publicly notified by the EPA and a call for submissions is made. Any person is able to make a submission to the EPA on the matter.
Under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA), submissions must be served on the EPA within 20 working days after the Minister's direction is notified. The closing date for submissions will be stated in the public notification and on this website. Submissions must be made in writing and the EPA will provide submission forms for this purpose.
read more about writing a submission
Under the RMA a board of inquiry is required to hold a hearing to consider a matter unless neither the applicant nor any submitter wants to be heard. These hearings must be held in public at a place near to the affected area, if possible. The applicant and submitters have the right to make a statement and present evidence at these hearings. Procedures for these hearings will be developed and made available to parties as soon as possible.
If the Minister refers an application to the Environment Court, Environment Court process will be followed. For further information on these please refer to the Environment Court's website. People who have made a submission to the EPA on an application referred to the Environment Court have the right to be heard at these proceedings.
read more about hearings
Submitters are also able to apply for funding from the Environmental Legal Assistance Fund to help with costs.
read more about the Environmental Legal Assistance Fund
Last updated: 1 October 2009
