Introduction to resource consents
A resource consent is a permit for an activity that might affect the environment, and isn’t classed as a permitted activity under a regional or district plan.
Resource consents help sustainably manage and protect the natural environment and resources of our beautiful region. The purpose of a resource consent is to put controls around activities that might have an effect on the environment.
There are five main activity types when it comes to resource consents:
Types of resource consent | Example | Responsible authority |
Land use consent | Major earthworks | Regional Council |
Constructing a building close to your neighbour | City/District Council | |
Water consent | Taking water for irrigation | Regional Council |
Discharge consent | Discharging stormwater into a water body | Regional Council |
Coastal consent | Building a wharf on the coast below the mean high-water springs mark | Regional Council |
Subdivision consent | Dividing the property into two or more new titles | City/District Council |
Legislation, plans and policies
A resource consent must meet the requirements of:
The Government has replaced the Resource Management Act (RMA) with the Natural Environment Act and Planning Act. The new system will be introduced over several years.
While we transition to the new planning system, existing resource consent processes, regional plans and consent conditions remain in place. If you need a resource consent, please continue to follow the current process outlined here.
For information about the Government's reforms and the future resource management system, visit the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport website.