Resource consents help sustainably manage and protect our natural environment and resources.  

The purpose of a resource consent is to put controls around activities that may have an effect on the environment. Consent must meet the requirements of:

As part of this work we provide advice and information to resource users and participate in consent decision appeals and objections to provide a regional perspective on acceptable environmental outcomes.

You need to apply for a resource consent if you wish to do something that is not permitted by district or regional plans or wish to use significant amounts of water. Read more about the consenting rules on water take.

Finding consents across the region

Use our consents mapping tool to locate consents across the Bay of Plenty and watch our guidance videos on the available functions.

Pages in this section

The consent process

Find out what activities need a resource consent, what it will cost to get one and what happens when one expires.

Understanding resource consents and the process

Find out what application form you need to apply for a resource consent for your activity, access guidelines to help you through the process and where you can create a map. 

Consent forms and maps

Find out what application form you need to apply for a resource consent for your activity, access guidelines to help you through the process and where you can create a map. 

Assessing effects

Find out how to carry out an assessment of cultural effects in preparation for a resource consent application.

Consultation

Consultation will generally help smooth the processing of a resource consent application. Time spent on consultation before your application is lodged can mean considerable savings by avoiding lengthy and costly pre-hearings, hearings and appeals.

Engaging with tangata whenua

Find out how to carry out an assessment of cultural effects in preparation for a resource consent application.

Notifications

Read about resource consents applications that are currently and have been recently notified.

Submissions and hearings

A submission is a written statement of support or opposition to an advertised consent application. The RMA is designed to ensure that there is opportunity for the public (or directly affected parties for limited notified applications) to participate in the management of our resources.

Consents monitoring

We have an obligation to monitor resource consents which have an effect on the environment and take appropriate action where necessary.

Consent and compliance

We work with the community to promote the sustainable management of natural physical resources.

Damming and diversion of water

Damming and diversion of water in any waterbody or stormwater flowpaths or any alternation to an existing dam, may require a resource consent.

Consent reference flow table

Use the Reference Flow table to find reference flows for water takes or discharge that are related to conditions in a consent you hold.