Resource Consent Information

A resource consent is the formal approval issued by us that allows you to carry out an activity that has an impact on the environment or could affect other people. Approval is given under the Resource Management Act 1991 when a proposed building or activity doesn't comply with the relevant rules in our District Plan.

There are two types of resource consents administered by the Council: Land Use Consents and Subdivision Consents.

In addition there is a certification regime administered by Council for Boundary Activities.

Other application types such as coastal, water or discharge permits are processed by Waikato Regional Council.
Waikato Regional Council

More information
Ministry for the Environment - Everyday guide to Getting in on the Act

Land use Consent

A Land use Consent is required when you have a proposal to carry out an activity, or construct a building in a way that is not permitted by the District Plan. There are two options - either to comply with the planning standards by amending your proposal, or you may choose to apply for a resource consent.

Subdivision Consent

A Subdivision Consent is required for any subdivision of land, including cross-leases and unit titles. See Subdivisions

If you are considering subdividing or want to know if it is possible on a particular piece of land, it is best to contact a Planning Officer at Council to discuss the proposal. They can give you an indication of the rules in the District Plan that apply to your situation.

Objecting to Council

A consent applicant may object under section 357A of the Resource Management Act, provided:

• the application was not publicly notified
• if there were submissions, they were later withdrawn
• if the application was publicly notified or served on your immediate neighbour/s, no submissions were received.

You can also object under section 357B of the Resource Management Act if we ask you to pay additional processing charges or costs after the decision has been made.

You need to send your objection to us in writing within 15 working days from the date you received the decision.

In your objection, you should include the reasons for the objection.

The objection process will follow these steps:

• We will consider your objection as soon as practicable and within 20 working days for section 357A objections.
• The objection may be dismissed or upheld, either in whole or part. We will give you a decision on your objection in writing within 15 working days of the hearing.
• A planner from the council will consider the objection and discuss it with you. Where resolution cannot be reached, our planner will prepare a report on your objection, summarising the matters that have been raised, and provide a recommendation to either uphold or dismiss your objection.
• A hearing will be held to consider the objection, and we will appoint independent commissioners to determine the objection. You will get a copy of our planner's recommendation report and at least five working days notice of the date, time and place of the hearing.

If you are dissatisfied with the council's decision on your objection, you may appeal to the Environment Court within 15 working days of the date you received the objection decision.

Appeals to the Environment Court

Appeals to the Environment Court can be made by:

• the applicant or consent holder
• anyone who made a submission.

You need to make your appeal on the prescribed form and pay a filing fee. To find out more, visit the Environment Court website.

You need to lodge your appeal to the Environment Court and send us a copy of your notice of appeal within 15 working days of receiving the decision.

You also need to send a copy of your notice of appeal to every person who made a submission on the application.

National Environmental Standards Checklist
Written Approval for Deemed Permitted Boundary Activity
Affected Persons Approval form
Application for New Road Name
Application for Right of Way Approval
Notification of Earthworks form
Submission form for Resource Consent

New Zealand Planning Institutes Online Consultants Directory