Rotorua resource consent processing amongst best and cheapest in NZ

The Minister for the Environment, Nick Smith, has released information on New Zealand-wide council consent processing for the 2010/11 year. The data shows a significant improvement nationally with 95% of all resource consents processed on time compared to just 69% three years ago (year ending June 2008).

However the report reveals that Rotorua District Council (RDC) is ahead of the national average and up amongst the country’s top performing councils with 98% of all Rotorua consents issued within statutory timeframes.

RDC planning services manager Liam Dagg said the council had done equally well with the number of consents required to be notified. He said just 1.8% of all Rotorua consent applications required notification, compared to the national average of 6%.

The Ministry for the Environment report also reveals that the cost of resource consent application fees in Rotorua is significantly lower than the national average for both land-use consents and subdivision consents.

Mr Dagg said it was clear that RDC fees for land-use consent applications offered a very good incentive to people and businesses wanting to develop land in the district, as most Rotorua applicants would only pay around 20% to 50% of the national average fees.

“The council is committed to ensuring Rotorua offers a consistent business-friendly environment and supports job creation and investment in the district,” said Mr Dagg. 

“The latest figures from the Ministry for the Environment show that Rotorua District Council’s efficient consent processing performance and our comparatively low application fees mean we are developing a competitive edge that is helping us to achieve that objective.”