Ecological Expertise to Support Resource Consent Applications and Assessments of Environmental Effects
Ecological input is a key component of many resource consent applications, particularly where development may affect indigenous vegetation, habitats, or areas of ecological significance. We provide specialist ecological support to assist landowners, developers, planners, and engineers through the resource consent process.
Our services are delivered by suitably qualified and experienced ecologists (SQEP) and are aligned with the requirements of the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA), regional and district plans, and council assessment frameworks.
An Assessment of Environmental Effects (AEE) is required to identify and evaluate the actual and potential environmental effects of a proposed activity. We provide clear, proportionate ecological inputs to support AEE documentation, drawing on site surveys, planning assessments, and ecological best practice.
Our ecological AEE inputs commonly address:
Effects on indigenous vegetation and habitats
Impacts on Significant Ecological Areas (SEA)
Vegetation removal and land disturbance
Effects on fauna and ecological connectivity
Avoidance, remediation, and mitigation measures
These inputs are often supported by, or prepared in conjunction with, an Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA).
We assist clients in understanding and responding to ecological triggers under local planning frameworks, including the Auckland Unitary Plan (AUP) and other district and regional plans.
This includes consideration of:
Vegetation Management and Biodiversity provisions (AUP E15)
Restricted Discretionary and Discretionary activity thresholds
Indigenous vegetation and habitat protection rules
Consent conditions relating to ecological effects
Early identification of ecological constraints can help streamline the consent process and reduce delays or requests for further information.
Our involvement does not end at consent lodgement. Where required, we continue to support projects through consent conditions and implementation, including:
Ecological Management Plans (EMP)
Lizard Management Plans (LMP)
Construction-phase ecologist supervision
Monitoring and compliance reporting
This end-to-end approach ensures ecological commitments made during the consent process are practical, achievable, and delivered on site.
