Pre-hearing meetings occur when a resource consent application receives submissions and an informal forum is needed for parties to discuss the issues raised.
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Pre-hearing meetings
Pre-hearing meetings are arranged by Environment Waikato to provide an informal forum for discussion between a consent applicant and submitters. There are some good reasons for going if you are invited to a pre-hearing meeting. You might:
- understand more clearly what the applicant proposes to do
- learn more about how the proposal will affect (or not affect) the environment and other people
- identify whether you require further information
- discuss any issues and concerns with those who can provide the answers
- come up with options as a group that resolve your individual concerns.
Reasons for pre-hearing meetings
Pre-hearing meetings are generally held when there are several submitters, and holding a meeting may help address and resolve everyone's issues of concern.
Pre-hearing meetings are not always held. Sometimes our staff may decide that it will not add enough value to consideration of the applications, or the issues raised by submitters may be resolved without the need for a meeting or a hearing.
You can contact us or call our Resource Use Freephone 0800 800 402 to find out if there are any pre-hearing meetings for applications you are interested in.
Attending a pre-hearing meeting
The applicant and all submitters will be invited to attend the meeting.
The meeting will have a chairperson who facilitates discussion. The chairperson may be from Environment Waikato or may be someone independent with neutral views about the proposed activity.
Environment Waikato staff will be there to clarify any issues about possible effects on the environment, Environment Waikato’s functions and the resource consent process. A secretary may record notes of the meeting. These notes may be included in our staff report about the application.
Meeting times and places
Whenever possible, a pre-hearing meeting will be held at a venue close to the location of the proposed activity, such as a local community hall.
The meeting will usually be held soon after the closing date for submissions. Timeframes may vary depending on whether further information or consultation is required. Generally, you will receive a letter approximately 2 weeks in advance that outlines the date, time and venue for the meeting . However, where there are only a few submitters, you may be contacted by phone to arrange a small, informal meeting.
Sometimes you may also be invited to visit the site of the proposed activity, if it is considered that this would help achieve a better understanding of the proposal.
More information
Find out some more about pre-hearing meetings by visiting the Ministry for the Environment's website. This website has a range of guides for the public about resource management and consent processes.