More resource consents processed, study shows

The number of resource consents processed to a decision in the 2003–04 financial year increased by 11.5 per cent, or by almost 5700, a Ministry for the Environment survey shows.

The 2003–04 RMA Survey of Local Authorities shows that the number of resource consents processed to a decision increased to 54,658 up 5646 from the last survey period, Ministry for the Environment Deputy Chief Executive Lindsay Gow said.

"The survey of council processes by the Ministry for the Environment shows there have been some strong positives in the work that councils do," Lindsay Gow said.

Of the 54,658 resource consents processed to a decision in 2003-04, less than one per cent, or 404, were declined. The survey also found that:

* Fewer resource consents were appealed to the Environment Court compared to 2001-02

* More pre-hearing meetings were held for notified consents compared to 2001-02

* 77 per cent of all resource consents were processed to a decision within statutory time limits. This varies between councils, with some achieving a 100 per cent record.

"This survey is a useful way of monitoring the effect and implementation of the Resource Management Act (RMA). It allows the government and councils to provide feedback on RMA processes, highlights areas for research and helps set benchmarks for performance. It also acknowledges the use of good practice among councils," Lindsay Gow said.

In the survey, 86 local authorities were asked a variety of questions about the numbers and types of resource consents processed. These questions included costs, the time taken to process the resource consents, monitoring, compliance, enforcement and Maori participation in the RMA processes.

"The Resource Management and Electricity Legislation Amendment Bill currently before Parliament will go some way to addressing issues raised in the survey," Lindsay Gow said.

"The bill is part of a wider package of initiatives aimed at improving the operation and implementation of the RMA. That package includes building the capacity of councils to help them implement the RMA in a more effective and efficient manner and an increase in supporting resources," Lindsay Gow said.

The package of initiatives include the Quality Planning websites (including a new section on resource consent processing), workshops in conjunction with professional bodies, an evaluation and awards scheme and a training councillors and commissioners programme ("Making Good Decisions").