Regional Policy Statement- Request for planning consultancy services

Details

Otago Regional Council (ORC) wishes to review its existing (operative and partially operative editions) of its Regional Policy Statement (RPS) and notify a new RPS by November 2020.

This review is necessary to complete a full update of the RPS, its formatting in the new national planning standard framework and to give effect to all relevant national direction under the Resource Management Act 1991.

The full update of the RPS sits within the context of ORC undertaking a review of its planning framework. Key within this framework, and following completion of the RPS review, is a full review of the ORC’s Water Plan to ensure it gives effect to the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management. The Water Plan review is to be completed and notified by the end of 2023. As the document setting the direction for integrated resource management for Otago, and which directs particular environmental outcomes to be achieved by subordinate plans, the preparation of the RPS is the first in the sequence.

ORC needs support from (an) experienced planning expert(s) to assist policy staff in the establishment of the policy direction and outcomes sought, preparing the revised RPS, the section 32 evaluation, and ancillary tasks which may include assisting with plan drafting, reviewing plan provisions, assisting with future hearings, and other tasks.