Resource Management Act 1991
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Version as at 1 July 2026
Resource Management Act 1991
Public Act |
1991 No 69 |
|
Date of assent |
22 July 1991 |
|
Commencement |
see section 1(2) |
Note
The Parliamentary Counsel Office has made editorial and format changes to this version using the powers under subpart 2 of Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019.
Note 4 at the end of this version provides a list of the amendments included in it.
This Act is administered by the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions, and Transport.
Contents
An Act to restate and reform the law relating to the use of land, air, and water
1 Short Title and commencement
(1)
This Act may be cited as the Resource Management Act 1991.
(2)
Except as provided in subsection (3), this Act shall come into force on 1 October 1991.
(3)
[Repealed]Section 1(3): repealed, on 2 July 2001, by section 149 of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 (1996 No 30).
Part 1 Interpretation and application
2 Interpretation
(1)
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—
abatement notice means a notice served under section 322
access strip means a strip of land created by the registration of an easement in accordance with section 237B for the purpose of allowing public access to or along any river, or lake, or the coast, or to any esplanade reserve, esplanade strip, other reserve, or land owned by the local authority or by the Crown (but excluding all land held for a public work except land held, administered, or managed under the Conservation Act 1987 and the Acts named in Schedule 1 of that Act)
accommodated activity has the meaning given in section 9(1) of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011
accredited means to hold a qualification approved and notified under section 39A
adverse effects assessment means an assessment carried out—
(a)
by the Minister of Conservation under Part 1 of Schedule 12; or
(b)
by a regional council under section 17B(1)(a), in accordance with Part 2 of Schedule 12
adverse effects report means a written report prepared—
(a)
by the Minister of Conservation in accordance with Part 1 of Schedule 12; or
(b)
by a regional council under section 17B(1)(b), in accordance with Part 2 of Schedule 12
agent or agent of the ship, in relation to a ship, means—
(a)
any agent in New Zealand of the owner of the ship; or
(b)
any agent of the ship
agreement has the meaning given in section 9(1) of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011
aircraft means any machine that can derive support in the atmosphere from the reactions of the air otherwise than by reactions of the air against the surface of the earth
airport means any defined area of land or water intended or designed to be used, whether wholly or partly, for the landing, departure, movement, or servicing of aircraft
allotment has the meaning set out in section 218
amenity values means those natural or physical qualities and characteristics of an area that contribute to people’s appreciation of its pleasantness, aesthetic coherence, and cultural and recreational attributes
applicant,—
(a)
in sections 37A, 40, 41B, 41C, and 42A means—
(i)
for the purposes of a review of consent conditions, the consent holder; or
(ii)
for any matter described in section 39(1) except for section 39(1)(c), the person who initiates the matter:
(b)
in section 96, means the person who—
(i)
initiates a matter described in section 39(1)(b) or (d); or
(ii)
holds a resource consent referred to in section 39(1)(c); or
(iii)
initiates a requirement for a designation:
(c)
in Part 6AA, has the meaning given in section 141
aquaculture activities—
(a)
means any activity described in section 12 done for the purpose of the breeding, hatching, cultivating, rearing, or ongrowing of fish, aquatic life, or seaweed for harvest if the breeding, hatching, cultivating, rearing, or ongrowing involves the occupation of a coastal marine area; and
(b)
includes the taking of harvestable spat if the taking involves the occupation of a coastal marine area; but
(c)
does not include an activity specified in paragraph (a) if the fish, aquatic life, or seaweed—
(i)
are not in the exclusive and continuous possession or control of the person undertaking the activity; or
(ii)
cannot be distinguished or kept separate from naturally occurring fish, aquatic life, or seaweed; and
(d)
does not include an activity specified in paragraph (a) or (b) if the activity is carried out solely for the purpose of monitoring the environment
aquatic life has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996
bed means,—
(a)
in relation to any river—
(i)
for the purposes of esplanade reserves, esplanade strips, and subdivision, the space of land which the waters of the river cover at its annual fullest flow without overtopping its banks:
(ii)
in all other cases, the space of land which the waters of the river cover at its fullest flow without overtopping its banks; and
(b)
in relation to any lake, except a lake controlled by artificial means,—
(i)
for the purposes of esplanade reserves, esplanade strips, and subdivision, the space of land which the waters of the lake cover at its annual highest level without exceeding its margin:
(ii)
in all other cases, the space of land which the waters of the lake cover at its highest level without exceeding its margin; and
(c)
in relation to any lake controlled by artificial means, the space of land which the waters of the lake cover at its maximum permitted operating level; and
(d)
in relation to the sea, the submarine areas covered by the internal waters and the territorial sea
benefits and costs includes benefits and costs of any kind, whether monetary or non-monetary
best practicable option, in relation to a discharge of a contaminant or an emission of noise, means the best method for preventing or minimising the adverse effects on the environment having regard, among other things, to—
(a)
the nature of the discharge or emission and the sensitivity of the receiving environment to adverse effects; and
(b)
the financial implications, and the effects on the environment, of that option when compared with other options; and
(c)
the current state of technical knowledge and the likelihood that the option can be successfully applied
biological diversity means the variability among living organisms, and the ecological complexes of which they are a part, including diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems
boundary activity and boundary rule have the meanings given in section 87AAB
certificate of compliance means a certificate granted by a consent authority or the Environmental Protection Authority under section 139
change has the meaning given in section 43AA
Chief Freshwater Commissioner means the Chief Freshwater Commissioner appointed under clause 65(3) of Schedule 1
climate change means a change of climate that is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and that is in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable time periods
coastal marine area means the foreshore, seabed, and coastal water, and the air space above the water—
(a)
of which the seaward boundary is the outer limits of the territorial sea:
(b)
of which the landward boundary is the line of mean high water springs, except that where that line crosses a river, the landward boundary at that point shall be whichever is the lesser of—
(i)
1 kilometre upstream from the mouth of the river; or
(ii)
the point upstream that is calculated by multiplying the width of the river mouth by 5
coastal permit has the meaning set out in section 87(c)
coastal water means seawater within the outer limits of the territorial sea and includes—
(a)
seawater with a substantial fresh water component; and
(b)
seawater in estuaries, fiords, inlets, harbours, or embayments
combined document means any instrument for which section 80 makes provision
commercial fishing has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996
common marine and coastal area has the meaning given in section 9(1) of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011
company lease means a lease or licence or other right of occupation of any building or part of any building on, or to be erected on, any land—
(a)
that is granted by a company owning an estate or interest in the land; and
(b)
that is held by a person by virtue of being a shareholder in the company,—
and includes a licence within the meaning of section 122 of the Land Transfer Act 2017
completion certificate means a certificate issued under section 222
conditions, in relation to plans and resource consents, includes terms, standards, restrictions, and prohibitions
consent authority means a regional council, a territorial authority, or a local authority that is both a regional council and a territorial authority, whose permission is required to carry out an activity for which a resource consent is required under this Act
consent notice means a notice issued under section 221
constable has the meaning given in section 4 of the Policing Act 2008
contaminant includes any substance (including gases, odorous compounds, liquids, solids, and micro-organisms) or energy (excluding noise) or heat, that either by itself or in combination with the same, similar, or other substances, energy, or heat—
(a)
when discharged into water, changes or is likely to change the physical, chemical, or biological condition of water; or
(b)
when discharged onto or into land or into air, changes or is likely to change the physical, chemical, or biological condition of the land or air onto or into which it is discharged
contaminated land means land that has a hazardous substance in or on it that—
(a)
has significant adverse effects on the environment; or
(b)
is reasonably likely to have significant adverse effects on the environment
contravene includes fail to comply with
controlled activity means an activity described in section 87A(2)
cross lease means a lease of any building or part of any building on, or to be erected on, any land—
(a)
that is granted by any owner of the land; and
(b)
that is held by a person who has an estate or interest in an undivided share in the land
Crown organisation has the same meaning as in section 4 of the Crown Organisations (Criminal Liability) Act 2002
customary marine title area has the meaning given in section 9(1) of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011
customary marine title group has the meaning given in section 9(1) of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011
customary marine title order has the meaning given in section 9(1) of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011
designation has the meaning set out in section 166
determination has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996
development capacity has the meaning given in section 30(5)
Director of Maritime New Zealand or Director means the person for the time being holding the office of Director of Maritime New Zealand under section 439 of the Maritime Transport Act 1994
discharge includes emit, deposit, and allow to escape
discharge permit has the meaning set out in section 87(e)
discretionary activity means an activity described in section 87A(4)
district, in relation to a territorial authority,—
(a)
means the district of the territorial authority as defined in accordance with the Local Government Act 2002 but, except as provided in paragraph (b), does not include any area in the coastal marine area:
(b)
includes, for the purposes of section 89, any area in the coastal marine area
district plan has the meaning given in section 43AA
district rule has the meaning given in section 43AAB
dumping means,—
(a)
in relation to waste or other matter, its deliberate disposal; and
(b)
in relation to a ship, an aircraft, or an offshore installation, its deliberate disposal or abandonment;—
but does not include the disposal of waste or other matter incidental to, or derived from, the normal operations of a ship, aircraft, or offshore installation, if those operations are prescribed as the normal operations of a ship, aircraft, or offshore installation, or if the purpose of those operations does not include the disposal, or the treatment or transportation for disposal, of that waste or other matter; and to dump and dumped have corresponding meanings
dwellinghouse means any building, whether permanent or temporary, that is occupied, in whole or in part, as a residence; and includes any structure or outdoor living area that is accessory to, and used wholly or principally for the purposes of, the residence; but does not include the land upon which the residence is sited
electricity distribution network means any part of the electricity network that is controlled by a person or body who is both an electricity distributor and an electricity operator as those terms are defined in section 2 of the Electricity Act 1992
electricity network—
(a)
means the electricity transmission network and the electricity distribution network; and
(b)
includes—
(i)
a facility needed for the operation, maintenance, or upgrade of either of those networks; or
(ii)
a supporting and subsidiary activity in relation to either of those networks
electricity transmission network means all parts of the national grid of transmission lines and cables (aerial, underground, and submarine, including the high-voltage direct current link), stations, and sub-stations and other works used to connect grid injection points and grid exit points to convey electricity
employee includes,—
(a)
in relation to a Crown organisation, the chief executive or principal officer (however described) of the organisation; and
(b)
in relation to the New Zealand Defence Force, a member of the Armed Forces (as defined in section 2(1) of the Defence Act 1990)
enforcement officer,—
(a)
in sections 327, 328, and 333, means an enforcement officer authorised under section 38; and
(b)
in the rest of this Act, means an enforcement officer authorised under section 38 or 343I
enforcement order means an order made under section 319 for any of the purposes set out in section 314; and includes an interim enforcement order made under section 320
environment includes—
(a)
ecosystems and their constituent parts, including people and communities; and
(b)
all natural and physical resources; and
(c)
amenity values; and
(d)
the social, economic, aesthetic, and cultural conditions which affect the matters stated in paragraphs (a) to (c) or which are affected by those matters
Environment Court and court means the Environment Court referred to in section 247
Environmental Protection Authority or EPA means the Environmental Protection Authority established by section 7 of the Environmental Protection Authority Act 2011
equivalent zone means the zone in a district plan that is the nearest equivalent zone to the zone described in standard 8 (zone framework standard) of the national planning standards that would apply if those standards had been implemented
esplanade reserve means a reserve within the meaning of the Reserves Act 1977—
(a)
which is either—
(i)
a local purpose reserve within the meaning of section 23 of that Act, if vested in the territorial authority under section 239; or
(ii)
a reserve vested in the Crown or a regional council under section 237D; and
(b)
which is vested in the territorial authority, regional council, or the Crown for a purpose or purposes set out in section 229
esplanade strip means a strip of land created by the registration of an instrument in accordance with section 232 for a purpose or purposes set out in section 229
excessive noise has the meaning set out in section 326
existing use certificate means a certificate issued under section 139A
exploration has the same meaning as in the Crown Minerals Act 1991
fast-track application has the meaning given in section 87AAC
fish has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996
fisheries resources has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996
fishing has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996
foreshore means any land covered and uncovered by the flow and ebb of the tide at mean spring tides and, in relation to any such land that forms part of the bed of a river, does not include any area that is not part of the coastal marine area
freshwater or fresh water means all water except coastal water and geothermal water
freshwater commissioner means a person appointed by the Minister under clause 65 of Schedule 1
freshwater hearings panel means a panel convened under clause 38 of Schedule 1
freshwater planning instrument has the meaning given to it by section 80A(2) and (8)
geothermal energy means energy derived or derivable from and produced within the earth by natural heat phenomena; and includes all geothermal water
geothermal water means water heated within the earth by natural phenomena to a temperature of 30 degrees Celsius or more; and includes all steam, water, and water vapour, and every mixture of all or any of them that has been heated by natural phenomena
greenhouse gas has the meaning given to it in section 4(1) of the Climate Change Response Act 2002
harmful substance means any substance prescribed by regulations as a harmful substance for the purposes of this definition
harvestable spat has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996
hazardous substance includes, but is not limited to, any substance defined in section 2 of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 as a hazardous substance
