Find out what timeframes to expect for processing of your resource consent application.
The Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) specifies maximum timeframes for processing resource consent applications. These processing times can be suspended at any stage if we need further information from you about your proposal. The key steps are:
- We must decide within 20 working days of receiving your complete application whether or not it will be notified.
- If it is not notified, then you can expect the final decision within a total of 20 working days.
Publicly notified applications may take six months. There is a 15-day appeal period following the release of a notified decision. You can begin your proposal when that period has ended provided that there are no appeals lodged against the decision.
The dead period
Under the RMA, the period 20 December to 10 January each year is considered a dead period. This means that any weekday during this time cannot count as a statutory working day.
For example - for a consent application lodged on 19 December, the processing clock may not start ticking again until 11 January.
We do try to better the minimum timeframes allowed by the RMA and so, depending on available resources, consents might still be processed during this statutory period.
Keep tabs on your application
You can check on the progress of your consent application at any time. Give us a call on 03 477 4000 or come in to have a chat with your handling officer.