A Resource Consent is required for most projects and developments other than minor activities as set out in the relevant District or Regional Plan (outside Auckland) or the Auckland Unitary Plan. Obtaining a resource consent in the most cost effective manner means identifying what information you need to supply and which professionals you need to involve at the outset. Costly and frustrating delays can occur if the consenting authority requires further information once you have submitted your application or they have major issues with the quality of information supplied.
JS Ecology are a well-established consultancy with good relationships with scientific personnel throughout New Zealand.
Where a development or project involves the modification or removal of native vegetation or habitats, including terrestrial, freshwater or marine, the consenting authority will usually require an assessment of ecological effects (AEE) to be carried out by a qualified ecologist. The need for an ecological assessment is best established via a pre-application meeting with the relevant consenting authority. However an ecological assessment can be required at any stage if the consenting authority identifies a need for one.
It is important to supply high quality ecological information to accompany your resource consent and an experienced ecologist who is familiar with the type of information required is best placed to do this. It is unwise to employ other practitioners who are not qualified ecologists to supply ecological reports as this may result in costly and protracted negotiations with councils and often the need for peer review or a new report.
The Resource Management Act (1991) requires that significant adverse effects on the environment are "avoided, remedied or mitigated". Significant effects on native vegetation, natural streams or fauna may trigger a requirement for a mitigation strategy such as restoration planting or other measures to offset these effects (biodiversity offset). It is best to be aware of your potential obligations in this regard early in the development process. JS Ecology will work with you to achieve the most cost effective and practicable outcome for you.
If there are ecological matters to be addressed, it is most cost effective to contact your ecologist early to ensure ecological surveys are conducted at the appropriate season and avoid the need for costly repeat surveys. You will also be able to work with your ecologist to ensure any ecological matters are addressed at the design stage and so avoid the need to redesign in the light of ecological matters that are not identified until later on. This can be key to meeting financial targets and in particular making the most of the earthworks season over the summer.
The Auckland Council and all other local government authorities throughout New Zealand are required to identify natural areas within their boundaries that are considered ecologically significant. Significant ecological areas occur across both public and private land. If your project has impacts on a significant ecological area ( variously known as Significant Natural Areas etc.) then you will be required to provide an ecological assessment by a properly qualified ecologist and also to demonstrate how you will avoid, remedy or mitigate any adverse effects on the area . JS Ecology can provide an assessment of effects (AEE) on a Significant Ecological Area and strategies to avoid remedy or mitigate those effects.
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