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Process - pORPS 2021
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In November 2019, Minister for the Environment David Parker recommended that ORC prepare a new regional policy statement. This was to be part of the review of ORCs planning framework that was to be operative by 1 April 2022.
This deadline anticipated that the new regional policy statement would be adopted in time for the review of the Water Plan, scheduled to be notified as the Land and Water Regional Plan by the end of 2023.
The Otago Regional Policy Statement sets out what we want for Otago, what is stopping us achieving this, and how we will solve these problems. The proposed Otago Regional Policy Statement 2021 (pORPS 2021) identifies the Significant Resource Management Issues for the region. It also explains how national direction on resource management will be applied in Otago and provides direction on how to balance potentially conflicting requirements.
The pORPS 2021 does not contain rules like a regional or district plan. Its role is to provide high-level guidance by way of policies and objectives and establish the framework for Otago's regional and district plans in which more specific resource management policies, objectives and rules will sit.
Where we are in the process
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Heading |
Description |
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Review and pre-notification consultation |
In November 2019, Minister for the Environment David Parker recommended that the ORC prepare a new regional policy statement. |
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Notification |
The pORPS 2021 was notified on 26 June 2021 |
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Submission period |
for the non-freshwater part of the pORPS 2021 (including further submissions) |
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High Court Declaration |
The High Court declared that the Council’s determination that the whole pORP 2021 is a freshwater planning instrument was wrong and the pORPS 2021 was separated into two parts. |
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Re-notification of freshwater parts |
The parts of the pORPS 2021 that are a freshwater planning instrument were re-notified on 15 September 2022.
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Submission period |
for the freshwater parts of the pORPS 2021 (including further submissions). |
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Hearings |
for the non-freshwater parts of the pORPS 2021. |
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Hearings |
for the freshwater part of the pORPS 2021. |
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Decisions |
Council made decisions on the Panels’ recommendations for both the freshwater planning instrument and non-freshwater planning instrument parts of the pORPS 2021. |
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Appeals – High Court |
The appeals period to the High Court for the freshwater parts of the pORPS 2021 closed on 24 April 2024. |
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Appeals – Environment Court |
The period for appeals to the Environment Court for the non-freshwater parts of the pORPS closed on 16 May 2024. |
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Mediation – High Court |
Mediation of appeals to the High Court for the freshwater part of the pORPS occurred during August 2024. All appeals were resolved, so there will be no High Court hearings. |
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Mediation – Environment Court |
Mediation of appeals to the Environment Court for the non-freshwater parts of the pORPS occurred from November 2024 to June 2025. All appeals were resolved, so there will be no Environment Court hearings. |
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Consent orders |
The Courts issued consent orders based on mediation agreements. These consent orders formally amended the pORPS. High Court consent orders: January to October 2025. Environment Court consent orders: April 2025 to March 2026. |
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Council decision on whether to make the pORPS 2021 operative |
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pORPS 2021 becomes operative |
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Consultation and development process
Outlining the consultation and development process for the Otago Regional Policy Statement 2021, detailing how stakeholder input and public engagement were incorporated into its formulation.
High Court declaratory proceedings
Detailing the High Court declaratory proceedings related to the Otago Regional Policy Statement 2021, outlining legal actions and decisions surrounding its development and implementation.
Freshwater parts
Explore the freshwater sections of the Otago Regional Policy Statement 2021, detailing sustainable water management strategies, quality guidelines, and environmental priorities for Otago’s waterways.
Non-freshwater parts
Non-freshwater parts of the proposed Otago Regional Policy Statement 2021 (pORPS2021) set the direction for future management of Otago's natural and physical resources.