heritage order has the meaning set out in section 187
heritage protection authority has the meaning set out in section 187
historic heritage—
(a)
means those natural and physical resources that contribute to an understanding and appreciation of New Zealand’s history and cultures, deriving from any of the following qualities:
(i)
archaeological:
(ii)
architectural:
(iii)
cultural:
(iv)
historic:
(v)
scientific:
(vi)
technological; and
(b)
includes—
(i)
historic sites, structures, places, and areas; and
(ii)
archaeological sites; and
(iii)
sites of significance to Māori, including wāhi tapu; and
(iv)
surroundings associated with the natural and physical resources
incineration, in relation to waste or other matter, means its deliberate combustion for the purpose of its thermal destruction; and to incinerate and incinerated have corresponding meanings
industrial or trade premises means—
(a)
any premises used for any industrial or trade purposes; or
(b)
any premises used for the storage, transfer, treatment, or disposal of waste materials or for other waste-management purposes, or used for composting organic materials; or
(c)
any other premises from which a contaminant is discharged in connection with any industrial or trade process;—
but does not include any production land
industrial or trade process includes every part of a process from the receipt of raw material to the dispatch or use in another process or disposal of any product or waste material, and any intervening storage of the raw material, partly processed matter, or product
infrastructure means—
(a)
pipelines that distribute or transmit natural or manufactured gas, petroleum, biofuel, or geothermal energy:
(b)
a network for the purpose of telecommunication as defined in section 5 of the Telecommunications Act 2001:
(c)
a network for the purpose of radiocommunication as defined in section 2(1) of the Radiocommunications Act 1989:
(d)
facilities for the generation of electricity, lines used or intended to be used to convey electricity, and support structures for lines used or intended to be used to convey electricity, excluding facilities, lines, and support structures if a person—
(i)
uses them in connection with the generation of electricity for the person’s use; and
(ii)
does not use them to generate any electricity for supply to any other person:
(e)
a water supply distribution system, including a system for irrigation:
(f)
a drainage or sewerage system:
(g)
structures for transport on land by cycleways, rail, roads, walkways, or any other means:
(h)
facilities for the loading or unloading of cargo or passengers transported on land by any means:
(i)
an aerodrome as defined in section 5 of the Civil Aviation Act 2023:
(j)
a navigation installation as defined in section 5 of the Civil Aviation Act 2023:
(k)
facilities for the loading or unloading of cargo or passengers carried by sea, including a port related commercial undertaking as defined in section 2(1) of the Port Companies Act 1988:
(l)
anything described as a network utility operation in regulations made for the purposes of the definition of network utility operator in section 166
infrastructure design solution means an infrastructure design solution made under section 139C of the Water Services Act 2021
infringed boundary, in relation to a boundary activity, has the meaning given in section 87AAB
intensification planning instrument or IPI has the meaning set out in section 80E(1)
intensification streamlined planning process or ISPP means the planning process set out in subpart 5A of Part 5 and Part 6 of Schedule 1
interim enforcement order means an order made under section 320
internal waters has the same meaning as in section 4 of the Territorial Sea, Contiguous Zone, and Exclusive Economic Zone Act 1977
intrinsic values, in relation to ecosystems, means those aspects of ecosystems and their constituent parts which have value in their own right, including—
(a)
their biological and genetic diversity; and
(b)
the essential characteristics that determine an ecosystem’s integrity, form, functioning, and resilience
iwi authority means the authority which represents an iwi and which is recognised by that iwi as having authority to do so
iwi participation legislation has the meaning given in section 58L
joint management agreement means an agreement that—
(a)
is made by a local authority with 1 or more—
(i)
public authorities, as defined in paragraph (b) of the definition of public authority:
(ii)
iwi authorities or groups that represent hapu; and
(b)
provides for the parties to the joint management agreement jointly to perform or exercise any of the local authority’s functions, powers, or duties under this Act relating to a natural or physical resource; and
(c)
specifies the functions, powers, or duties; and
(d)
specifies the natural or physical resource; and
(e)
specifies whether the natural or physical resource is in the whole of the region or district or part of the region or district; and
(f)
may require the parties to the joint management agreement to perform or exercise a specified function, power, or duty together; and
(g)
if paragraph (f) applies, specifies how the parties to the joint management agreement are to make decisions; and
(h)
may specify any other terms or conditions relevant to the performance or exercise of the functions, powers, or duties, including but not limited to terms or conditions for liability and funding
kaitiakitanga means the exercise of guardianship by the tangata whenua of an area in accordance with tikanga Maori in relation to natural and physical resources; and includes the ethic of stewardship
lake means a body of fresh water which is entirely or nearly surrounded by land
land—
(a)
includes land covered by water and the airspace above land; and
(b)
in a national environmental standard dealing with a regional council function under section 30 or a regional rule, does not include the bed of a lake or river; and
(c)
in a national environmental standard dealing with a territorial authority function under section 31 or a district rule, includes the surface of water in a lake or river
land use consent has the meaning set out in section 87(a)
large lot residential zone means a zone listed as a large lot residential zone and described in standard 8 (zone framework standard) of the national planning standards (within the meaning of section 77F), or an equivalent zone
lawyer has the meaning given to it by section 6 of the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006
local authority means a regional council or territorial authority
local board has the same meaning as in section 5(1) of the Local Government Act 2002
long-lived infrastructure means—
(a)
pipelines that distribute or transmit natural or manufactured gas:
(b)
a network for the purpose of telecommunication as defined in section 5 of the Telecommunications Act 2001:
(c)
facilities for the generation of electricity:
(d)
any part of the electricity network:
(e)
structures, facilities, or infrastructure for transport by any means (for example, cycleways, walkways, roads, rail, bridges, or ports):
(f)
facilities for the loading or unloading of cargo or passengers transported by any means:
(g)
any infrastructure that regulations made under section 360 prescribe as long-lived infrastructure
maataitai means food resources from the sea and mahinga maataitai means the areas from which these resources are gathered
Mana Whakahono a Rohe means an iwi participation arrangement entered into under subpart 2 of Part 5
mana whenua means customary authority exercised by an iwi or hapu in an identified area
marine and coastal area has the meaning given in section 9(1) of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011
marine incineration facility has the same meaning as in section 257 of the Maritime Transport Act 1994
Maritime New Zealand means the authority continued by section 429 of the Maritime Transport Act 1994
master in relation to any ship, has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Maritime Transport Act 1994
medium density residential standards or MDRS means the requirements, conditions, and permissions set out in Schedule 3A
mineral has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Crown Minerals Act 1991
mining has the same meaning as in the Crown Minerals Act 1991
Minister means the Minister for the Environment
Minister of Aquaculture means the Minister who, under the authority of any warrant or under the authority of the Prime Minister, has overall responsibility for aquaculture
Minister of Fisheries has the same meaning as Minister in the Fisheries Act 1996
mouth, for the purpose of defining the landward boundary of the coastal marine area, means the mouth of the river either—
(a)
as agreed and set between the Minister of Conservation, the regional council, and the appropriate territorial authority in the period between consultation on, and notification of, the proposed regional coastal plan; or
(b)
as declared by the Environment Court under section 310 upon application made by the Minister of Conservation, the regional council, or the territorial authority prior to the plan becoming operative,—
and once so agreed and set or declared shall not be changed in accordance with Schedule 1 or otherwise varied, altered, questioned, or reviewed in any way until the next review of the regional coastal plan, unless the Minister of Conservation, the regional council, and the appropriate territorial authority agree
national environmental standard means a standard prescribed by regulations made under section 43
national grid has the meaning given in section 5 of the Electricity Industry Act 2010
national planning standard means any of the national planning standards approved under section 58E
national policy statement means a statement issued under section 52
National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 or NPSFM 2020 means the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 that was approved by the Governor-General under section 52(2) on 3 August 2020 and that came into effect on 3 September 2020
National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity 2023 or NPSIB 2023 means the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity 2023 that was approved by the Governor-General under section 52(2) on 31 May 2023 and that came into effect on 4 August 2023
National Policy Statement on Urban Development or NPS-UD means the National Policy Statement on Urban Development 2020—
(a)
that was approved by the Governor-General under section 52(2) on 20 July 2020 and that came into effect on 20 August 2020; and
(b)
as amended by section 77S(1)
natural and physical resources includes land, water, air, soil, minerals, and energy, all forms of plants and animals (whether native to New Zealand or introduced), and all structures
natural hazard means any atmospheric or earth or water related occurrence (including earthquake, tsunami, erosion, volcanic and geothermal activity, landslip, subsidence, sedimentation, wind, drought, fire, or flooding) the action of which adversely affects or may adversely affect human life, property, or other aspects of the environment
network utility operator has the meaning set out in section 166
new residential zone means an area proposed to become a relevant residential zone that is not shown in a district plan as a residential zone
New Zealand coastal policy statement means a statement issued under section 57
noise includes vibration
non-complying activity means an activity described in section 87A(5)
notice of decision means—
(a)
a copy of a decision on—
(i)
an application for a resource consent; or
(ii)
a requirement for a designation; or
(iii)
a provision of a policy statement or plan; or
(b)
a notice summarising a decision under paragraph (a)
occupier means—
(a)
the inhabitant occupier of any property; and
(b)
[Repealed](c)
for the purposes of section 16, in relation to any land (including any premises and any coastal marine area), includes any agent, employee, or other person acting or apparently acting in the general management or control of the land, or any plant or machinery on that land
occupy means the activity of occupying any part of the coastal marine area—
(a)
where the occupation is reasonably necessary for another activity; and
(b)
where it is to the exclusion of all or any class of persons who are not expressly allowed to occupy that part of the coastal marine area by a rule in a regional coastal plan and in any relevant proposed regional coastal plan or by a resource consent; and
(c)
for a period of time and in a way that, but for a rule in the regional coastal plan and in any relevant proposed regional coastal plan or the holding of a resource consent under this Act, a lease or licence to occupy that part of the coastal marine area would be necessary to give effect to the exclusion of other persons, whether in a physical or legal sense
offshore installation has the same meaning as in section 222(1) of the Maritime Transport Act 1994
oil transfer site has the same meaning as in section 281 of the Maritime Transport Act 1994
on-scene commander has the same meaning as in section 281 of the Maritime Transport Act 1994
open coastal water means coastal water that is remote from estuaries, fiords, inlets, harbours, and embayments
operative has the meaning given in section 43AA
owner,—
(a)
in relation to any land, means the person who is for the time being entitled to the rack rent of the land or who would be so entitled if the land were let to a tenant at a rack rent; and includes—
(i)
the owner of the fee simple of the land; and
(ii)
any person who has agreed in writing, whether conditionally or unconditionally, to purchase the land or any leasehold estate or interest in the land, or to take a lease of the land, while the agreement remains in force; and
(b)
in relation to any ship or offshore installation or oil transfer site, has the same meaning as in section 222(2) of the Maritime Transport Act 1994
permitted activity means an activity described in section 87A(1)
person includes the Crown, a corporation sole, and also a body of persons, whether corporate or unincorporate
plan has the meaning given in section 43AA
policy 3 means policy 3 in clause 2.2 of the NPS-UD, the text of which is set out in Schedule 3B
policy 4 means policy 4 in clause 2.2 of the NPS-UD, the text of which is set out in Schedule 3B
policy 5 means policy 5 in clause 2.2 of the NPS-UD, the text of which is set out in Schedule 3B
policy statement has the meaning given in section 43AA
prescribed means prescribed by regulations made under this Act
prescribed form means a form prescribed by regulations made under this Act and containing and having attached such information and documents as those regulations may require
private road has the same meaning as in section 315 of the Local Government Act 1974
private way has the same meaning as in section 315 of the Local Government Act 1974
production land—
(a)
means any land and auxiliary buildings used for the production (but not processing) of primary products (including agricultural, pastoral, horticultural, and forestry products):
(b)
does not include land or auxiliary buildings used or associated with prospecting, exploration, or mining for minerals,—
and production has a corresponding meaning
prohibited activity means an activity described in section 87A(6)
proposed plan has the meaning given in section 43AAC
proposed policy statement has the meaning given in section 43AA
prospecting has the same meaning as in the Crown Minerals Act 1991
protected customary right has the meaning given in section 9(1) of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011
protected customary rights area has the meaning given in section 9(1) of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011
protected customary rights group has the meaning given in section 9(1) of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011
protected customary rights order has the meaning given in section 9(1) of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011
public authority,—
(a)
in section 33, has the meaning given to it by section 33(2); and
(b)
in section 36B and the definition of joint management agreement, means—
(i)
a local authority; and
(ii)
a statutory body; and
(iii)
the Crown
public boundary has the meaning given in section 87AAB
public notice has the meaning given in section 2AB
public work has the same meaning as in the Public Works Act 1981, and includes any existing or proposed public reserve within the meaning of the Reserves Act 1977 and any national park purposes under the National Parks Act 1980
qualifying matter means a matter referred to in section 77I or 77O
raft means any moored floating platform which is not self-propelled; and includes platforms that provide buoyancy support for the surfaces on which fish or marine vegetation are cultivated or for any cage or other device used to contain or restrain fish or marine vegetation; but does not include booms situated on lakes subject to artificial control which have been installed to ensure the safe operation of electricity generating facilities
region, in relation to a regional council, means the region of the regional council as determined in accordance with the Local Government Act 2002
regional coastal plan has the meaning given in section 43AA
regional council—
(a)
has the same meaning as in section 5 of the Local Government Act 2002; and
