Panel Recertification

The MGD Panel Recertification with ongoing professional development and training has been a core component in the development and operation of the MGD programme. Changes to legislation, case law and practice impact on the way decisions are made and the role of decision makers. Certification is issued with an expiry date to ensure decision makers have their knowledge and skills re-evaluated regularly (three years from initial certification and every five years after).

The Panel Recertification course is now available with different learning options.

• Face to Face - Courses will be made available in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch where there is demand.
• Interactive Online - A series of online sessions and activities throughout the day via MS Teams

Each option will have an e-Learning module and post assessment that will need to be completed. Click on each option below for more information.

The current guidance we have received from the Ministry for the Environment regarding the MGD programme and RM reform is set out below:

• 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.

Being a certified commissioner also gives you access to ongoing professional development through the MGD Community of Learning. This platform provides free of charge additional materials, seminars, videos, opportunities to network and engage with other commissioners, as well as access to written resources which we are updating regularly to support your continuous growth and engagement.