Ministry for the Environment

WSP Environmental Training Centre now 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 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.

Ministry for the Environment

MGD Foundation Course 2025

MGD Foundation Course 2025

Two days

$2,830.00 excl. GST

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).

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MGD Panel Recertification Course 2025 - Interactive Online

MGD Panel Recertification Course 2025 - Interactive Online

One day

$1,680.00 excl. GST

The Panel Recertification course now has the option of an Interactive Online course with a mix of online activities and live sessions run through MS Teams throughout the day. The aim of the course is to share knowledge and experiences gained since attendance of a prior course and to ensure your knowledge is up to date with legislative changes and case law decisions. It will also help further develop the range of complex skills required to be a successful Panel member.

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MGD Panel Recertification 2025 - face to face

MGD Panel Recertification 2025 - face to face

One day

$1,680.00 excl. GST

The aim of the Panel Recertification course is to share knowledge and experiences gained since attendance of prior course and to ensure your knowledge is up to date with legislative changes and case law decisions. It also helps further develop the range of complex skills required to be a successful Panel member.

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MGD Chair Certification and Recertification 2025 - Online Interactive

MGD Chair Certification and Recertification 2025 - Online Interactive

One day

$2,080.00 excl. GST

The Chair Certification and Recertification course is now available to be completed online with a mix of online activities and live MS Teams sessions on the day you have registered for. The aim of the course is to enable Chairs whose certification expires to gain re-certification and for potential new Chairs to gain endorsement, develop the skills and behaviours required of a Chair and to share your experiences and gain knowledge from other Chairs.

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MGD Chair Certification and Recertification Course 2025 - face to face

MGD Chair Certification and Recertification Course 2025 - face to face

One day

$2,080.00 excl. GST

The aim of the Chair Recertification course is to enable Chairs whose certification expires to gain re-certification and for potential new Chairs to gain endorsement. Develop the skills and behaviours required of a Chair, also share your experiences and gain knowledge from other Chairs.

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Introduction to the RMA

Introduction to the RMA

3.5 hours

$330.00 excl. GST

This online course is designed for those who have little or no knowledge of the Resource Management Act (RMA). The course is also suited to those who are looking to do the Making Good Decisions Foundation course and are looking for a bridging course.

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Please note:  We are able to run Making Good Decisions courses in any location provided minimum participant numbers are met.  Please contact op.etc@wsp.com for more information.