A hearing is a meetings held before a Hearings Committee of Council representatives or a Commissioner, with applicants, submitters and Council planning staff present. Members of the public and press may also attend.
A hearing will be held within 25 working days of submissions closing. This time can be extended in certain circumstances by the Council, or at the request of the applicant. All parties are given notice of the date, time and venue of the hearing and provided with a copy of the planning officer's report.
Hearing Protocol
At the hearing the applicant and submitters, and/or their representatives may speak in support of their application or submission.
Hearing Committee members and staff may question any party and may request or receive advice to clarify any issues. All questions and replies are directed through the Chairperson of the Hearings Committee. Cross examination of speakers is not permitted.
Evidence may be written or spoken in Maori. An approved interpreter will be provided as long as Council has been given at least 5 days notice.
What Happens At A Hearing?
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Applicants and Submitters are invited to make their way directly to the venue as advised for the hearing.
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The Chairperson, or Commissioner, will welcome all parties, introduce Hearing Committee members and Council staff and clarify names and order of speaking.
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The applicants will then be invited to speak in support of their application.
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The submitters in support of the application will be invited to speak.
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Other submitters will then be invited to speak in support of their submissions.
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The Planning Officer's right of response and recommendation.
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The applicant will have right of reply, but may not introduce new or additional evidence.
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After all parties have been heard the committee will make its decision, usually on the day of the hearing and are generally made "in committee" without the application or submitters present.
When Do I Hear About The Decision?
The decision is issued to all parties within 15 working days after the date of the hearing.
What If I Don't Like the Decision?
If you are not satisfied with the decision you are entitled to lodge an appeal with the Environment Court within 15 working days of receiving the decision. Within 5 days of lodging the appeal you must also send a copy of the appeal to other submitters and the applicant, as appropriate.
The Ministry for the Environment has pamphlets on the appeal process.
Other Hearings
A combined hearing will be encouraged where more than one type of resource consent is required. A joint hearing will be required from Environment Waikato. This is to promote consistency in decision making and to avoid additional costs and time delays.