# Water take consents expiring in 2026

_Around 480 water take consents in the Bay of Plenty will expire on 1 October 2026._

Water-take consents granted before the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) came into effect reached the end of their maximum 35-year term on 1 October 2026. Under the [Resource Management (Duration of Consents) Amendment Act](https://environment.govt.nz/acts-and-regulations/acts/resource-management-duration-of-consents-amendment-act/), these consents cannot be extended beyond a total duration of 35 years.

Most affected consent holders have either applied for a replacement consent or advised they no longer require one.

If a replacement consent application was lodged before the expiry date, eligible consent holders may be able to continue operating under their existing consent in accordance with section 124 of the RMA while their application is being processed.

You can view the details of any resource consent, including the expiry date, on our [Consents mapping tool](https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/879b07cc3295442b9e51860cf4cffca2 "Consents mapping tool").

## Resource management reforms

The Government has replaced the Resource Management Act (RMA) with the Natural Environment Act and Planning Act. The new resource management system will be introduced over several years.

During the transition period, existing resource consent processes, regional plans and consent conditions remain in effect. If you need a resource consent, please continue to follow the current application process.

For more information about the reforms and the future resource management system, visit the [Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport website.](https://www.planning.govt.nz/ "Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport website.")

### Do I still need a consent?

Not every water take requires a resource consent. If your water use complies with the permitted activity rules in the [Regional Natural Resources Plan (RNRP)](https://atlas.boprc.govt.nz/api/v1/edms/document/A4378109/content), you may be able to continue taking water without a consent.

The permitted activity limits allow:

- Surface water (streams and rivers):

    - Up to 15m³ per day per property.
    - A maximum take rate of 2.5 litres per second or 10% of the five-year low flow (Q5 7-day low flow), whichever is lower.
    - Additional conditions apply under [Rule 41 of the RNRP](https://atlas.boprc.govt.nz/api/v1/edms/document/A4378109/content)

- Groundwater:

    - Up to 35m³ per day per property.
    - Additional conditions apply under [Rule 38 of the RNRP](https://atlas.boprc.govt.nz/api/v1/edms/document/A4378109/content)

- Geothermal water:

    - Most geothermal water takes require a resource consent.
    - The take and use of geothermal fluid is covered by provisions in the Geothermal Resources section of this regional plane (refer to [Rule GR R2 of the RNRP),](https://atlas.boprc.govt.nz/api/v1/edms/document/A4378104/content) and [Rotorua Geothermal Regional Plan](https://atlas.boprc.govt.nz/api/v1/edms/document/A662484/content) (for activities in the Rotorua Field).

If you're unsure whether your activity is permitted or whether you still require a consent, contact our Duty Consents Officer on 0800 884 881 or email consents.queries@boprc.govt.nz.

### Applying for a new consent  

If your water take exceeds the permitted activity limits, you must obtain a resource consent before taking water. Applications are assessed against the current regulatory framework and will require technical information about the proposed water take, its effects on the environment, and the efficiency of water use.

We recommend discussing your proposal with Council staff before lodging an application.

[Learn more about preparing & lodging your application](https://www.boprc.govt.nz/environment/resource-consents/applying-for-resource-consent/consult-prepare-and-lodge-your-application/ "Consult, prepare and lodge your application")

### Infrastructure requirements

Many consent holders will need to upgrade their infrastructure to meet current regulations. Upgrades may include:

- A verified water meter to measure water use.
- A telemetry system to transmit water-use data to Regional Council.
- A concrete apron around bore casings to prevent contamination.
- A backflow prevention device where fertigation is used.

## Future changes to freshwater rules 

The Government is progressing reforms to New Zealand's resource management system, including changes to national freshwater direction. In response, Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council has paused work on proposed freshwater plan changes while awaiting further direction from central government.

Any future changes to freshwater management in the Bay of Plenty will be guided by the Natural Environment Act, Planning Act and national policy requirements.

[Learn more about freshwater management and planning in the Bay of Plenty](https://www.boprc.govt.nz/environment/fresh-water/updating-regional-fresh-water-rules/ "Updating regional fresh water rules")