The hearing is set to commence on 26 August and will run for three or four days per week over a two-week period. Additionally, a special session dedicated to natural hazards is scheduled for 17 September.

• Monday, 26 August: 9am-5pm (Day to hear from Council Planners and Experts)
• Tuesday, 27 August: 9am-5pm (Morning will hear from Council then submitters)
• Wednesday, 28 August: 9am-5pm (presentations from submitters)
• Thursday, 29 August: 9am-5pm (presentations from submitters)
• Monday, 2 September: 1pm-8pm (presentations from submitters)
• Tuesday, 3 September: 9am-5pm (presentations from submitters)
• Wednesday, 4 September: 9am-5pm (presentations from submitters)
• Tuesday 17 September: 9am-TBC (presentations from experts on Natural Hazards)

This hearing will take place in the Council Chamber. Due to limited seating capacity, we encourage interested parties to watch the proceedings via the live stream. The live stream is hosted on Youtube, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to follow the hearing as it unfolds. You will be able to find the live stream at this address: https://www.youtube.com/user/NelsonCouncil

The hearing schedule is available for viewing at: https://shape.nelson.govt.nz/hearing-portal-plan-change-29

The panel entrusted with making decisions on each submission is composed of a diverse group, including independent hearing commissioners Greg Hill (who serves as the Chairperson) and Michael Parsonson, along with Councillors Trudie Brand and Rohan O’Neill-Stevens, who also serve as Commissioners. This diversity reflects a commitment to ensuring a fair and balanced process. More detailed information about the panel members can be found on the "Meet the Panel" page.

It is important to note that the plan has undergone several changes since its initial notification. Amendments have been made to the Plan Change following submissions, expert evidence, and further modifications made as a result of expert conferencing. The current proposal, along with the changes, is documented in the NRMP Chapter documents available on the “S42a Reports and Technical Evidence” page.

Emily Bayliss Friend of Submitters is available free of charge to submitters to provide advice on preparing for the hearing and presenting to the panel. Please contact Emily by phone 021 0843 5559 or friendofsubmitters@baylissconsulting.co.nz if you require special assistance please contact the Hearing administrator at planchage@ncc.govt.nz

The council must give a decision on the Plan change no later than two years after notifying the Plan Change proposal (August 2025). All submitters will be notified of the decision, if a submitter does not agree with the panel’s decisions about their submission, they may be able to appeal to the Environment Court. Appeals can only be made on a matter you raised in your own submission. The Environment Court will look again at the facts, and its decision is final unless there is a further appeal to the High Court on a point of law. If no appeals are lodged, the Council will publicly notify the date the plan becomes operative.