Ministry for the Environment

The Programme was originally developed by the Ministry for the Environment and Local Government New Zealand in consultation with stakeholders and professional bodies, including the New Zealand Planning Institute. The training material delivered from 2013 onwards has been extensively revised by the Ministry to accommodate a number of recent legislative changes, including the expanded scope in accreditation requirements from 2014.  

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 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.

Making Good Decisions Certificate Holders

 The list of individuals who currently hold the Making Good Decisions certification can be viewed here - Hearing Commissioners.