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At the Hearing
All hearings are open to the public, including the media (unless it is necessary to protect sensitive information). However, the only people who can speak are the applicant, submitters, Tasman District Council staff, and the hearing committee members. Applicants and submitters can bring expert witnesses to help them present their views.
The Hearing Committee
The hearing committee is usually made up of three Tasman District councillors.
One or more independent commissioners may be used instead. Commissioners may be used when:
- Tasman District Council assets are involved;
- Technical or specialised knowledge is desirable or required;
- When requested either by the applicant or a submitter. Such requests must be made within five days of the closing date for submissions. Submitters must also be aware that if they request a commissioner they may have to pay some of the the extra costs incurred as a result.
Making decisions on resource consents applications that go to a hearing is a big job with a lot of responsibility.