COMMISSIONER

I have been a commissioner in both the resource management and the local government (development contributions) space since about 2014. I have been undertaking decision making roles for considerably longer than 2014 as part of my role on the Board of the Environmental Risk Management Authority (that then became the Environmental Protection Authority) since 2004 was to consider applications for hazardous substances and new organisms.

I have been appointed to the resource management decision making process and have a chair’s endorsement. In this capacity I have been involved in numerous decision-making processes as a panel member, a chair, and in some cases, a commissioner sitting alone.

Work in this space has included (up to date as at 2024-2025) being the chair of a three-member panel to determine the notice of requirement for Nelson airport and being the chair of a three-member panel to determine the resource consent for the McDonalds Restaurants (NZ) Limited proposal for a McDonalds in Wanaka. I have also been involved in a Covid Fast Track consenting role as chair of a panel considering a mixed use development in Hamilton.

One aspect of my Commissioner work is Objection Commissioner work. Objections can only be overseen by a short list of individuals appointed by the Minister of Local Government; I am one of the persons on this list.

Some objections I’ve handled as chairperson, on others I’ve been the Commissioner sitting alone. My recent cases involve work in relation to objections in Auckland and Christchurch.

In addition to strict commissioner work I also do a lot of advice to mostly public sector clients about their development contributions regime and assist a number of clients in their negotiations with objectors to reach a mutually acceptable outcome.

To speak with me about my Commissioner work or request legal advice, please reach out to me via email on Helen.Atkins@atkinslaw.nz.