(b)
includes a unitary authority within the meaning of that Act
regional plan has the meaning given in section 43AA
regional policy statement has the meaning given in section 43AA
regional rule has the meaning given in section 43AAB
regulations means regulations made under this Act
relevant residential zone—
(a)
means all residential zones; but
(b)
does not include—
(i)
a large lot residential zone:
(ii)
an area predominantly urban in character that the 2018 census recorded as having a resident population of less than 5,000, unless a local authority intends the area to become part of an urban environment:
(iii)
an offshore island:
(iv)
to avoid doubt, a settlement zone
renewable energy means energy produced from solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biomass, tidal, wave, and ocean current sources
requiring authority has the meaning set out in section 166
reservation has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996
residential unit—
(a)
means a building or part of a building that is used for a residential activity exclusively by 1 household; and
(b)
includes sleeping, cooking, bathing, and toilet facilities
residential zone means all residential zones listed and described in standard 8 (zone framework standard) of the national planning standard or an equivalent zone
resource consent has the meaning set out in section 87; and includes all conditions to which the consent is subject
restricted coastal activity means any discretionary activity or non-complying activity that, in accordance with section 68, is stated by a regional coastal plan to be a restricted coastal activity
restricted discretionary activity means an activity described in section 87A(3)
river means a continually or intermittently flowing body of fresh water; and includes a stream and modified watercourse; but does not include any artificial watercourse (including an irrigation canal, water supply race, canal for the supply of water for electricity power generation, and farm drainage canal)
RMA permission right means the right provided for a customary marine title group by sections 66 and 68 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011
road has the same meaning as in section 315 of the Local Government Act 1974; and includes a motorway as defined in section 2(1) of the Government Roading Powers Act 1989
rule has the meaning given in section 43AA
rule that controls fishing has the meaning given in section 2B
seaweed has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996
serve means serve in accordance with section 352 or section 353
settlement zone means a zone listed as a settlement zone and described in standard 8 (zone framework standard) of the national planning standards (within the meaning of section 77F), or an equivalent zone
ship has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Maritime Transport Act 1994
soil conservation means avoiding, remedying, or mitigating soil erosion and maintaining the physical, chemical, and biological qualities of soil
space, in relation to the coastal marine area, means any part of the foreshore, seabed, and coastal water, and the airspace above the water
special tribunal means a special tribunal appointed under section 202 to hear an application for a water conservation order
specified energy activity means—
(a)
the establishment, operation, maintenance, or upgrade of an activity that produces energy from solar, wind, geothermal, hydro, or biomass sources:
(b)
the establishment, operation, maintenance, or upgrade of any part of the electricity network:
(c)
the establishment, operation, maintenance, or upgrade of the storage or discharge of electricity:
(d)
the establishment, operation, maintenance, or upgrade of thermal electricity generation facilities:
(e)
a supporting and subsidiary activity in relation to an activity described in paragraphs (a) to (d)
specified territorial authority means any of the following:
(a)
every tier 1 territorial authority:
(b)
a tier 2 territorial authority that is required by regulations made under section 80I(1) to prepare and notify an IPI:
(c)
a tier 3 territorial authority that is required by regulations made under section 80K(1) to prepare and notify an IPI
State highway has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Government Roading Powers Act 1989
stormwater environmental performance standard means a stormwater environmental performance standard made under section 139A of the Water Services Act 2021
structure means any building, equipment, device, or other facility made by people and which is fixed to land; and includes any raft
subdivision consent has the meaning set out in section 87(b)
subdivision of land and subdivide land have the meanings set out in section 218
submission means a written or electronic submission
survey plan has the meaning set out in the following paragraphs, in which cadastral survey dataset has the same meaning as in section 4 of the Cadastral Survey Act 2002:
(a)
survey plan means—
(i)
a cadastral survey dataset of subdivision of land, or a building or part of a building, prepared in a form suitable for deposit under the Land Transfer Act 2017; and
(ii)
a cadastral survey dataset of a subdivision by or on behalf of a Minister of the Crown of land not subject to the Land Transfer Act 2017:
(b)
survey plan includes—
(i)
a unit plan; and
(ii)
a cadastral survey dataset to give effect to the grant of a cross lease or company lease
tangata whenua, in relation to a particular area, means the iwi, or hapu, that holds mana whenua over that area
taonga raranga means plants which produce material highly prized for use in weaving
tauranga waka means canoe landing sites
territorial authority means a territorial authority within the meaning of the Local Government Act 2002
territorial sea means the territorial sea of New Zealand as defined by section 3 of the Territorial Sea, Contiguous Zone, and Exclusive Economic Zone Act 1977
tier 1 territorial authority means any of the following:
(a)
Auckland Council:
(b)
Christchurch City Council:
(c)
Hamilton City Council:
(d)
Hutt City Council:
(e)
Kapiti Coast District Council:
(f)
Porirua City Council:
(g)
Selwyn District Council:
(h)
Tauranga City Council:
(i)
Upper Hutt City Council:
(j)
Waikato District Council:
(k)
Waimakariri District Council:
(l)
Waipa District Council:
(m)
Wellington City Council:
(n)
Western Bay of Plenty District Council
tier 2 territorial authority means any of the following:
(a)
Dunedin City Council:
(b)
Hastings District Council:
(c)
Napier City Council:
(d)
Nelson City Council:
(e)
New Plymouth District Council:
(f)
Palmerston North City Council:
(g)
Queenstown–Lakes District Council:
(h)
Rotorua District Council:
(i)
Tasman District Council:
(j)
Whangarei District Council
tier 3 territorial authority means a territorial authority that has all or part of an urban environment within its district but is not a tier 1 or tier 2 territorial authority
tikanga Maori means Maori customary values and practices
Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi) has the same meaning as the word Treaty as defined in section 2 of the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975
Treaty settlement, in sections 86H, 88BA, and 123B, has the meaning given to it by section 4(1) of the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024
unit has the same meaning as in section 5(1) of the Unit Titles Act 2010; and includes a future development unit (also defined in section 5(1) of the Unit Titles Act 2010)
unit plan has the same meaning as in section 5(1) of the Unit Titles Act 2010
unitary authority has the same meaning as in section 5(1) of the Local Government Act 2002
use,—
(a)
in sections 9, 10, 10A, 10B, 44B, 81(2), 176(1)(b)(i), and 193(a), means—
(i)
alter, demolish, erect, extend, place, reconstruct, remove, or use a structure or part of a structure in, on, under, or over land:
(ii)
drill, excavate, or tunnel land or disturb land in a similar way:
(iii)
damage, destroy, or disturb the habitats of plants or animals in, on, or under land:
(iv)
deposit a substance in, on, or under land:
(v)
any other use of land; and
(b)
in sections 9, 10A, 44B, 81(2), 176(1)(b)(i), and 193(a), also means to enter onto or pass across the surface of water in a lake or river
variation has the meaning given in section 43AA
waste or other matter means materials and substances of any kind, form, or description
wastewater environmental performance standard means a wastewater environmental performance standard made under section 138 of the Water Services Act 2021
water—
(a)
means water in all its physical forms whether flowing or not and whether over or under the ground:
(b)
includes fresh water, coastal water, and geothermal water:
(c)
does not include water in any form while in any pipe, tank, or cistern
water body means fresh water or geothermal water in a river, lake, stream, pond, wetland, or aquifer, or any part thereof, that is not located within the coastal marine area
water conservation order has the meaning set out in section 200
water permit has the meaning set out in section 87(d)
wetland includes permanently or intermittently wet areas, shallow water, and land water margins that support a natural ecosystem of plants and animals that are adapted to wet conditions
wood processing activity means the establishment, operation, or maintenance of a facility that—
(a)
specialises in the production of long-lived wood products, products derived from wood fibre, or wood-derived bioenergy, for example, the production of—
(i)
sawn timber:
(ii)
panel products (for example, veneer, plywood, laminated veneer, lumber, particle board, or fibreboard):
(iii)
pulp, paper, and paperboard:
(iv)
wood chips:
(v)
bioproducts, chemicals, and materials; or
(b)
provides for the storage of logs, processed wood products, or hazardous materials used in or produced by the operation of the facility
working day means a day of the week other than—
(a)
a Saturday, a Sunday, Waitangi Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day, the Sovereign’s birthday, Te Rā Aro ki a Matariki/Matariki Observance Day, and Labour Day; and
(b)
if Waitangi Day or Anzac Day falls on a Saturday or a Sunday, the following Monday; and
(c)
a day in the period commencing on 20 December in any year and ending with 10 January in the following year.
(2)
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—
(a)
a reference to a Part, section, or schedule, is a reference to a Part, section, or schedule of this Act:
(b)
a reference in a section to a subsection is a reference to a subsection of that section:
(c)
a reference in a subsection to a paragraph is a reference to a paragraph of that subsection:
(d)
a reference in a section to a paragraph is a reference to a paragraph of that section:
(e)
a reference in a schedule to a clause is a reference to a clause of that schedule:
(f)
a reference in a clause of a schedule to a subclause is a reference to a subclause of that clause:
(g)
a reference in a subclause in a schedule to a paragraph is a reference to a paragraph of that subclause:
(h)
a reference in a clause in a schedule to a paragraph is a reference to a paragraph of that clause.
Section 2(1) access rights: repealed, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 2(1) access strip: inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 2(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 2(1) accommodated activity: inserted, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 2(1) accredited: inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 4(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 2(1) adverse effects assessment: inserted, on 25 November 2004, by section 3(1) of the Resource Management (Foreshore and Seabed) Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 94).
Section 2(1) adverse effects report: inserted, on 25 November 2004, by section 3(1) of the Resource Management (Foreshore and Seabed) Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 94).
Section 2(1) agent or agent of the ship: inserted, on 1 February 1995, by section 2(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 105).
Section 2(1) agreement: inserted, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 2(1) aircraft: inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 2(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 2(1) airport: inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 2(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 2(1) amendment: repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 4(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 2(1) applicant: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 4(4) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 2(1) aquaculture activities: replaced, on 1 January 2005, by section 4(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 103).
Section 2(1) aquaculture activities paragraph (a): amended, on 1 October 2011, by section 4(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 2(1) aquaculture activities paragraph (c): amended, on 1 October 2011, by section 4(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 2(1) aquaculture activities paragraph (d): inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 4(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 2(1) aquaculture management area: repealed, on 1 October 2011, by section 4(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 2(1) aquatic life: inserted, on 1 January 2005, by section 4(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 103).
Section 2(1) bed: replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 2(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 2(1) benefits and costs: inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 2(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 2(1) biological diversity: inserted, on 1 August 2003, by section 3(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 2(1) board: repealed, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 2(1) board of inquiry: repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 4(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 2(1) boundary activity and boundary rule: inserted, on 18 October 2017, by section 124(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 2(1) certificate of compliance: amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 4(5) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 2(1) change: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 4(6) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 2(1) Chief Freshwater Commissioner: inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 4(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 2(1) climate change: inserted, on 2 March 2004, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Energy and Climate Change) Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 2).
Section 2(1) coastal marine area: amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 2(6) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 2(1) collaborative group: repealed, on 1 July 2020, by section 4(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 2(1) collaborative planning process: repealed, on 1 July 2020, by section 4(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 2(1) combined document: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 4(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 2(1) commercial fishing: inserted, on 1 January 2005, by section 4(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 103).
Section 2(1) common marine and coastal area: inserted, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 2(1) company lease: amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 2(1) consent authority: replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 2(7) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 2(1) consent authority: amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 4(7) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 2(1) constable: replaced, on 1 October 2008, by section 130(1) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
Section 2(1) contaminant: amended, on 1 August 2003, by section 3(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 2(1) contaminated land: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 4(8) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 2(1) controlled activity: replaced, on 1 August 2003, by section 3(4) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 2(1) controlled activity: amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 2(1) costs and benefits: repealed, on 7 July 1993, by section 2(9) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 2(1) Crown organisation: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 4(3) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 2(1) customary marine title area: inserted, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 2(1) customary marine title group: inserted, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 2(1) customary marine title order: inserted, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 2(1) customary rights order: repealed, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 2(1) declaration: repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 4(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 2(1) determination: inserted, on 1 January 2005, by section 4(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 103).
