S+SNZ Planning & Resource Management study guide
S+SNZ Planning & Resource Management · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The S+SNZ Planning & Resource Management examination is a professional assessment for surveyors and spatial professionals in Aotearoa New Zealand who work at the interface between surveying and the resource management system. It suits candidates who already understand cadastral and spatial practice and now need to demonstrate competence in the planning framework: the Resource Management Act and its amendments, consenting pathways, plan development, subdivision and development controls, engagement with tangata whenua, and professional obligations. The S+SNZ Planning & Resource Management study guide has 8 sections and about 2,734 words.
01Statutory Framework for Planning and Resource Management
This domain tests the statutory skeleton under planning and resource management in New Zealand: the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA), Local Government Act 2002, Cadastral Survey Act 2002, Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014, Reserves Act 1977 and related instruments. Expect questions on hierarchy, statutory purpose and who exercises which function.
376 words, about 2 min02Resource Consent Processes and Assessment
This domain tests the end-to-end resource consent process: activity classification, application content, notification, assessment, conditions, duration, review and appeal. Questions often turn on the non-complying gateway and on whether effects are adequately addressed.
364 words, about 2 min03District and Regional Plan Preparation and Review
This domain tests how policy statements and plans are prepared, changed, reviewed and given effect. Expect the RMA Schedule 1 sequence, the hierarchy of planning instruments, and the weight to be given to proposed versus operative provisions.
376 words, about 2 min04Surveying and Spatial Information in Planning
This domain tests the cadastral survey and spatial information system that underpins planning. Expect the Cadastral Survey Act 2002, the role of the Surveyor-General, the Cadastral Survey Rules 2021, Landonline, the cadastral survey dataset (CSD), geodesy and the use of GIS in plan analysis.
337 words, about 2 min05Land Use, Subdivision, and Development Controls
This domain tests subdivision and land-use controls, including the subdivision consent process, conditions, esplanade reserves, development contributions, cross leases and unit titles. Subdivision is a separate activity under s 87AA(2) and needs a subdivision consent even if the land use is already permitted.
334 words, about 2 min06Consultation, Engagement, and Tangata Whenua Matters
This domain tests consultation and engagement, including Treaty of Waitangi obligations, tangata whenua participation, iwi and hapū engagement, and the quality of consultation evidence. RMA ss 6(e), 7(a) and 8 require decision-makers to recognise and provide for the relationship of Māori with ancestral lands, water, sites, wāhi tapu and other taonga; have particular regard to kaitiakitanga; and take into account the principles of the Treaty.
328 words, about 2 min07Environment, Heritage, and Natural Hazard Management
This domain tests the management of natural hazards, heritage and the environment through planning instruments and consent conditions. Expect RMA s 6, the NZ Coastal Policy Statement, national environmental standards, heritage orders and the HNZPT Act.
324 words, about 2 min08Professional Ethics, Standards, and Practice Management
This domain tests professional conduct and practice management for planners and surveyors: ethics, competence, conflicts of interest, quality assurance, records and continuing professional development. The S+SNZ code of ethics expects honesty, integrity, competence, confidentiality, respect for the Treaty of Waitangi and compliance with the law.
295 words, about 1 min