Some resource consent applications need to be publicly notified. This means a notice is placed on our website and in the local newspaper. Environment Waikato also sends letters to people or groups which might be affected by the proposal.
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About public notifications
Public notification is a formal process that makes the wider community aware of a proposed activity. Those who may be affected by the activity will be contacted or notified about the application. This allows them to be involved with Environment Waikato in the decision-making.
Your consent application will only be notified if Environment Waikato considers the effects of your proposed activity are likely to be more than minor. If the process is necessary your application will be publicly notified on either a 'full' or 'limited' basis.
When applications are notified
Not all consent applications are notified. If we are satisfied that your activity will have only minor effects on the environment and all parties who may be affected by your proposal have provided written approval (or confirmed that they will not be affected), your application may not need to be publicly notified. Approvals should be obtained before you lodge your application with us. This means that your application will be processed faster and generally the processing costs will be less.
Limited notification
If we think that the effects of your activity will generally be minor, but you have not obtained written approval from potentially affected parties, we will require limited notification. Environment Waikato will send a letter to parties we consider may be potentially affected by your proposal. This letter will advise them of your application and any activities or likely effects associated with your proposal which may arise should it be granted.
Full notification
If we think the effects of your activity will be more than minor we will require full notification. A notice will be placed on our website and in the newspaper (usually in the public notices section) that is normally distributed in the area where your proposed activity will happen.
A sign will be placed at the site. The sign details who the applicant is, what resource consents have been applied for and the location of the activity to which the applications relate. Parties that Environment Waikato consider may be potentially affected by your proposal will be sent a letter advising them directly of your application (for example, the Department of Conservation, iwi, the local district council, neighbours).
View Environment Waikato's current list of full public notifications.
Publicly notified applications
If your application is fully notified, anyone can make a pre-hearing meeting at which the issues may be resolved. If that doesn’t succeed, a public hearing is generally required.
More information
Find out some more about the notification process 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.