Section 2(1) development capacity: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 4(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 2(1) Director of Maritime New Zealand or Director: replaced, on 1 July 2005, by section 11(3) of the Maritime Transport Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 98).
Section 2(1) discretionary activity: replaced, on 1 August 2003, by section 3(5) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 2(1) discretionary activity: amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 2(1) district: replaced, on 1 July 2003, by section 262 of the Local Government Act 2002 (2002 No 84).
Section 2(1) district plan: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 4(9) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 2(1) district rule: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 4(10) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 2(1) dumping: replaced, on 17 December 1997, by section 2(9) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 2(1) electricity distribution network: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 2(1) electricity network: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 2(1) electricity transmission network: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 2(1) employee: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 4(3) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 2(1) enforcement officer: replaced, on 1 July 2020, by section 4(4) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 2(1) Environment Court and court: inserted, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 2(1) Environmental Protection Authority or EPA: replaced, on 1 July 2011, by section 4 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2011 (2011 No 19).
Section 2(1) equivalent zone: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
Section 2(1) esplanade reserve: replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 2(11) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 2(1) esplanade strip: inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 2(11) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 2(1) existing use certificate: inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 4(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 2(1) exploration: inserted, on 26 November 1997, by section 4(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act (No 2) 1997 (1997 No 91).
Section 2(1) fast-track application: inserted, on 18 October 2017, by section 124(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 2(1) fish: inserted, on 1 January 2005, by section 4(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 103).
Section 2(1) fisheries resources: inserted, on 1 January 2005, by section 4(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 103).
Section 2(1) fishing: inserted, on 1 January 2005, by section 4(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 103).
Section 2(1) foreshore and seabed reserve: repealed, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 2(1) freshwater or fresh water: replaced, on 1 July 2020, by section 4(5) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 2(1) freshwater commissioner: inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 4(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 2(1) freshwater hearings panel: inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 4(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 2(1) freshwater planning instrument: inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 4(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 2(1) freshwater planning process: inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 4(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 2(1) Government road: repealed, on 1 July 2003, by section 262 of the Local Government Act 2002 (2002 No 84).
Section 2(1) greenhouse gas: inserted, on 2 March 2004, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Energy and Climate Change) Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 2).
Section 2(1) harmful substance: inserted, on 1 February 1995, by section 2(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 105).
Section 2(1) harvestable spat: inserted, on 1 January 2005, by section 4(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 103).
Section 2(1) hazardous substance: inserted, on 2 July 2001, by section 149 of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 (1996 No 30).
Section 2(1) historic heritage: inserted, on 1 August 2003, by section 3(7) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 2(1) holder: repealed, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 2(1) incineration: inserted, on 1 February 1995, by section 2(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 105).
Section 2(1) industrial or trade premises: amended, on 17 December 1997, by section 2(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 2(1) infrastructure: inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 4(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 2(1) infrastructure: amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 4(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 2(1) infrastructure paragraph (a): amended, on 1 October 2008, by section 17 of the Energy (Fuels, Levies, and References) Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 60).
Section 2(1) infrastructure paragraph (i): replaced, on 5 April 2025, by section 486 of the Civil Aviation Act 2023 (2023 No 10).
Section 2(1) infrastructure paragraph (j): amended, on 5 April 2025, by section 486 of the Civil Aviation Act 2023 (2023 No 10).
Section 2(1) infrastructure design solution: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 69(3) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 2(1) infringed boundary: inserted, on 18 October 2017, by section 124(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 2(1) intensification planning instrument or IPI: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
Section 2(1) intensification streamlined planning process or ISPP: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
Section 2(1) internal waters: amended, on 1 August 1996, pursuant to section 5(4) of the Territorial Sea and Exclusive Economic Zone Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 74).
Section 2(1) iwi participation legislation: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 4(3) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 2(1) joint management agreement: inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 4(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 2(1) kaitiakitanga: replaced, on 17 December 1997, by section 2(4) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 2(1) lake: amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 2(12) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 2(1) land: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 4(11) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 2(1) large lot residential zone: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
Section 2(1) lawyer: inserted, on 1 March 2017, by section 4 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 68).
Section 2(1) local board: inserted, on 8 August 2014, by section 78 of the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 55).
Section 2(1) long-lived infrastructure: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 2(1) management plan: repealed, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 2(1) Mana Whakahono a Rohe: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 4(3) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 2(1) marine and coastal area: inserted, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 2(1) marine farming: repealed, on 1 January 2005, by section 4(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 103).
Section 2(1) marine incineration facility: inserted, on 1 February 1995, by section 2(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 105).
Section 2(1) Maritime New Zealand: replaced, on 1 July 2005, by section 11(3) of the Maritime Transport Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 98).
Section 2(1) master: inserted, on 1 February 1995, by section 2(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 105).
Section 2(1) medium density residential standards or MDRS: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
Section 2(1) mineral: replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 2(13) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 2(1) mining: inserted, on 26 November 1997, by section 4(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act (No 2) 1997 (1997 No 91).
Section 2(1) Minister of Aquaculture: inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 4(4) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 2(1) Minister of Fisheries: inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 4(4) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 2(1) mouth: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 2(1) national environmental standard: inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 4(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 2(1) national grid: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 2(1) national planning standard: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 4(3) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 2(1) National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 or NPSFM 2020: inserted, on 25 October 2024, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
Section 2(1) National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity 2023 or NPSIB 2023: inserted, on 25 October 2024, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
Section 2(1) National Policy Statement on Urban Development or NPS-UD: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
Section 2(1) new residential zone: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
Section 2(1) non-complying activity: replaced, on 1 August 2003, by section 3(8) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 2(1) non-complying activity: amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 2(1) notice of decision: inserted, on 1 August 2003, by section 3(8) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 2(1) occupier paragraph (b): repealed, on 1 July 2003, by section 138(1) of the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002 (2002 No 6).
Section 2(1) occupy: inserted, on 1 January 2005, by section 4(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 103).
Section 2(1) offshore installation: inserted, on 1 February 1995, by section 2(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 105).
Section 2(1) oil transfer site: inserted, on 1 February 1995, by section 2(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 105).
Section 2(1) on-scene commander: inserted, on 1 February 1995, by section 2(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 105).
Section 2(1) operative: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 4(12) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 2(1) owner: replaced, on 1 February 1995, by section 2(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 105).
Section 2(1) permitted activity: replaced, on 1 August 2003, by section 3(9) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 2(1) permitted activity: amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 2(1) plan: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 4(13) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 2(1) planning document: repealed, on 4 September 2013, by section 4 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 2(1) Planning Tribunal and Tribunal: repealed, on 17 December 1997, by section 2(6) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 2(1) policy 3: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
Section 2(1) policy 4: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
Section 2(1) policy 5: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
Section 2(1) policy statement: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 4(14) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 2(1) production land paragraph (b): amended, on 17 December 1997, by section 2(7) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 2(1) prohibited activity: replaced, on 1 August 2003, by section 3(10) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 2(1) prohibited activity: amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 2(1) proposed plan: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 4(15) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 2(1) proposed policy statement: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 4(3) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 2(1) prospecting: inserted, on 26 November 1997, by section 4(2) of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act (No 2) 1997 (1997 No 91).
Section 2(1) protected customary right: inserted, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 2(1) protected customary rights area: inserted, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 2(1) protected customary rights group: inserted, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 2(1) protected customary rights order: inserted, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 2(1) public authority: inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 4(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 2(1) public boundary: inserted, on 18 October 2017, by section 124(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 2(1) public foreshore and seabed: repealed, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 2(1) public notice: replaced, on 18 October 2017, by section 124(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 2(1) qualifying matter: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
Section 2(1) raft: inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 2(15) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 2(1) recognised customary activity: repealed, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 2(1) region: replaced, on 1 July 2003, by section 262 of the Local Government Act 2002 (2002 No 84).
Section 2(1) regional coastal plan: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 4(17) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 2(1) regional council: replaced, on 25 November 2004, by section 3(2) of the Resource Management (Foreshore and Seabed) Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 94).
Section 2(1) regional plan: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 4(18) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 2(1) regional policy statement: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 4(19) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 2(1) regional road: repealed, on 1 July 2003, by section 262 of the Local Government Act 2002 (2002 No 84).
Section 2(1) regional rule: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 4(20) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 2(1) relevant residential zone: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
Section 2(1) renewable energy: inserted, on 2 March 2004, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Energy and Climate Change) Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 2).
Section 2(1) reservation: inserted, on 1 January 2005, by section 4(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 103).
Section 2(1) residential unit: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
Section 2(1) residential zone: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
Section 2(1) restricted coastal activity: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 4(21) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 2(1) restricted discretionary activity: inserted, on 1 August 2003, by section 3(13) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 2(1) restricted discretionary activity: amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 2(1) river: replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 2(16) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 2(1) RMA permission right: inserted, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 2(1) road: amended, on 1 August 2008, by section 50(1) of the Land Transport Management Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 47).
Section 2(1) road: amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 2(17) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 2(1) rule: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 4(22) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 2(1) rule that controls fishing: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 2(1) seaweed: inserted, on 1 January 2005, by section 4(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 103).
Section 2(1) settlement zone: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
Section 2(1) ship: inserted, on 1 February 1995, by section 2(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 105).
Section 2(1) soil conservation: inserted, on 1 August 2003, by section 3(14) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 2(1) space: inserted, on 1 January 2005, by section 4(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 103).
Section 2(1) spat: repealed, on 1 January 2005, by section 4(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 103).
Section 2(1) spat catching: repealed, on 1 January 2005, by section 4(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 103).
Section 2(1) specified energy activity: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 2(1) specified territorial authority: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
Section 2(2) State highway: amended, on 1 August 2008, by section 50(1) of the Land Transport Management Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 47).
Section 2(1) stormwater environmental performance standard: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 69(3) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 2(1) structure: amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 2(18) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 2(1) submission: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 4(23) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 2(1) survey plan: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 4(24) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 2(1) survey plan paragraph (a)(i): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 2(1) survey plan paragraph (a)(ii): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 2(1) taking: repealed, on 1 January 2005, by section 4(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 103).
Section 2(1) territorial authority: replaced, on 1 July 2003, by section 262 of the Local Government Act 2002 (2002 No 84).
Section 2(1) territorial sea: amended, on 1 August 1996, pursuant to section 5(4) of the Territorial Sea and Exclusive Economic Zone Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 74).
Section 2(1) tier 1 territorial authority: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
Section 2(1) tier 2 territorial authority: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
Section 2(1) tier 3 territorial authority: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
Section 2(1) Treaty settlement: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 2(1) unit: amended, on 20 June 2011, by section 233(1) of the Unit Titles Act 2010 (2010 No 22).
Section 2(1) unit plan: replaced, on 20 June 2011, by section 233(1) of the Unit Titles Act 2010 (2010 No 22).
Section 2(1) unitary authority: inserted, on 8 August 2014, by section 78 of the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 55).
Section 2(1) use: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 4(3) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 2(1) use paragraph (a): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 69(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 2(1) use paragraph (b): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 69(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 2(1) variation: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 4(25) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 2(1) waste or other matter: inserted, on 1 February 1995, by section 2(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 105).
Section 2(1) wastewater environmental performance standard: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 69(3) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 2(1) wood processing activity: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 2(1) working day: replaced, on 1 January 2014, by section 8 of the Holidays (Full Recognition of Waitangi Day and ANZAC Day) Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 19).
Section 2(1) working day paragraph (a): replaced, on 12 April 2022, by wehenga 7 o Te Ture mō te Hararei Tūmatanui o te Kāhui o Matariki 2022/section 7 of the Te Kāhui o Matariki Public Holiday Act 2022 (2022 No 14).
2AA Definitions relating to notification
(1)
The definitions in subsection (2) apply only in relation to—
(a)
an application for a resource consent for an activity; or
(b)
any of the following matters:
(i)
a review of a resource consent:
(ii)
an application to change or cancel a condition of a resource consent:
(iii)
a notice of requirement for a designation or heritage order:
(iv)
a notice of requirement to alter a designation or heritage order:
(v)
an application or proposal to vary or cancel an instrument creating an esplanade strip:
(vi)
a matter of creating an esplanade strip by agreement.
(2)
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—
affected customary marine title group has the meaning given in section 95G
affected person means a person who, under section 95E or 149ZCF, is an affected person in relation to the application or matter
affected protected customary rights group has the meaning given in section 95F
limited notification means serving notice of the application or matter on any affected person within the time limit specified by section 95, 169(1), or 190(1)
notification means public notification or limited notification of the application or matter
public notification means giving public notice by—
(a)
giving notice of the application or matter in the manner required by section 2AB; and
(b)
giving that notice within the time limit specified by section 95, 169(1), or 190(1); and
(c)
serving notice of the application or matter on every prescribed person.
Section 2AA: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 5 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 2AA(2): replaced, on 18 October 2017, by section 125 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
2AB Meaning of public notice
(1)
If this Act requires a person to give public notice of something, the person must—
(a)
publish on an Internet site to which the public has free access a notice that—
(i)
includes all the information that is required to be publicly notified; and
(ii)
is in the prescribed form (if any); and
(b)
publish a short summary of the notice, along with details of the Internet site where the notice can be accessed, in 1 or more newspapers circulating in the entire area likely to be affected by the matter to which the notice relates.
