Resources for Submitters

Preparing for the hearing

S42A Reports: Napier City Council Planning Officers will release the S42A Reports at least 20 working days before commencement of the hearings. The S42A Report is a response to the submission reports. You should take the time to familiarise yourself with the reports.

Providing evidence: Evidence can be spoken, written or visual and is used to back up your statements at the Hearing. You may also choose to engage an expert to provide evidence.

During the hearing

When it is your turn to speak at the hearing, make sure your presentation sits within the scope of the submission made. RMA 1991, Section 41C (6a) and (6b) states that during the hearing, the hearings panel may direct you to not present all or part of your submission if irrelevant or is not in dispute, or if it is related to a different hearings stream.

Please be aware that a submission may be dismissed if it contains offensive language or it fails to present a reasonable or relevant argument, under 41D of the RMA 1991.

After the hearing

After the Hearing, the s42A Council reporting officer may produce a written reply if requested by the panel or deemed necessary. Depending on a range of factors, this is typically no less than 10 working days from adjournment.