Resource consents

The Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) sets guidelines for the use of New Zealand's natural and physical resources, in both the urban and rural environment.

Local authorities (ie, district, city and regional councils) are required to implement the RMA and oversee its day to day running. The main way we do this is by drawing up district and regional plans - documents that interpret the objectives of the RMA and translate these into actual rules and laws that apply within specific districts and regions.

Permission must be obtained to carry out activities that are restricted or controlled by the rules set out in the district plan. This is done by applying for a resource consent.

When a resource consent is needed - Here you will find information to help you decide whether you need a resource consent or not.
Resource consent process - An overview of the consent process.
Applying for a consent - Details on making an application for resource consent and application forms, including fees and deposits
Fees and deposits - Find out what deposit amount you should include with your application
Streamlined application process - Find out how you can have your resource consent application processed faster.
Being an affected person - Find out how you can have your say on a resource consent application that affects you.
Notified and non-notified consents - Check out information about public notification.
Monitoring resource consents - Find out how we ensure that resource consent holders fulfil the conditions of their consent.
Environmental fines - Details about fines and when they might be issued.
Resource consent submissions - Find out how to make a submission on a publicly notified resource consent and what happens to submissions.
Resource consent hearings - Information about the resource consent hearings process.

Updated January 2008