(2)
The notice and the short summary of the notice must be worded in a way that is clear and concise.
Section 2AB: inserted, on 18 October 2017, by section 126 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
2AC Availability of documents
Interpretation
(1)
In this section, document includes the following if they are required to be made available for inspection to the public, a class of members of the public, a person, or a class of persons, whether free of charge or at a reasonable cost:
(a)
information of any kind; and
(b)
public notices of any kind; and
(c)
reports and evidence of any kind; and
(d)
policy statements and plans of any kind, together with any changes or variations of those documents.
Application of this section
(2)
This section applies if this Act requires a document to be made available for inspection in physical form to the public, a class of members of the public, a person, or a class of persons at a specified place such as council offices or a library.
(3)
This section applies on and from 25 March 2020.
How documents may be made available
(4)
The requirement referred to in subsection (2) is satisfied if the person responsible for making the document available—
(a)
makes it available in electronic form free of charge on an Internet site; and
(b)
provides advice on how the document may be obtained or accessed.
(5)
In addition, the person responsible for making a document available may—
(a)
make it available for inspection; and
(b)
upon request, make a physical copy of the document available for purchase at a reasonable cost.
Repeal[Repealed]
(6)
[Repealed]Section 2AC: inserted, on 16 May 2020, by section 3 of the COVID-19 Response (Further Management Measures) Legislation Act 2020 (2020 No 13).
Section 2AC heading: amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 5(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 2AC(6) heading: repealed, on 1 July 2020, by section 5(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 2AC(6): repealed, on 1 July 2020, by section 5(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
2A Successors
(1)
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to a person, however described or referred to (including applicant and consent holder), includes the successor of that person.
(2)
For the purposes of this Act, where the person is a body of persons which is unincorporate, the successor shall include a body of persons which is corporate and composed of substantially the same members.
Section 2A: inserted, on 2 September 1996, by section 3 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
2B Rules that control fishing
(1)
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, a rule that controls fishing—
(a)
means a rule that directly controls fishing, for example, a rule that controls—
(i)
the use of fishing gear or particular fishing methods; or
(ii)
the taking of fish, aquatic life, or seaweed; or
(iii)
areas where fishing may occur; but
(b)
does not include a rule that affects fishing indirectly, for example,—
(i)
a rule that restricts the release of noise, odours, or harmful substances; or
(ii)
a rule that relates to anchoring, navigation, or vessels.
(2)
In this section, fishing excludes any aquaculture activity.
Section 2B: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 5 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
3 Meaning of effect
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, the term effect includes—
(a)
any positive or adverse effect; and
(b)
any temporary or permanent effect; and
(c)
any past, present, or future effect; and
(d)
any cumulative effect which arises over time or in combination with other effects—
regardless of the scale, intensity, duration, or frequency of the effect, and also includes—
(e)
any potential effect of high probability; and
(f)
any potential effect of low probability which has a high potential impact.
Section 3: amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 3 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
3A Person acting under resource consent with permission
Subject to section 134 and any specific conditions included in the resource consent, any reference in this Act to activities being allowed by a resource consent includes a reference to a person acting under a resource consent with the permission (including implied permission) of the consent holder as if the resource consent had been granted to that person as well as to the holder of the resource consent.
Section 3A: inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 4 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
3B Transitional, savings, and related provisions
The transitional, savings, and related provisions set out in Schedule 12 have effect according to their terms.
Section 3B: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 5 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
4 Act to bind the Crown
(1)
This Act binds the Crown, except as provided in this section.
(2)
This Act does not apply to any work or activity of the Crown which—
(a)
is a use of land within the meaning of section 9; and
(b)
the Minister of Defence certifies is necessary for reasons of national security.
(3)
Section 9(3) does not apply to any work or activity of the Crown within the boundaries of any area of land held or managed under the Conservation Act 1987 or any other Act specified in Schedule 1 of that Act (other than land held for administrative purposes) that—
(a)
is consistent with a conservation management strategy, conservation management plan, or management plan established under the Conservation Act 1987 or any other Act specified in Schedule 1 of that Act; and
(b)
does not have a significant adverse effect beyond the boundary of the area of land.
(3A)
Section 9 does not apply to the detention of prisoners in a court cell block that is declared by notice in the Gazette to be a part of a corrections prison.
(4)
[Repealed](5)
An abatement notice or excessive noise direction may be served or issued against an instrument of the Crown, in accordance with this Act, only if—
(a)
it is a Crown organisation; and
(b)
the notice or direction is served or issued against the Crown organisation in its own name.
(6)
An enforcement order may be made against an instrument of the Crown, in accordance with this Act, only if—
(a)
it is a Crown organisation; and
(b)
a local authority or the EPA applies for the order; and
(c)
the order is made against the Crown organisation in its own name.
(7)
Subsections (5) and (6) apply despite section 17(1)(a) of the Crown Proceedings Act 1950.
(8)
An instrument of the Crown may be served with an infringement notice, in accordance with this Act, only if—
(a)
it is liable to be proceeded against for the alleged offence under subsection (9); and
(b)
the notice is served against the Crown organisation in its own name.
(9)
An instrument of the Crown may be prosecuted for an offence against this Act only if—
(a)
it is a Crown organisation; and
(b)
the offence is alleged to have been committed by the Crown organisation; and
(c)
the proceedings are commenced—
(i)
by a local authority, the EPA, or an enforcement officer; and
(ii)
against the Crown organisation in its own name and the proceedings do not cite the Crown as a defendant; and
(iii)
in accordance with the Crown Organisations (Criminal Liability) Act 2002.
(10)
However, subsections (8) and (9) are subject to section 8(4) of the Crown Organisations (Criminal Liability) Act 2002 (which provides that a court may not sentence a Crown organisation to pay a fine in respect of an offence against this Act).
(11)
If a Crown organisation is not a body corporate, it is to be treated as if it were a separate legal personality for the purposes of—
(a)
serving or issuing an abatement notice or excessive noise direction against it; and
(b)
making an enforcement order against it; and
(c)
serving an infringement notice on it; and
(d)
enforcing an abatement notice, excessive noise direction, enforcement order, or infringement notice in relation to it.
(12)
Except to the extent and in the manner provided for in subsections (5) to (11), the Crown may not—
(a)
be served or issued with an abatement notice or excessive noise direction; or
(b)
have an enforcement order made against it; or
(c)
be served with an infringement notice; or
(d)
be prosecuted for an offence against this Act.
Section 4(1): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 6(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 4(3): replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 5 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 4(3): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 6(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 4(3A): inserted, on 8 December 2009, by section 5 of the Corrections (Use of Court Cells) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 60).
Section 4(4): repealed, on 7 July 1993, by section 5 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 4(5): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 6(3) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 4(6): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 6(3) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 4(6)(b): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 6(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 4(7): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 6(3) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 4(8): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 6(3) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 4(9): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 6(3) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 4(9)(c)(i): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 6(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 4(10): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 6(3) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 4(11): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 6(3) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 4(12): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 6(3) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
4A Application of this Act to ships and aircraft of foreign States
Except as otherwise expressly provided in any regulations made under this Act, this Act does not apply to any of the following:
(a)
warships of any State other than New Zealand:
(b)
aircraft of the defence forces of any State other than New Zealand:
(c)
any ship owned or operated by any State other than New Zealand, if the ship is being used by that State for wholly governmental (but not including commercial) purposes:
(d)
the master or crew of any warship, aircraft, or ship referred to in paragraphs (a) to (c).
Section 4A: inserted, on 20 August 1998, by section 3 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 105).
Part 2 Purpose and principles
5 Purpose
(1)
The purpose of this Act is to promote the sustainable management of natural and physical resources.
(2)
In this Act, sustainable management means managing the use, development, and protection of natural and physical resources in a way, or at a rate, which enables people and communities to provide for their social, economic, and cultural well-being and for their health and safety while—
(a)
sustaining the potential of natural and physical resources (excluding minerals) to meet the reasonably foreseeable needs of future generations; and
(b)
safeguarding the life-supporting capacity of air, water, soil, and ecosystems; and
(c)
avoiding, remedying, or mitigating any adverse effects of activities on the environment.
6 Matters of national importance
In achieving the purpose of this Act, all persons exercising functions and powers under it, in relation to managing the use, development, and protection of natural and physical resources, shall recognise and provide for the following matters of national importance:
(a)
the preservation of the natural character of the coastal environment (including the coastal marine area), wetlands, and lakes and rivers and their margins, and the protection of them from inappropriate subdivision, use, and development:
(b)
the protection of outstanding natural features and landscapes from inappropriate subdivision, use, and development:
(c)
the protection of areas of significant indigenous vegetation and significant habitats of indigenous fauna:
(d)
the maintenance and enhancement of public access to and along the coastal marine area, lakes, and rivers:
(e)
the relationship of Maori and their culture and traditions with their ancestral lands, water, sites, waahi tapu, and other taonga:
(f)
the protection of historic heritage from inappropriate subdivision, use, and development:
(g)
the protection of protected customary rights:
(h)
the management of significant risks from natural hazards.
Section 6(f): inserted, on 1 August 2003, by section 4 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 6(g): replaced, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 6(h): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 6 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
7 Other matters
In achieving the purpose of this Act, all persons exercising functions and powers under it, in relation to managing the use, development, and protection of natural and physical resources, shall have particular regard to—
(a)
kaitiakitanga:
(aa)
the ethic of stewardship:
(b)
the efficient use and development of natural and physical resources:
(ba)
the efficiency of the end use of energy:
(c)
the maintenance and enhancement of amenity values:
(d)
intrinsic values of ecosystems:
(e)
[Repealed](f)
maintenance and enhancement of the quality of the environment:
(g)
any finite characteristics of natural and physical resources:
(h)
the protection of the habitat of trout and salmon:
(i)
the effects of climate change:
(j)
the benefits to be derived from the use and development of renewable energy.
Section 7(aa): inserted, on 17 December 1997, by section 3 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 7(ba): inserted, on 2 March 2004, by section 5(1) of the Resource Management (Energy and Climate Change) Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 2).
Section 7(e): repealed, on 1 August 2003, by section 5 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 7(i): inserted, on 2 March 2004, by section 5(2) of the Resource Management (Energy and Climate Change) Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 2).
Section 7(j): inserted, on 2 March 2004, by section 5(2) of the Resource Management (Energy and Climate Change) Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 2).
8 Treaty of Waitangi
In achieving the purpose of this Act, all persons exercising functions and powers under it, in relation to managing the use, development, and protection of natural and physical resources, shall take into account the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi).
Part 3 Duties and restrictions under this Act
Land
9 Restrictions on use of land
(1)
No person may use land in a manner that contravenes a national environmental standard unless the use—
(a)
is expressly allowed by a resource consent; or
(b)
is allowed by section 10; or
(c)
is an activity allowed by section 10A; or
(d)
is an activity allowed by section 20A; or
(e)
is an activity expressly allowed by a wastewater environmental performance standard, a stormwater environmental performance standard, or an infrastructure design solution.
(2)
No person may use land in a manner that contravenes a regional rule unless the use—
(a)
is expressly allowed by a resource consent; or
(b)
is an activity allowed by section 20A; or
(c)
is an activity expressly allowed by a wastewater environmental performance standard, a stormwater environmental performance standard, or an infrastructure design solution.
(3)
No person may use land in a manner that contravenes a district rule unless the use—
(a)
is expressly allowed by a resource consent; or
(b)
is allowed by section 10; or
(c)
is an activity allowed by section 10A; or
(d)
is an activity expressly allowed by a wastewater environmental performance standard, a stormwater environmental performance standard, or an infrastructure design solution.
(4)
No person may contravene section 176, 178, 193, or 194 unless the person obtains the prior written consent of the requiring authority or the heritage protection authority.
(5)
This section applies to overflying by aircraft only to the extent to which noise emission controls for airports have been prescribed by a national environmental standard or set by a territorial authority.
(6)
This section does not apply to use of the coastal marine area.
Section 9: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 7 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 9(1)(e): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 70(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 9(2)(c): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 70(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 9(3)(d): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 70(3) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
10 Certain existing uses in relation to land protected
(1)
Land may be used in a manner that contravenes a rule in a district plan or proposed district plan if—
(a)
either—
(i)
the use was lawfully established before the rule became operative or the proposed plan was notified; and
(ii)
the effects of the use are the same or similar in character, intensity, and scale to those which existed before the rule became operative or the proposed plan was notified:
(b)
or—
(i)
the use was lawfully established by way of a designation; and
(ii)
the effects of the use are the same or similar in character, intensity, and scale to those which existed before the designation was removed.
