Foundation

The aim of the Foundation course is to provide participants with the skills and knowledge to guide them through the ethical, legal and practical requirements of decision making under Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA).

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.