About the Environmental Protection Authority
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) was established on 1 October 2009 through the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Bill 2009. It is a statutory office that is housed within the Ministry for the Environment, under the Secretary for the Environment.
Legislation
The EPA was established to centralise and streamline the decision-making process of nationally significant proposals. The EPA has specific statutory functions under the Resource Management Act 1991 in relation to matters of national significance.
Factors of national significance
The Resource Management Act does not define what national significance means but provides examples of factors that the Minister may consider. Examples of nationally significant proposals that have been referred to a board of inquiry or the Environment Court include large-scale wind farms, power transmission lines and a geothermal power station.
read more about factors of national significance
Applying to the EPA
Persons seeking resource consents, notices of requirement, or private plan changes can lodge an application for resource consent, a notice of requirement or a request for private plan changes directly with the EPA. The EPA's role at this stage is to assess the national significance of any matter that is lodged with it, and provide a recommendation to the Minister about whether the matter should be referred to a board of inquiry or the Environment Court.
read more about applying to the EPA
About boards of inquiry
Under the Resource Management Act 1991, the Minister can refer a matter that has been lodged with the EPA to an independent board of inquiry for consideration and decision. The board will make its decision independently of the EPA and the Minister.
read more about boards of inquiry
How to make a submission to the EPA
If the Minister refers a matter to a board of inquiry or the Environment Court the EPA will call for submissions from interested and affected individuals or groups. Information about how to make a submission can be found on this website.
read more about how to make a submission to the EPA
How the EPA works with councils
When a matter is lodged directly with the EPA, the EPA will work with the relevant councils to ensure their views on whether a matter should be referred to a board of inquiry or the Environment Court are presented to the Minister. In addition, if a matter is referred to a board of inquiry or the Environment Court the EPA must commission a planning report from the relevant local council.
read more about how the EPA works with councils
Last updated: 1 October 2009
EPA tool kit
News and notices
Environmental Protection Authority launched
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) that opens today marks a new era in managing New Zealand's natural resources.
read more about the EPA launch
Publications
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