(2)
Subject to sections 357 to 358, this section does not apply when a use of land that contravenes a rule in a district plan or a proposed district plan has been discontinued for a continuous period of more than 12 months after the rule in the plan became operative or the proposed plan was notified unless—
(a)
an application has been made to the territorial authority within 2 years of the activity first being discontinued; and
(b)
the territorial authority has granted an extension upon being satisfied that—
(i)
the effect of the extension will not be contrary to the objectives and policies of the district plan; and
(ii)
the applicant has obtained approval from every person who may be adversely affected by the granting of the extension, unless in the authority’s opinion it is unreasonable in all the circumstances to require the obtaining of every such approval.
(3)
This section does not apply if reconstruction or alteration of, or extension to, any building to which this section applies increases the degree to which the building fails to comply with any rule in a district plan or proposed district plan.
(4)
For the avoidance of doubt, this section does not apply to any use of land that is—
(a)
controlled under section 30(1)(c) (regional control of certain land uses); or
(b)
restricted under section 12 (coastal marine area); or
(c)
restricted under section 13 (certain river and lake bed controls).
(5)
Nothing in this section limits section 20A (certain existing lawful activities allowed).
(6)
[Repealed]Section 10(1): replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 7(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 10(2): amended, on 10 August 2005, by section 5 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 10(2)(b)(i): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 7(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 10(3): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 7(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 10(5): amended, on 1 August 2003, by section 95 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 10(6): repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 8 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
10A Certain existing activities allowed
(1)
In respect of the use of the surface of water in lakes and rivers where, as a result of a rule in a district plan becoming operative, or a rule in a proposed district plan taking legal effect in accordance with section 86B or 149N(8), an activity that formerly was a permitted activity or that otherwise could have been lawfully carried out without a resource consent requires consent, the activity may continue to be carried on after the rule in the plan becomes operative, or the rule in the proposed plan takes legal effect in accordance with section 86B or 149N(8), if—
(a)
the activity was lawfully established before the rule in the plan became operative or the rule in the proposed plan took legal effect in accordance with section 86B or 149N(8); and
(b)
the effects of the activity are the same or similar in character, intensity, and scale to those which existed before the rule in the plan became operative or the rule in the proposed plan took legal effect in accordance with section 86B or 149N(8); and
(c)
the person carrying on the activity applies for a resource consent from the appropriate consent authority within 6 months of the rule in the plan becoming operative.
(2)
Any activity to which this section applies, and for which a resource consent has been applied for in accordance with subsection (1)(c), may continue to be carried on until the application has been decided and any appeals have been determined.
Section 10A: inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 8 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 10A(1): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 9(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 10A(1): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 9(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 10A(1): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 9(3) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 10A(1): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 9(4) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 10A(1)(a): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 9(5) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 10A(1)(b): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 9(5) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
10B Certain existing building works allowed
(1)
Land may be used in a manner that contravenes a rule in a district plan or proposed district plan if the use of land is a building work or intended use of a building (as defined in section 7 of the Building Act 2004) which is deemed to be lawfully established in accordance with subsection (2).
(2)
Subject to subsection (3), the building work or intended use of the building shall be deemed to be lawfully established if—
(a)
a building consent was issued and any amendments were incorporated in the building consent in accordance with the Building Act 2004 for the building work or intended use of the building before the rule in a district plan or proposed district plan took legal effect in accordance with section 86B or 149N(8); and
(b)
the building work or intended use of the building, as stated on the building consent, would not, at the time the building consent was issued and any amendments were incorporated, have contravened a rule in a district plan or proposed district plan or otherwise could have been carried out without a resource consent.
(3)
Subsection (2) shall not apply if—
(a)
the building consent is amended (after the rule in the district plan or proposed plan has taken legal effect in accordance with section 86B or 149N(8)) in such a way that the effects of the building work or intended use of a building will no longer be the same or similar in character, intensity, and scale as before the amendment; or
(b)
the building consent has lapsed or is cancelled, but the issuing under the Building Act 2004 of a code compliance certificate in respect of the building work shall not, for the purposes of this section, be deemed to have cancelled the building consent for that work; or
(c)
a code compliance certificate for the building work has not been issued in accordance with the Building Act 2004 within 2 years after the rule in the district plan or proposed district plan took legal effect in accordance with section 86B or 149N(8) or within such further period as the territorial authority may allow upon being satisfied that reasonable progress has been made towards completion of the building work within that 2-year period.
(4)
Section 10(4) and (5) apply to this section.
Section 10B: inserted, on 2 September 1996, by section 4 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 10B(1): amended, on 31 March 2005, by section 414 of the Building Act 2004 (2004 No 72).
Section 10B(2)(a): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 10(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 10B(2)(a): amended, on 31 March 2005, by section 414 of the Building Act 2004 (2004 No 72).
Section 10B(3)(a): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 10(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 10B(3)(b): amended, on 31 March 2005, by section 414 of the Building Act 2004 (2004 No 72).
Section 10B(3)(c): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 10(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 10B(3)(c): amended, on 31 March 2005, by section 414 of the Building Act 2004 (2004 No 72).
Section 10B(4): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 10(3) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
11 Restrictions on subdivision of land
(1)
No person may subdivide land, within the meaning of section 218, unless the subdivision is—
(a)
first, expressly allowed by a national environmental standard, a rule in a district plan as well as a rule in a proposed district plan for the same district (if there is one), or a resource consent; and second, is shown on one of the following:
(i)
a survey plan, as defined in paragraph (a)(i) of the definition of survey plan in section 2(1), deposited under Part 10 by the Registrar-General of Land; or
(ii)
a survey plan, as defined in paragraph (a)(ii) of the definition of survey plan in section 2(1), approved as described in section 228 by the Chief Surveyor; or
(iii)
a survey plan, as defined in paragraph (b) of the definition of survey plan in section 2(1), deposited under Part 10 by the Registrar-General of Land; or
(b)
effected by the acquisition, taking, transfer, or disposal of part of an allotment under the Public Works Act 1981 (except that, in the case of the disposition of land under the Public Works Act 1981, each existing separate parcel of land shall, unless otherwise provided by that Act, be disposed of without further division of that parcel of land); or
(c)
effected by the establishment, change, or cancellation of a reserve under section 338 of Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993; or
(ca)
effected by a transfer under section 23 of the State-Owned Enterprises Act 1986 or a resumption under section 27D of that Act; or
(cb)
effected by any vesting in or transfer or gift of any land to the Crown or any local authority or administering body (as defined in section 2 of the Reserves Act 1977) for the purposes (other than administrative purposes) of the Conservation Act 1987 or any other Act specified in Schedule 1 of that Act; or
(cc)
effected by transfer or gift of any land to Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga or the Queen Elizabeth the Second National Trust for the purposes of the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014 or the Queen Elizabeth the Second National Trust Act 1977; or
(d)
effected by any transfer, exchange, or other disposition of land made by an order under subpart 3 of Part 6 of the Property Law Act 2007 (which relates to the granting of access to landlocked land).
(1A)
[Repealed](2)
Subsection (1) does not apply in respect of Maori land within the meaning of Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993 unless that Act otherwise provides.
Section 11(1)(a): replaced, on 1 July 2020, by section 7(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 11(1)(c): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 9(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 11(1)(c): amended, on 1 July 1993, pursuant to section 362(2) of Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993 (1993 No 4).
Section 11(1)(ca): inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 9(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 11(1)(cb): inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 9(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 11(1)(cc): inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 9(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 11(1)(cc): amended, on 20 May 2014, by section 107 of the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014 (2014 No 26).
Section 11(1)(d): amended, on 1 January 2008, by section 364(1) of the Property Law Act 2007 (2007 No 91).
Section 11(1A): repealed, on 1 July 2020, by section 7(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 11(2): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 9(4) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Coastal marine area
12 Restrictions on use of coastal marine area
(1)
No person may, in the coastal marine area,—
(a)
reclaim or drain any foreshore or seabed; or
(b)
erect, reconstruct, place, alter, extend, remove, or demolish any structure or any part of a structure that is fixed in, on, under, or over any foreshore or seabed; or
(c)
disturb any foreshore or seabed (including by excavating, drilling, or tunnelling) in a manner that has or is likely to have an adverse effect on the foreshore or seabed (other than for the purpose of lawfully harvesting any plant or animal); or
(d)
deposit in, on, or under any foreshore or seabed any substance in a manner that has or is likely to have an adverse effect on the foreshore or seabed; or
(e)
destroy, damage, or disturb any foreshore or seabed (other than for the purpose of lawfully harvesting any plant or animal) in a manner that has or is likely to have an adverse effect on plants or animals or their habitat; or
(f)
introduce or plant any exotic or introduced plant in, on, or under the foreshore or seabed; or
(g)
destroy, damage, or disturb any foreshore or seabed (other than for the purpose of lawfully harvesting any plant or animal) in a manner that has or is likely to have an adverse effect on historic heritage—
unless expressly allowed by a national environmental standard, a wastewater environmental performance standard, a stormwater environmental performance standard, an infrastructure design solution, a rule in a regional coastal plan as well as a rule in a proposed regional coastal plan for the same region (if there is one), or a resource consent.
(2)
No person may, unless expressly allowed by a national environmental standard, a wastewater environmental performance standard, a stormwater environmental performance standard, an infrastructure design solution, a rule in a regional coastal plan or in any proposed regional coastal plan for the same region, or a resource consent,—
(a)
occupy any part of the common marine and coastal area; or
(b)
remove any sand, shingle, shell, or other natural material from that area.
(3)
Without limiting subsection (1), no person may carry out any activity—
(a)
in, on, under, or over any coastal marine area; or
(b)
in relation to any natural and physical resources contained within any coastal marine area,—
in a manner that contravenes a national environmental standard, a wastewater environmental performance standard, a stormwater environmental performance standard, an infrastructure design solution, a rule in a regional coastal plan, or a rule in a proposed regional coastal plan for the same region (if there is one) unless the activity is expressly allowed by a resource consent or allowed by section 20A (certain existing lawful activities allowed).
(4)
In this Act,—
(a)
[Repealed](b)
remove any sand, shingle, shell, or other natural material means to take any of that material in such quantities or in such circumstances that, but for the national environmental standard, the wastewater environmental performance standard, the stormwater environmental performance standard, the infrastructure design solution, or the rule in the regional coastal plan or the holding of a resource consent, a licence or profit à prendre to do so would be necessary.
(5)
This section applies to overflying by aircraft only to the extent to which noise emission controls for airports within the coastal marine area have been prescribed by a national environmental standard or set by a regional council.
(6)
This section shall not apply to anything to which section 15A or 15B applies.
(7)
This section does not prohibit a regional council from removing structures from the common marine and coastal area, in accordance with the requirements of section 19(3) to (3C) of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011, unless those structures are permitted by a coastal permit.
Section 12(1): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 12(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 12(1): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 10(1)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 12(1): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 10(1)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 12(1)(f): amended, on 1 August 2003, by section 6 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 12(1)(g): inserted, on 1 August 2003, by section 6 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 12(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 71(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 12(2): replaced, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 12(2): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 71(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 12(3): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 12(3) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 12(3): amended, on 1 August 2003, by section 95 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 12(3)(b): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 71(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 12(4): amended, on 17 December 1997, by section 4(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 12(4): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 10(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 12(4)(a): repealed, on 1 January 2005, by section 5 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 103).
Section 12(4)(b) remove any sand, shingle, shell, or other natural material: amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 71(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 12(4)(b): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 12(4) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 12(4)(b): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 10(5) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 12(5): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 12(5) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 12(6): inserted, on 20 August 1998, by section 4 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 105).
Section 12(6): amended, on 20 August 1998, by section 4(4) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 12(7): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 7 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
12A Restrictions on aquaculture activities in coastal marine area and on other activities in aquaculture management areas
[Repealed]Section 12A: repealed, on 1 October 2011, by section 5 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
12B Continuation of coastal permit for aquaculture activities if aquaculture management area ceases to exist
[Repealed]Section 12B: repealed, on 1 October 2011, by section 6 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
River and lake beds
13 Restriction on certain uses of beds of lakes and rivers
(1)
No person may, in relation to the bed of any lake or river,—
(a)
use, erect, reconstruct, place, alter, extend, remove, or demolish any structure or part of any structure in, on, under, or over the bed; or
(b)
excavate, drill, tunnel, or otherwise disturb the bed; or
(c)
introduce or plant any plant or any part of any plant (whether exotic or indigenous) in, on, or under the bed; or
(d)
deposit any substance in, on, or under the bed; or
(e)
reclaim or drain the bed—
unless expressly allowed by a national environmental standard, a wastewater environmental performance standard, a stormwater environmental performance standard, an infrastructure design solution, a rule in a regional plan as well as a rule in a proposed regional plan for the same region (if there is one), or a resource consent.
(2)
No person may do an activity described in subsection (2A) in a manner that contravenes a national environmental standard, a wastewater environmental performance standard, a stormwater environmental performance standard, an infrastructure design solution, or a regional rule unless the activity—
(a)
is expressly allowed by a resource consent; or
(b)
is an activity allowed by section 20A.
