Making Good Decisions
WSP Environmental Training Centre delivers the “Making Good Decisions (MGD) Programme” on behalf of the Ministry for the Environment. The purpose of MGD is to help councillors, community board members, and independent commissioners make better decisions under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA). It provides RMA decision-makers with the skills needed to run fair and effective hearings, and to make informed decisions.
The programme covers three courses:
Foundation – this course is intended for Councillors, Council officials, industry professionals and iwi groups to obtain certification to sit as an accredited member of a Hearings Panel.
Recertification for Panel members – this course is intended for existing certified panel members who wish to recertify before the expiration of their certificate.
Recertification for Panel Chairs – this course is intended for commissioners who are already experienced Chairs or who would like to develop skills as Chairs.
Current guidance we have received from the Ministry for the Environment regarding the MGD programme and RM reform:
- The Making Good Decisions programme remains the statutory accreditation for hearings commissioners and is designed to support consistent, high‑quality decision‑making across hearings and jurisdictions.
- The skills and knowledge gained through MGD certification are expected to remain relevant under any new planning system. Core principles such as good decision‑making, procedural fairness, and robust hearings practice are anticipated to continue to apply under any future planning system, regardless of the final form reform takes.
- Maintaining accreditation now also helps to “future‑proof” commissioners, supporting readiness for any transitional arrangements or new frameworks that may require similar competencies.
- The Ministry for the Environment is working closely with WSP to ensure the MGD programme remains fit for purpose and aligned with wider system expectations. We will continue to work together to ensure the programme responds appropriately to any changes as they emerge.
- Any future changes to the programme would be introduced with clear communication, appropriate support, and a phased approach. The intention is to avoid unnecessary disruption and enable commissioners, councils, and applicants to plan with confidence.
Making Good Decisions Certificate Holders
The list of individuals who currently hold the Making Good Decisions certification can be viewed here - Hearing Commissioners.
Foundation
Two days
$2,913.00 excl. GST
Panel Recertification
One day
$1,729.00 excl. GST
One day
$1,729.00 excl. GST
Chair Recertification
One day
$2,141.00 excl. GST
One day
$2,141.00 excl. GST
Resource Management Act (RMA)
3.5 hours
$330.00 excl. GST
3.5 hours
$340.00 excl. GST
Making Good Decisions
3.5 hours
$340.00 excl. GST
One day
$2,141.00 excl. GST
One day
$2,141.00 excl. GST
One day
$1,729.00 excl. GST
One day
$1,729.00 excl. GST
Two days
$2,913.00 excl. GST
3.5 hours
$330.00 excl. GST