EDS Community Assistance

EDS provides assistance to individuals, community groups and businesses to more effectively participate in processes under the Resource Management Act 1991 and to achieve improved environmental outcomes. Assistance is provided in the following ways:

RMAGuide website

The RMAGuide website provides  high quality, accessible and practical web-based information on the Resource Management Act 1991 and can be accessed here. 

EDS Community Advice

EDS provides advice and assistance to community groups and individuals on environmental issues on a one-on-one basis on request. The level of assistance provided will depend on each individual case and may include telephone or email advice, meetings in person, site visits, review of submissions, provision of legal or other expert advice or EDS becoming directly involved in the issue. If you require advice or support please contact us.

This service is funded by the Ministry for the Environment (MfE).  However, MfE does not endorse any advice provided, or action taken, by EDS.  MfE accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever whether in contract, tort, equity or otherwise for the consequences of any reliance placed on the advice provided, or action taken, by EDS.

EDS Community Guides

EDS is preparing a series of community guides on environmental issues. Current guides include: the Community Guide to Resource Management Act 1991, the Community Guide to Landscape Protection, and the Community Guide to Coastal Development. These can be accessed through our publications page. Additional guides on environmental topics are planned and will be prepared as resources become available.  

EDS Community Workshops

EDS regularly holds community workshops around the country where there are environmental issues of concern. At the workshops we present information and best practice examples on statutory processes (such as making and presenting submissions) and on substantive environmental issues (such as landscape protection or coastal management).

EDS developer advice

EDS often acts a as an independent peer-reviewer and advisor to developers. We work constructively to achieve best-practice environmental outcomes benchmarked against our research and experience. If you are a developer and would like advice please contact us.