(2A)
The activities are—
(a)
to enter onto or pass across the bed of a lake or river:
(b)
to damage, destroy, disturb, or remove a plant or a part of a plant, whether exotic or indigenous, in, on, or under the bed of a lake or river:
(c)
to damage, destroy, disturb, or remove the habitats of plants or parts of plants, whether exotic or indigenous, in, on, or under the bed of a lake or river:
(d)
to damage, destroy, disturb, or remove the habitats of animals in, on, or under the bed of a lake or river.
(3)
This section does not apply to any use of land in the coastal marine area.
(4)
Nothing in this section limits section 9.
Section 13 heading: amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 11 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 13(1): replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 11 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 13(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 72(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 13(1): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 13(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 13(2): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 13(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 13(2): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 72(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 13(2A): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 13(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Water
14 Restrictions relating to water
(1)
No person may take, use, dam, or divert any open coastal water, or take or use any heat or energy from any open coastal water, in a manner that contravenes a national environmental standard, a wastewater environmental performance standard, a stormwater environmental performance standard, an infrastructure design solution, or a regional rule unless the activity—
(a)
is expressly allowed by a resource consent; or
(b)
is an activity allowed by section 20A.
(2)
No person may take, use, dam, or divert any of the following, unless the taking, using, damming, or diverting is allowed by subsection (3):
(a)
water other than open coastal water; or
(b)
heat or energy from water other than open coastal water; or
(c)
heat or energy from the material surrounding geothermal water.
(3)
A person is not prohibited by subsection (2) from taking, using, damming, or diverting any water, heat, or energy if—
(a)
the taking, using, damming, or diverting is expressly allowed by a national environmental standard, a wastewater environmental performance standard, a stormwater environmental performance standard, an infrastructure design solution, a rule in a regional plan as well as a rule in a proposed regional plan for the same region (if there is one), or a resource consent; or
(b)
in the case of fresh water, the water, heat, or energy is required to be taken or used for—
(i)
an individual’s reasonable domestic needs; or
(ii)
the reasonable needs of a person’s animals for drinking water,—
and the taking or use does not, or is not likely to, have an adverse effect on the environment; or
(c)
in the case of geothermal water, the water, heat, or energy is taken or used in accordance with tikanga Maori for the communal benefit of the tangata whenua of the area and does not have an adverse effect on the environment; or
(d)
in the case of coastal water (other than open coastal water), the water, heat, or energy is required for an individual’s reasonable domestic or recreational needs and the taking, use, or diversion does not, or is not likely to, have an adverse effect on the environment; or
(e)
the water is required to be taken or used for emergency or training purposes in accordance with section 48 of the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017.
Section 14(1): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 14(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 14(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 73(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 14(2): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 14(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 14(3): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 14(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 14(3)(a): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 73(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 14(3)(a): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 14(3) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 14(3)(b)(ii): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 8 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 14(3)(e): amended, on 1 July 2017, by section 197 of the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017 (2017 No 17).
Discharges
15 Discharge of contaminants into environment
(1)
No person may discharge any—
(a)
contaminant or water into water; or
(b)
contaminant onto or into land in circumstances which may result in that contaminant (or any other contaminant emanating as a result of natural processes from that contaminant) entering water; or
(c)
contaminant from any industrial or trade premises into air; or
(d)
contaminant from any industrial or trade premises onto or into land—
unless the discharge is expressly allowed by a national environmental standard or other regulations, a wastewater environmental performance standard, a stormwater environmental performance standard, an infrastructure design solution, a rule in a regional plan as well as a rule in a proposed regional plan for the same region (if there is one), or a resource consent.
(2)
No person may discharge a contaminant into the air, or into or onto land, from a place or any other source, whether moveable or not, in a manner that contravenes a national environmental standard, a wastewater environmental performance standard, a stormwater environmental performance standard, or an infrastructure design solution unless the discharge—
(a)
is expressly allowed by other regulations; or
(b)
is expressly allowed by a resource consent; or
(c)
is an activity allowed by section 20A.
(2A)
No person may discharge a contaminant into the air, or into or onto land, from a place or any other source, whether moveable or not, in a manner that contravenes a regional rule unless the discharge—
(a)
is expressly allowed by a national environmental standard or other regulations; or
(aa)
is expressly allowed by a wastewater environmental performance standard, a stormwater environmental performance standard, or an infrastructure design solution; or
(b)
is expressly allowed by a resource consent; or
(c)
is an activity allowed by section 20A.
(3)
This section shall not apply to anything to which section 15A or section 15B applies.
Section 15(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 74(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 15(1): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 15(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 15(2): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 15(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 15(2): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 74(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 15(2A): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 15(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 15(2A)(aa): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 74(3) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 15(3): inserted, on 20 August 1998, by section 5 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 105).
15A Restrictions on dumping and incineration of waste or other matter in coastal marine area
(1)
No person may, in the coastal marine area,—
(a)
dump any waste or other matter from any ship, aircraft, or offshore installation; or
(b)
incinerate any waste or other matter in any marine incineration facility—
unless the dumping or incineration is expressly allowed by a resource consent.
(2)
No person may dump, in the coastal marine area, any ship, aircraft, or offshore installation unless expressly allowed to do so by a resource consent.
(3)
Nothing in this section permits the dumping of radioactive waste or radioactive matter (to which section 15C applies) or any discharge of a harmful substance that would contravene section 15B.
Section 15A: inserted, on 20 August 1998, by section 6 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 105).
15B Discharge of harmful substances from ships or offshore installations
(1)
No person may, in the coastal marine area, discharge a harmful substance or contaminant, from a ship or offshore installation into water, onto or into land, or into air, unless—
(a)
the discharge is permitted or controlled by regulations made under this Act, a rule in a regional coastal plan, proposed regional coastal plan, regional plan, proposed regional plan, or a resource consent; or
(b)
after reasonable mixing, the harmful substance or contaminant discharged (either by itself or in combination with any other discharge) is not likely to give rise to all or any of the following effects in the receiving waters:
(i)
the production of any conspicuous oil or grease films, scums or foams, or floatable or suspended materials:
(ii)
any conspicuous change of colour or visual clarity:
(iii)
any emission of objectionable odour:
(iv)
any significant adverse effects on aquatic life; or
(c)
the harmful substance or contaminant, when discharged into air, is not likely to be noxious, dangerous, offensive, or objectionable to such an extent that it has or is likely to have a significant adverse effect on the environment.
(2)
No person may, in the coastal marine area, discharge water into water from any ship or offshore installation, unless—
(a)
the discharge is permitted or controlled by regulations made under this Act, a rule in a regional coastal plan, proposed regional coastal plan, regional plan, proposed regional plan, or a resource consent; or
(b)
after reasonable mixing, the water discharged is not likely to give rise to any significant adverse effects on aquatic life.
(3)
Where regulations are made under this Act permitting or controlling a discharge to which subsections (1) or (2) apply, no rule can be included in a regional coastal plan, proposed regional coastal plan, regional plan, or proposed regional plan, or a resource consent granted relating to that discharge unless the regulations provide otherwise; and regulations may be made prohibiting the making of rules or the granting of resource consents for discharges.
(4)
No person may discharge a harmful substance or contaminant in reliance upon subsection (1)(b) or (c) or subsection (2)(b) if a regulation made under this Act, a rule, or a resource consent applies to that discharge; and regulations or rules may be made prohibiting a discharge which would otherwise be permitted in accordance with subsection (1)(b) or (c) or subsection (2)(b).
(5)
A discharge authorised by subsection (1) or subsection (2), regulations made under this Act, a rule, or a resource consent may, despite section 7 of the Biosecurity Act 1993, be prohibited or controlled by that Act to exclude, eradicate, or effectively manage pests or unwanted organisms.
Section 15B: replaced, on 20 August 1998, by section 6 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
15C Prohibitions in relation to radioactive waste or other radioactive matter and other waste in coastal marine area
(1)
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Act, no person may, in the coastal marine area,—
(a)
dump from any ship, aircraft, or offshore installation any radioactive waste or other radioactive matter; or
(b)
store any radioactive waste or other radioactive matter or toxic or hazardous waste on or in any land or water.
(2)
In this section,—
radioactive waste or other radioactive matter has the same meaning as in section 257 of the Maritime Transport Act 1994
toxic or hazardous waste means any waste or other matter prescribed as toxic or hazardous waste by regulations.
Section 15C: inserted, on 20 August 1998, by section 6 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 105).
Noise
16 Duty to avoid unreasonable noise
(1)
Every occupier of land (including any premises and any coastal marine area), and every person carrying out an activity in, on, or under a water body or the coastal marine area, shall adopt the best practicable option to ensure that the emission of noise from that land or water does not exceed a reasonable level.
Section 16(1): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 14 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 16(2): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 16 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Adverse effects
17 Duty to avoid, remedy, or mitigate adverse effects
(1)
Every person has a duty to avoid, remedy, or mitigate any adverse effect on the environment arising from an activity carried on by or on behalf of the person, whether or not the activity is carried on in accordance with—
(a)
any of sections 10, 10A, 10B, and 20A; or
(b)
a national environmental standard, a rule, a resource consent, or a designation.
(2)
The duty referred to in subsection (1) is not of itself enforceable against any person, and no person is liable to any other person for a breach of that duty.
(3)
Notwithstanding subsection (2), an enforcement order or abatement notice may be made or served under Part 12 to—
(a)
require a person to cease, or prohibit a person from commencing, anything that, in the opinion of the Environment Court or an enforcement officer, is or is likely to be noxious, dangerous, offensive, or objectionable to such an extent that it has or is likely to have an adverse effect on the environment; or
(b)
require a person to do something that, in the opinion of the Environment Court or an enforcement officer, is necessary in order to avoid, remedy, or mitigate any actual or likely adverse effect on the environment caused by, or on behalf of, that person.
(4)
Subsection (3) is subject to section 319(2) (which specifies when an Environment Court shall not make an enforcement order).
Section 17(1): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 17 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 17(3)(a): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 17(3)(b): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 17(4): inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 15(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 17(4): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Recognised customary activities[Repealed]
Heading: repealed, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
17A Recognised customary activity may be exercised in accordance with any controls
[Repealed]Section 17A: repealed, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
17B Adverse effects assessment
[Repealed]Section 17B: repealed, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Emergencies
18 Possible defence in cases of unforeseen emergencies
(1)
Any person who is prosecuted under section 338 for an offence arising from any contravention of any of sections 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 15A, and 15B may raise any applicable defence that is referred to in section 341 or section 341A or section 341B.
(2)
No person may be prosecuted for acting in accordance with section 330 (which relates to certain activities undertaken in an emergency).
Section 18(1): replaced, on 20 August 1998, by section 8 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 105).
Procedure
Heading: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 9 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
18A Procedural principles
Every person exercising powers and performing functions under this Act must take all practicable steps to—
(a)
use timely, efficient, consistent, and cost-effective processes that are proportionate to the functions or powers being performed or exercised; and
(b)
ensure that policy statements and plans—
(i)
include only those matters relevant to the purpose of this Act; and
(ii)
are worded in a way that is clear and concise; and
(c)
promote collaboration between or among local authorities on their common resource management issues.
Section 18A: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 9 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Effect of certain changes to plans[Repealed]
Heading: repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 18 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
19 Certain rules in proposed plans to be operative
[Repealed]Section 19: repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 18 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
20 Certain rules in proposed plans not to have effect
[Repealed]Section 20: repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 18 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Certain existing lawful activities allowed
Heading: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 19 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
20A Certain existing lawful activities allowed
(1)
If, as a result of a rule in a proposed regional plan taking legal effect in accordance with section 86B or 149N(8), an activity requires a resource consent, the activity may continue until the rule becomes operative if,—
(a)
before the rule took legal effect in accordance with section 86B or 149N(8), the activity—
(i)
was a permitted activity or otherwise could have been lawfully carried on without a resource consent; and
(ii)
was lawfully established; and
(b)
the effects of the activity are the same or similar in character, intensity, and scale to the effects that existed before the rule took legal effect in accordance with section 86B or 149N(8); and
(c)
the activity has not been discontinued for a continuous period of more than 6 months (or a longer period fixed by a rule in the proposed regional plan in any particular case or class of case by the regional council that is responsible for the proposed plan) since the rule took legal effect in accordance with section 86B or 149N(8).
(2)
If, as a result of a rule in a regional plan becoming operative, an activity requires a resource consent, the activity may continue after the rule becomes operative if,—
(a)
before the rule became operative, the activity—
(i)
was a permitted activity or allowed to continue under subsection (1) or otherwise could have been lawfully carried on without a resource consent; and
(ii)
was lawfully established; and
(b)
the effects of the activity are the same or similar in character, intensity, and scale to the effects that existed before the rule became operative; and
(c)
the person carrying on the activity has applied for a resource consent from the appropriate consent authority within 6 months after the date the rule became operative and the application has not been decided or any appeals have not been determined.
