Community Engagement for New Wireless Telecommunications Facilities

Background

Community engagement on new wireless telecommunications facilities is governed by the Resource Management Act (RMA) and the relevant district plans of local authorities.  However, there is an expectation from some communities and local authorities that additional engagement should be carried out, even when it is not required under the district plan e.g. when a new wireless telecommunications facility is a permitted activity.  A gap was identified between what level of community engagement is prescribed through RMA processes and where the real expectations of communities and local authorities may lie. 

While some wireless network operators have established practices in relation to community engagement for new wireless telecommunications facilities, there is no uniformity in how such engagement is undertaken, or clearly stated standards as to when it is required and what information should be made available. By developing a set of consistent standards it allows the industry to set clear expectations with communities, Councils and Central Government in setting out how wireless operators will approach these issues, notwithstanding any obligations and rights they currently have under the RMA and the relevant district plan rules.

A set of Community Engagement Guidelines have been developed by the TCF to help wireless network operators standardise their approach to engaging with these communities, and assist with addressing these concerns through the timely provision of information regarding the location of wireless facilities.

Community Engagement Guidelines

The Community Engagement Guidelines were endorsed by the TCF Board on 6 November 2009. The purpose of these Guidelines are to:

1. Standardise and enhance the approach taken by wireless network operators when engaging with those members of the public that live in areas that are zoned and occupied for primarily residential purposes, and managers of public facilities, that are adjacent or near the location of new or upgraded wireless facilities.
2. Ensure that the public are provided with accurate information regarding wireless facilities.
3. Assist wireless network operators to communicate effectively with interested parties regarding the location of new or upgraded wireless facilities.

Key Points about the Guidelines

These Guidelines cover:

1. Those circumstances in which wireless network operators should engage with members of the public;
2. The nature and form of that engagement; and
3. The timing of such engagement.

These Guidelines do not:

1. Replace or supersede any requirement for engagement that wireless network operators may have as a result of the provisions of any Council District Plan, the Resource Management Act, or the National Environmental Standards.
2. Require any changes to, or cessation of, the construction of any wireless facility as a result of community engagement, though a wireless network operator may decide to do so, at their discretion.  

Over 50 submissions were received on the draft Guidelines. Below is a summary of the key themes raised in these submissions, how the TCF responded to these, and what changes were made to the Guidelines as a result.