Making Good Decisions, initially launched in 2004 by the then Environment Minister Marion Hobbs, continues to train and certify RMA commissioners as well as improving the implementation of the resource management system.
From housing developments and clearing vegetation to moving earth and taking water from streams, the RMA covers a wide range of activities. As part of their duties, Commissioners often make decisions on resource management activities that can impact local communities.
WSP Technical Principal for planning and environment and Making Good Decisions programme manager Steph Brown says WSP’s Environmental Training Centre is proud to have been involved over the past 12 years as the licence holder for programme development, training, and certification.
“It’s no small task for Commissioners to decide on resource consents and plans while staying across the latest in environmental management. That’s where our stewardship of the programme comes in.
“Training and re-certifying RMA Commissioners is an incredibly important job. They exercise functions and powers under the RMA, which focuses on the sustainable management of the country's natural and physical resources and need to keep up with the latest in making informed decisions and running fair and effective hearings.”
Ministry for the Environment Manager - RM Systems, Matthew Barbati-Ross says "the Making Good Decisions programme has stood the test of time. Since being introduced 20 years ago it has proved to be an enduring and valuable resource for training resource management commissioners."
There are currently 1,300 certified RMA Commissioners. In 2023, WSP and WSP-contracted staff trained 300 new Commissioners. Each attended an intensive two-day course where they learned about the RMA, decision-making processes, analysing evidence, hearing procedures, natural justice and ethics, and considerations relating to Māori values.
Working with the Ministry for the Environment, WSP has introduced several innovations, including developing additional Te ao Māori resources, providing an online option for Commissioner re-certification, and developing a community of learning where Commissioners can upskill via the latest in case law, webinars, and discussion forums.
More information about the Making Good Decisions programme is available on the Ministry for the Environment’s and WSP’s websites.
