One Plan Hearings Panel appointed

At today’s Horizons Regional Council meeting, Council approved the appointment of three hearing panel commissioners to hear, consider, report, and make recommendations on submissions to Council for the Proposed Plan Change 2.

Brent Cowie, David McMahon, and Elizabeth Burge will each be an independent commissioner, with Mr Cowie appointed as chair, for the hearings that are likely to be held in April 2020. 
 
Horizons strategy and regulation group manager Dr Nic Peet says a long list of potential candidates was worked through to ensure the successful panel included the legal, science, and iwi skills, experience and technical expertise required for a complex plan change.
 
“Each of the panel members brings experience in hearing panel membership, and has a good understanding of fresh water issues,” says Dr Peet.
 
“Mr Cowie also has familiarity with parts of the One Plan.
 
“Council will delegate all powers, functions and duties for the Hearing Panel to hear, consider and make recommendations on submissions and further submissions on Plan Change 2. 
 
“The Hearing Panel, once it has heard submissions, will prepare a report detailing their recommendations that will then be considered by Council.”