Call In Powers

Where an application is likely to have significant cultural, economic, environmental, ethical, health, international or spiritual effects or significant effects in an area in which the EPA lacks sufficient knowledge or experience, the Minister for the Environment may “call in” the application. 2359

The Minister may also appoint any person(s) with relevant knowledge or experience to sit with the EPA to determine the application. 2360  The EPA must undertake a hearing in the standard manner. 2361  On completion of the inquiry, the EPA must submit a written report setting out recommendations and reasons to the Minister. 2362  The Minister, having regard to the report and recommendations prepared by the EPA and the reasons for calling in the application, then issues a written decision and reasons. 2363

Unlike a similar provision under the RMA 2364 , widespread public interest or concern is not a ground for exercising the call in power. 2365

  1. Section 68(1) Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996

  2. Section 70 Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996

  3. Section 71 Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996

  4. Section 72 Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996

  5. Section 73 Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996

  6. Section 140 RMA

  7. Mothers Against Genetic Engineering Inc v Minister for the Environment (HC Auckland, CIV-2003-404-673, 7 July 2003)

Last updated at 12:22PM on February 25, 2015