If you are unhappy with the outcome of proceedings at the local authority level, in many cases, you can challenge the decision in the Environment Court.
If you are unhappy about a decision of a consent authority on a resource consent application, you may decide to lodge an appeal about a decision on your submission with the Environment Court.
If you are unhappy about a decision of a consent authority on a proposed policy statement or plan you may decide to lodge an appeal about a decision on your submission or further submission with the Environment Court.
If someone else lodges an consent appeal or a plan appeal with the Environment Court you may be able to participate in the proceedings and present a case at the subsequent hearing.
The purpose of mediation is to resolve disputes through mutual agreement rather than by court decision.
If you are a party to proceedings in the Environment Court, and you are unsuccessful, you may be liable to an award of costs against you.
Once you have lodged proceedings in the Environment Court you will need to start preparing your case. Depending on the nature and complexity of your case, you may need to consider seeking assistance from a lawyer or other resource management professionals (e.g. a planner).
