Resource Management Advisory Service
The Resource Management Advisory Service (RMAS) provides professional, independent information and advice on the Resource Management Act (RMA) 1991 and Local Government processes for individuals and groups faced with genuine environmental and resource management issues. This service is available free to those who cannot afford the services of a professional planner. Assistance is provided on resource management procedures, with access to the relevant plans and other documents. We also access knowledge of appropriate council personnel and volunteer planners and lawyers from local consultancies who assist when required.
The RMAS assists people through the process without acting directly on their behalf. Our aim is to encourage a self help approach to enable individuals to make the best use of the procedures under the RMA. We have a non-advocacy role in the process.
The information and advice we offer include, but is not restricted to: -
- Applying for a Resource Consent
- Deciding what to do when asked for approval for a project
- Making comments and submissions when Regional or District Plans are being prepared or changed
- Making submissions on notified Resource Consent applications
An evening advice ‘clinic’ is held on the last Thursday of each month to make the service available to the community outside normal working hours. This clinic is staffed by the resource management advisor and a volunteer planner or lawyer. The community’s involvement in the RMA processes is an important part of overall sustainable management of the environment.
The education arm of the service provides presentations to secondary and tertiary institutions as well as community groups. These presentations cover the role of the RMA in managing the use, development and protection of the environment to achieve long term sustainability. The community’s role in this long term goal is through participation in its processes.
Contact: Melissa Thompson
tgaec.rmas@xtra.co.nz