Independent RMA Hearings Commissioners

Recognised as experts in their fields, experienced Boffa Miskell consultants across a range of disciplines are qualified to be independent RMA (Resource Management Act) Commissioners.

Local authorities appoint commissioners for a range of reasons including adding to the breadth of knowledge on a hearing panel, avoiding conflicts of interest and relieving councils of heavy workloads.

Often, councils will appoint Māori commissioners where a proposal is likely to affect water, places of importance to Māori or significantly affect Māori interests. Also, since the RMA was amended in 2009, Councils might have to appoint at least one independent commissioner after being requested to do so, in relation to notified resource consent applications, by applicants or submitters.

Commissioners must be accredited to sit on an RMA hearing panel, and current ‘Making Good Decisions’ certificate holders.

Current Boffa Miskell certificate holders are:

Janine Bell — Planner, Chairing Endorsement

Dr. Ian Boothroyd — Ecologist, Chairing Endorsement

Catherine Clarke — Planner

Dr. Sharon De Luca — Ecologist

Ken Gimblett — Planner, Chairing Endorsement

Te Pio Kawe — Kaiarataki / Strategic Advisor

Yvonne Pfluger — Landscape Planner

Robert Schofield — Planner, Chairing Endorsement

Pauline Whitney — Planner

Julia Wick — Landscape Planner

Those consultants with Chairing Endorsement have successfully demonstrated additional competencies. Chairpersons need to have the skills, knowledge and confidence to run effective hearings, give all participants a fair hearing, ask the right questions, process a great deal of information, form an opinion and make decisions that promote sustainable management.

While decisions by RMA Commissioners are of local, and often regional, significance, the overall collective impact of these decisions can have national impact.