What is the Environment Court and what does it do?

The Environment Court is a specialist court that hears appeals on resource management matters, including decisions on resource consents, plan changes, abatement notices and enforcement orders. It usually comprises an Environment Judge and commissioners with technical or cultural expertise. Most appeals are heard afresh on their merits, so the court can consider evidence again rather than just checking the council's process. The process typically includes mediation, which resolves many cases, exchange of written evidence and a hearing. As a party you can represent yourself, but the process is technical and you may need expert witnesses on issues like noise, landscape or planning, so legal advice is wise. Costs are not usually awarded automatically, but can be in some cases.