Welcome to the Andrew.Stewart May Newsletter. It’s a funny time of year. The business  financial year has started, council's financial year is ending, it's nearly the middle of the calendar year, and the short days of winter approach. There is heated debate raging across the country about mining and the future of our crown owned conservation land, and it is a time of radical change for Auckland.

In the midst of this, a lot has been happening at the coal face of Andrew.Stewart Ltd, with a new senior team member, Environment Court wins, and some exciting new prospects.  

On a more aesthetic note, you may notice a change to the look of our newsletter, we are going to be trialling two new formats, please let us know what you think.  

Sustainable Stormwater

In addition to the work that Carbon Group are undertaking to develop a carbon management strategy (Featured in our July '09 Newsletter), Auckland City Council continue look for ways to further implement sustainable design. 

In support of this initiative, we have recently assessed the environmental impact of using recycled crushed glass as a pipe bedding material.  The assessment was based on a comprehensive suite of analytical results obtained from water extracts, to simulate the rainfall leaching process. A range of other aggregates (greywacke, basalt, crushed concrete) were comparatively investigated as well.

The good news is the results show recycled crushed glass can be safely used as a pipe bedding material where quarried materials are traditionally used. This is particularly relevant in light of the current debate over the need to mine our natural resources. For more information, click here.

Councils Held Accountable

One of the most anticipated outcomes of Phase 1 RMA  amendments has at last been finalised. 

From 1 July Councils will have to discount their resource consent processing fees by 1% per working day (up to a maximum of 50%), if they do not meet processing timeframes. Further details on the statutory requirements and processing timeframes can found here.

As a result we can expect to see Councils get much tougher on accepting applications for processing if they are not up to the required standard.  This will increase the drive to use professional and experienced planners, which will save time and frustration in the long run.

Regardless of the penalties, we also work with our clients to challenge unreasonably high processing fees. For assistance with any resource consent applications, or for advice on Council processing costs, contact ASL.