Directions hearing/mediation conference

A directions hearing is normally held by the Tribunal approximately 2 weeks after the notice of appeal is lodged.

What to bring

You must bring with you to the directions hearing 5 copies of a list, in summary form, of the issues you wish to raise. You will be asked if you have a copy of the Practice Directions of the Resource Management and Planning Appeals Tribunal. You should bring a copy with you.

Download RMPAT Practice Directions  [307.5kb | 22 pages]

This document is in Microsoft Word format. Please contact us if you have difficulty with viewing or printing the document.

The directions hearing (Practice Direction 6)

• At the directions hearing the Tribunal makes directions as to the following matters.
• • Applications to be joined as a party.
  • The issues which may be raised in the appeal.
• Directions are given as to mediation - whether, when and where a mediation conference (see below) will be held.
• The date, time and place for the final hearing of the appeal are set.
• Directions are given to the parties to put their evidence in writing, and to give copies of that evidence to the other parties and to the Tribunal.
• Directions are given to provide documents or other information to the Tribunal and to each other party.

Mediation (Practice Direction 7)

The Tribunal provides expert and experienced mediators to help the parties resolve the differences between them as far as possible.

Most appeals to the Tribunal are resolved by mediation. Only a minority go to a hearing.

A mediation conference held by the Tribunal’s mediators is confidential.

The Tribunal is not allowed to know what is said at a mediation conference.

Contested appeal hearings

Enforcement orders