How to make a submission

The Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) allows anyone to make a submission on a publicly notified:

• proposed plan, plan change or variation;
• notice of requirement for a designation;
• notified resource consent application;

if they think it will affect them in some way.  This is one way to get involved in council decisions that affect the environment.  

Make a submission on a notified resource consent

A copy of your submission must also be sent to the applicant.  You need to tell us if you wish to attend the hearing and speak in support of your submission.

Read the Ministry for the Environment guides to making a submission. 

Download submission form - Submission on an Application for Resource Consent

Use this form for a notified resource consent application.  Your submission must be received at council before the closing date and time on the notification advertisement.

Make a submission on a plan change or variation

Each plan change has its own submission form.  The submission form will be with the details of the proposed plan change or variation.

See plan changes and variations to the Gisborne District Plan

See plan changes and variations to the Coastal Environment Plan

Your submission must be received at council before the closing date and time on the notification advertisement.

Public participation

Council will publish a summary of the submissions received.  Then there will be a chance to make further submissions supporting or opposing submissions already made. Please note you can only make a further submission if you represent a relevant public interest or if you have an interest greater than the general public. If anyone asks to be heard in support of their submission, a hearing will be held. After considering all submissions council will publish its decision on the variation including reasons for accepting or rejecting submissions. Any submitter may appeal the council’s decision to the Environment Court.

Read the Ministry for the Environment guide to making a submission

Related links  

Ministry for the Environment - Making a submission about a resource consent

Ministry for the Environment - Making a submission about a proposed plan or plan change

Ministry for the Environment - An everyday guide to the Resource Management Act