Ecological Impact Assessments to Support Resource Consents and Development in Sensitive Environments
An Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) is a technical report that evaluates the potential effects of a proposed activity or development on ecological values, including indigenous vegetation, habitats, and fauna. EcIAs are commonly required as part of the resource consent process under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA), particularly where works are proposed within or adjacent to a Significant Ecological Area (SEA).
Our EcIAs are prepared by suitably qualified and experienced ecologists (SQEP) and are aligned with the Ecological Impact Assessment Guidelines (EIANZ, 2018), ensuring they are robust, defensible, and appropriate for council review.
An EcIA is typically required where a proposal may affect ecological values protected under regional or district planning rules, including the Auckland Unitary Plan (AUP). Common triggers include:
We work closely with planners, engineers, and designers to identify ecological constraints early and provide clear guidance on assessment requirements.
Our EcIA process is proportionate, site-specific, and focused on achieving practical outcomes. It typically includes:
Where required, we also provide input into Assessments of Environmental Effects (AEE) and respond to council requests for further information (RFI).
We have experience assessing proposals within Significant Ecological Areas and areas subject to vegetation and biodiversity controls. Our assessments explicitly address relevant planning provisions, including Auckland Unitary Plan E15.8.1 and other applicable regional or district rules.
By clearly linking ecological effects to planning criteria, our EcIAs assist decision-makers in understanding the nature and scale of effects and how proposed mitigation achieves positive ecological outcomes.
Ecological Impact Assessments are often just the first step. Where consent is granted, we can continue to support projects through:
This end-to-end approach helps ensure ecological outcomes are delivered on the ground, not just on paper.
