For those who made a Submission on a Resource Consent Application:
You will receive the notification from Council for the Hearing. Included with this notification will be a form for you to fill in and return to Council. We strongly encourage you to return the form, indicating that you still wish to attend the hearing to present evidence.
- If you are unable to attend the hearing in person, having replied to Council that you will present, the BRA can arrange for someone else to make your presentation for you. If you want us to present for you please (a) prepare a short presentation summarising your key objections and (b) contact us to arrange someone.
- It is preferable for you to deliver your presentation yourself. Town planners and advisors have stated that more local representatives delivering a presentation at the Hearing makes a difference.
For those who did not make a Submission on a particular matter:
Unfortunately, you will not be able to be heard at the Hearing but you can still help. If you have a clear voice and are happy to support our efforts against this development, then we would welcome you to read statements from Submitters who are unable to attend the Hearing. Please Contact Us with your availability to help.
At the Hearing
1. You will be notified in advance how many copies of your submission to bring with you, please have these on hand when you arrive.
2. The Commissioners really do want to hear your submission and are very welcoming and open.
3. You’ll be facing the Commissioners, usually with your back to the public, depending on the room. Usually, there are only a few members of the public there (other submitters).
4. When your turn to present comes, your name will be called.
5. When you present:
- Try not to just read what you have written, summarise the key issues if you can
- Smile and thank Commissioners for the opportunity to speak
- Take your time – speaking slowly and clearly
- Make eye contact with the Commissioners
- Interact with them if possible – be prepared for them to ask you questions (if you don’t know the answer, be honest and say so)
- Keep to the time you asked for, usually 5 minutes is enough unless you have complex technical evidence to present
- Be sincere, concerned, friendly, clear and adamant.