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How a consultant can help
An environmental consultant can:
- explain Resource Management Act (RMA) processes and requirements
- explain regional and district council processes and requirements
- identify practical options for your proposed operation
- provide technical advice about the design features of your proposal
- provide advice about site selection
- carry out consultation
- prepare and lodge your consent application
- research background and technical information
- put together a team of specialists in different fields (if required for more complex proposals).
If you have a large and complex proposal, advice and practical help from a consultant can make the application process less confusing. It may also help your application be processed in a faster and less costly manner. This is because experience with the process generally means that your consent application will be lodged sooner and is more likely to meet all our information requirements.
Finding a consultant
Consultancy firms will either provide a range of technical experts in different fields or focus on one specialist area. Environment Waikato staff can advise what specialist advice or information you need. Make sure that the consultant you choose is experienced and capable of providing you with the type of advice you require.
You can find consultancy advice through:
- personal referrals
- professional directories
- advertising in professional journals and publications
- telephone directories
- the internet.
Hiring a consultant
Know exactly from the start what you expect from your consultant. You should have a clear idea of the end result - whether it is a whole RMA process managed on your behalf (such as applying for a resource consent) or a specific technical task (such as researching the effects a proposed activity may have on the environment).
Cost
Consultants usually charge at an hourly or daily rate. You should also ask what other costs are included in the charges, for example travelling time, mileage and telephone calls. Flat fees are sometimes available, usually for small projects or tasks.
Experience and expertise
Find out background details that prove the consultant will be practical and competent. You may wish to ask for references or the recent track record of the company. Ask for a detailed project proposal that shows how the consultant would manage and complete your project.
Communication skills
A good consultant will discuss and clearly convey any problems or issues. You need someone who will be able to communicate with all the different parties who may be involved, such as government bodies, iwi, technical experts and your neighbours.
Conflict of interest
Ask whether there are other clients who may influence the outcome of your project.
Drawing a contract
A contract is often drawn up, detailing tasks to be undertaken and likely timeframes and budgets. The terms are often based on the Institute of Professional Engineers’ (IPENZ) standard form contract. This contract ensures that everyone is working to the same objectives and expectations.
It’s a good idea to jointly prepare your contract with the consultant. This is an opportunity at the start for you both to clearly identify and agree upon such matters as:
- services that will be provided by the consultant
- primary parties involved
- required information
- specific tasks
- responsibility for dealing with the media
- reporting arrangements
- costs and invoicing arrangements.
There should be a signed agreement that no additional work and associated costs may be undertaken without your instruction.
Clarify any other issues you may have
You want to be sure your consultant is capable of carrying out your project in a professional and cost effective manner. It's up to you to try and make sure the service can match your expectations.
Quick tips
| Do |
Don’t |
| Select a consultant with the right experience and expertise for your job. |
Employ a consultant without first agreeing on a timetable, budget and what needs to be achieved. |
| Clearly explain what you want to be achieved on your behalf. |
Hide information about your project from your consultant. |
| Ask for a detailed proposal that shows how the consultant will undertake and complete your project. |
Ignore the advice of specialists. Your consultant may discover potential problems with your proposal, and recommend changes. Listen to what is being suggested. |
| Supply plenty of background information about your project. Plenty of details (such as records, site history or copies of other applications) will lessen the research work that needs to be done by the consultant. This will save you money. |
Expect your consultant to state your proposal is better or more positive than they believe. Your consultant is an advisor, not a spokesperson for your beliefs or opinions. |
| Ask your consultant at an early stage to gauge the likely overall success of your project. |
Insist that your consultant report on areas outside their experience or expertise. |
More information
The New Zealand Planning Institute produces a regularly updated guide that provides key areas of expertise and contact details for many New Zealand planning consultancies.
The Quality Planning resource site provides best practice guidance on resource consent processing. This website also has contact details for New Zealand councils and resource management practitioners.