We are experiencing delays in processing resource consent applications due to staffing challenges and the increasing complexity of applications.
News
Planning, consenting and compliance
Last updated: 22 February 2023
Reporting frequency: Quarterly
Portfolio: Regional and strategic leadership
We are delivering regulatory services (planning, consents and compliance) to sustainably manage our natural resources, and to build confidence and trust in our work.
Our plans, strategies and bylaws provide a framework of work programmes and regulations to help us manage Canterbury's natural and physical resources, setting out what we need to do and how to ensure our region runs as smoothly as it can.
How are we tracking on our Levels of Service?
Level of Service 34: Provide and implement a Regional Policy Statement to achieve integrated management of natural and physical resources in Canterbury – in partnership with Ngāi Tahu and the Canterbury region’s territorial authorities.
To achieve this level of service we will:
- 34.1 Progress a review of the Canterbury Regional Policy Statement
How are we doing: On 2 December 2022, a significant milestone was reached for the development of the regulatory framework, with Te Rōpū Tuia approving the Tuia Protocol – Partnership Arrangements for Phase 1 of the integrated planning programme. The delay in confirming the governance arrangements means, however, that reviewing the Regional Policy Statement in 2024 remains at risk.
At risk
Level of Service 34: Provide and implement a Regional Policy Statement to achieve integrated management of natural and physical resources in Canterbury – in partnership with Ngāi Tahu and the Canterbury region’s territorial authorities.
To achieve this level of service we will:
- 34.2 Work collaboratively with the region’s district and city councils to implement and give effect to the Regional Policy Statement
How are we doing: Our work with the region’s district and city councils to implement and give effect to the Regional Policy Statement is on track.
On track
Level of Service 35: Deliver efficient and effective consenting and compliance monitoring and enforcement services to achieve the sustainable management of natural resources as set out in the purpose of the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA).
For 2022/23, 35.2 is not measured (Meet all requirements of the RMA for processing for consent applications, for example in relation to making decisions publicly notifying consents, or requests for further information)
To achieve this level of service we will:
- 35.1 Process resource consent applications in a timely manner
How are we doing: The high volume of complex consent applications, along with staffing challenges, have resulted in delays in processing. See key initiatives below for more information.
Will not achieve
Level of Service 35: Deliver efficient and effective consenting and compliance monitoring and enforcement services to achieve the sustainable management of natural resources as set out in the purpose of the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA).
To achieve this level of service we will:
- 35.3 Monitor priority consents, as identified in the Compliance Five-year Plan, to ensure compliance with consent conditions
- 35.4 Provide an incident response service to ensure the effects of pollution incidents are kept to a minimum kept to a minimum
How are we doing: Monitoring of high priority consents and provision of incidence response is tracking slightly behind the target.
At risk
How are we doing on our key initiatives?
Providing consents for: land use, discharge permits, water permits, and coastal permits
How are we doing: Although there is still a backlog of consent applications awaiting processing, progress has been made, with new staff recruited, and our pre-application advice service restarted. We have published new comprehensive guidance on rural wastewater systems, including when consent is required and how to apply for it, and developed advice and a new application form for those requiring consent for intensive winter grazing.
Monitor
Providing compliance monitoring and enforcement
How are we doing: Covid-19 and challenges in recruiting staff have impacted this area of our work. We publish annual snapshots of consent monitoring activity and our response to environmental pollution incidents.
If you are aware of an environmental incident that seems time critical, please call our incident line on 0800 765 588 (24 hours), or report it using the Snap Send Solve app from your mobile phone.
Monitor
Recent highlights and updates
News
This Supreme Court case will give us and the community clarity on the matter, which has been before the Courts for some time.
News
Find out about the consent applications from South Island Resource Recovery Limited for a proposed waste to energy plant.
News
Are you concerned that an activity may be damaging our environment? Use the Snap Send Solve app to report an issue.
News
A Court of Appeal decision around water bottling may affect the way we manage water in Canterbury.
News
We've published new guidance to help people understand wastewater treatment systems.
News
We have responded to multiple chemical spills at a site in Woolston, with help from other agencies.
News
On 1 November, new intensive winter grazing rules came into force. Find out more about these new rules.
News
Illegal rubbish pits can affect soil and water quality - and are costly to clean up.
News
Rubbish dumping is a large and costly problem, so we’re asking people to do the right thing with their rubbish.
News
Alliance Smithfield meat plant has been sentenced to pay $57,000 for unlawfully discharging a contaminant near Waitarakao Washdyke Lagoon.