Section 20A: replaced, on 1 August 2003, by section 8 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 20A(1): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 20(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 20A(1)(a): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 20(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 20A(1)(b): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 20(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 20A(1)(c): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 20(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Miscellaneous provisions
21 Avoiding unreasonable delay
Every person who exercises or carries out functions, powers, or duties, or is required to do anything, under this Act for which no time limits are prescribed shall do so as promptly as is reasonable in the circumstances.
22 Duty to give certain information
(1)
This section applies when an enforcement officer has reasonable grounds to believe that a person (person A) is breaching or has breached any of the obligations under this Part.
(2)
The enforcement officer may direct person A to give the officer the following information:
(a)
if person A is a natural person, his or her full name, address, and date of birth:
(b)
if person A is not a natural person, person A’s full name and address.
(3)
The enforcement officer may also direct person A to give the officer the following information about a person (person B) on whose behalf person A is breaching or has breached the obligations under this Part:
(a)
if person B is a natural person, his or her full name, address, and date of birth:
(b)
if person B is not a natural person, person B’s full name and address.
Section 22: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 21 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
23 Other legal requirements not affected
(1)
Compliance with this Act does not remove the need to comply with all other applicable legislation and other rules of law.
(2)
The duties and restrictions described in this Part shall only be enforceable against any person through the provisions of this Act; and no person shall be liable to any other person for a breach of any such duty or restriction except in accordance with the provisions of this Act.
(3)
Nothing in subsection (2) limits or affects any right of action which any person may have independently of the provisions of this Act.
Section 23(1): amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Part 4 Functions, powers, and duties of central and local government
Functions, powers, and duties of Ministers
24 Functions of Minister for the Environment
The Minister for the Environment shall have the following functions under this Act:
(a)
the recommendation of the issue of national policy statements under section 52:
(b)
the recommendation of the making of national environmental standards:
(ba)
the approval of a national planning standard under section 58E:
(c)
to decide whether to intervene in a matter, or to make a direction for a matter that is or is part of a proposal of national significance, under Part 6AA:
(d)
the recommendation of the approval of an applicant as a requiring authority under section 167 or a heritage protection authority under section 188:
(e)
the recommendation of the issue of water conservation orders under section 214:
(f)
the monitoring of the effect and implementation of this Act (including any regulations in force under it), national policy statements, national planning standards, and water conservation orders:
(g)
the monitoring of the relationship between the functions, powers, and duties of central government and local government under this Part:
(ga)
the monitoring and investigation, in such manner as the Minister thinks fit, of any matter of environmental significance:
(h)
the consideration and investigation of the use of economic instruments (including charges, levies, other fiscal measures, and incentives) to achieve the purpose of this Act:
(i)
any other functions specified in this Act.
Section 24(b): amended, on 10 August 2005, by section 6(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 24(ba): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 10(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 24(c): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 22 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 24(f): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 10(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 24(g): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 24(ga): inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 17 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
24A Power of Minister for the Environment to investigate and make recommendations
The Minister for the Environment may—
(a)
investigate the exercise or performance by a local authority of any of its functions, powers, or duties under this Act or regulations under this Act; and
(b)
make recommendations to the local authority on its exercise or performance of those functions, powers, or duties; and
(c)
investigate the failure or omission by a local authority to exercise or perform any of its functions, powers, or duties under this Act or regulations under this Act; and
(d)
make recommendations to the local authority on its failure or omission to exercise or perform those functions, powers, or duties.
(e)
[Repealed]Section 24A: inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 7 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 24A(a): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 23 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 24A(c): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 23 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 24A(e): repealed, on 21 August 2025, by section 6 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
25 Residual powers of Minister for the Environment
(1)
Where any local authority is not exercising or performing any of its functions, powers, or duties under this Act to the extent that the Minister for the Environment considers necessary to achieve the purpose of this Act, the Minister may appoint, on such terms and conditions as the Minister thinks fit, 1 or more persons (including any officer of the public service) to exercise or perform all or any of those functions, powers, or duties in place of the local authority.
(2)
The Minister shall not make an appointment under subsection (1) until—
(aaa)
the Minister has investigated the local authority under section 24A(a) or (c); and
(aab)
the Minister has made recommendations to the local authority under section 24A(b) or (d); and
(a)
the local authority has been given written notice specifying the reasons why the Minister proposes to make the appointment; and
(b)
the local authority has a reasonable opportunity to satisfy the Minister that it has not failed to exercise or perform any of its functions, powers, or duties to the extent necessary to achieve the purpose of this Act, and having not succeeded in so satisfying the Minister, has failed to take proper steps within a time specified in the notice (being not less than 20 working days after the date of the notice) to remedy the defaults complained of.
(3)
Any person appointed under subsection (1) to exercise or perform the functions, powers, or duties of a local authority under this Act may do so as if the person were the local authority, and the provisions of this Act shall apply accordingly.
(4)
All costs, charges, and expenses incurred by the Minister for the purposes of this section, or by a person appointed by the Minister under this section in exercising or performing functions, powers, or duties of a local authority, shall be recoverable from the local authority as a debt due to the Crown or may be deducted from any money payable to the local authority by the Crown.
Section 25(2)(aaa): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 7 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 25(2)(aab): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 7 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
25A Minister may direct preparation of plan, document, change, or variation
(1)
The Minister for the Environment—
(a)
may direct a regional council—
(i)
to prepare a regional plan that addresses a resource management issue relating to a function in section 30; or
(ii)
to prepare a change to its regional plan that addresses the issue; or
(iii)
to prepare a variation to its proposed regional plan that addresses the issue; and
(b)
may direct the council, in preparing the plan, change, or variation, to deal with the whole or a specified part of the council’s region; and
(c)
must, in giving a direction, specify a reasonable period within which the plan, change, or variation must be notified.
(2)
The Minister—
(a)
may direct a territorial authority—
(i)
to prepare a change to its district plan that addresses a resource management issue relating to a function in section 31; or
(ii)
to prepare a variation to its proposed district plan that addresses the issue; and
(b)
must, in giving a direction, specify a reasonable period within which the change or variation must be notified.
(3)
However, the Minister must not issue a direction under subsection (1) or (2) unless—
(a)
the Minister has investigated the local authority under section 24A(a) or (c) in relation to the resource management issue; and
(b)
the Minister has made recommendations to the local authority under section 24A(b) or (d) in relation to the resource management issue.
(4)
If a national policy statement requires a local authority to prepare a document other than a plan or policy statement and the authority has not prepared the document as required, the Minister—
(a)
may direct the authority to—
(i)
prepare the document; or
(ii)
amend the document to meet the requirements of the national policy statement; and
(b)
must, in giving a direction, specify a reasonable period within which the document must be prepared or amended.
(5)
The Minister—
(a)
may direct a local authority to—
(i)
prepare a plan change or variation to address any non-compliance with a national policy statement; and
(ii)
use a planning process under this Act to prepare the plan change or variation; and
(b)
must, in giving a direction, specify a reasonable period within which the plan change or variation must be notified.
(6)
However, the Minister must not make a direction under subsection (4) or (5) unless—
(a)
the Minister has investigated the local authority under section 24A(c) in relation to the non-compliance with the national policy statement; and
(b)
the Minister has made recommendations to the local authority under section 24A(d) in relation to that non-compliance.
Section 25A: inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 8 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 25A heading: amended, on 21 August 2025, by section 8(1) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 25A(3): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 8(2) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 25A(4): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 8(2) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 25A(5): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 8(2) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 25A(6): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 8(2) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
25B Ministers may direct commencement of review
(1)
The Minister may direct a regional council to commence a review of the whole or any part of its regional plan (except its regional coastal plan) and, if he or she does so, must specify a reasonable period within which the review must commence.
(2)
The Minister of Conservation may direct a regional council to commence a review of the whole or any part of its regional coastal plan and, if he or she does so, must specify a reasonable period within which the review must commence.
(3)
The Minister may direct a territorial authority to commence a review of the whole or any part of its district plan and, if he or she does so, must specify a reasonable period within which the review must commence.
(4)
For the purposes of subsections (1) to (3), section 79(5) to (9) apply to the review with any necessary modification.
Section 25B: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 24 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
26 Minister may make grants and loans
(1)
The Minister for the Environment may make grants and loans on such conditions as he or she thinks fit to any person to assist in achieving the purpose of this Act.
(2)
All money spent or advanced by the Minister under this section shall be paid out of money appropriated by Parliament for the purpose.
(3)
All money received by the Minister under this Act shall be paid into a Crown Bank Account or such other account as may be approved by the Minister of Finance.
Section 26(3): amended, on 25 January 2005, pursuant to section 65R(3) of the Public Finance Act 1989 (1989 No 44).
27 Minister may require local authorities to supply information
(1)
The Minister for the Environment may require the bodies described in subsection (2) to supply the information described in subsection (3).
(2)
The bodies are—
(a)
a local authority; and
(b)
a network utility operator approved as a requiring authority; and
(c)
a body corporate approved as a heritage protection authority.
(3)
The information is information to which all the following apply:
(a)
it is about the body’s exercise of any of its functions, powers, or duties under this Act; and
(b)
it is held by the body; and
(c)
it may reasonably be required by the Minister.
(4)
The Minister must require the information in a notice that—
(a)
is in writing; and
(b)
is dated.
(5)
The body—
(a)
must supply the Minister with the information within—
(i)
20 working days of the date of the notice; or
(ii)
a longer time set by the Minister; and
(b)
must not charge the Minister for the supply.
Section 27: replaced, on 10 August 2005, by section 9 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
28 Functions of Minister of Conservation
The Minister of Conservation shall have the following functions under this Act:
(a)
the preparation and recommendation of New Zealand coastal policy statements under section 57:
(b)
the approval of regional coastal plans in accordance with Schedule 1:
(c)
[Repealed](d)
the monitoring of the effect and implementation of New Zealand coastal policy statements and coastal permits for restricted coastal activities:
(e)
[Repealed](f)
any other functions specified in this Act.
Section 28(c): repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 25(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 28(d): replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 19(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 28(d): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 25(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 28(e): repealed, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 28(f): inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 7 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
28A Regional council must supply information to Minister of Conservation
(1)
The Minister of Conservation may, if it is reasonable to do so, require a regional council to supply information about the regional council’s monitoring of—
(a)
a coastal permit relating to its region; or
(b)
its regional coastal plan; or
(c)
the exercise of a protected customary right in its region.
(2)
The Minister of Conservation must request the required information by giving a written and dated notice to the regional council.
(3)
The council must supply the information to the Minister of Conservation within—
(a)
20 working days of the date of the notice; or
(b)
a longer time set by the Minister of Conservation.
(4)
The council must not charge for supplying the information.
Section 28A: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 26 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 28A(1)(c): amended, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
28B Functions of Minister of Aquaculture
The Minister of Aquaculture has the following functions under this Act:
(a)
suspending the receipt of applications for coastal permits authorising aquaculture activities to be undertaken in the coastal marine area under section 165ZD:
(b)
making a direction to process and hear together applications for coastal permits authorising aquaculture activities to be undertaken in the coastal marine area under section 165ZFA:
(c)
recommending the making of regulations under sections 360A to 360C that amend regional coastal plans in relation to aquaculture activities in the coastal marine area:
(d)
making decisions on the allocation of authorisations under Part 7A where the Minister is specified as the decision maker in a regional plan (as a result of amendments to the regional plan by regulations made under section 360A).
Section 28B: inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 8 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 28B(d): inserted, on 24 August 2023, by section 805(4) of the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (2023 No 46).
29 Delegation of functions by Ministers
(1)
Any Minister of the Crown may, either generally or particularly, delegate to the chief executive of that Minister’s department in accordance with clause 5 of Schedule 6 of the Public Service Act 2020, any of that Minister’s functions, powers, or duties under this Act other than the following:
(a)
certifying any work or activity under section 4:
(b)
appointing persons to exercise powers or perform functions or duties in place of a local authority under section 25:
(c)
recommending the making of a national environmental standard under section 44:
(d)
recommending the approval, change, or revocation of a national policy statement or a New Zealand coastal policy statement under section 52, 53, or 57:
(da)
approving, changing, replacing, or revoking a national planning standard under section 58E or 58H, other than to make changes that have no more than a minor effect, correct obvious errors or omissions, or make similar technical changes:
(e)
the following functions, powers, and duties under Part 6AA:
(i)
deciding whether to make a direction under section 142(2) or 147(1) in relation to a matter that is or is part of a proposal of national significance:
(ii)
appointing a board of inquiry under section 149J to consider a matter for which a direction has been made under section 142(2) or 147(1)(a):
(iii)
extending the time by which a board of inquiry must produce a final report on a matter for which a direction has been made under section 142(2) or 147(1)(a)
(iv)
deciding whether to intervene in a matter under section 149ZA:
(v)
deciding under section 149ZC whether to notify an application or notice of requirement to which section 149ZB applies:
(f)
recommending the making of an Order in Council under section 150C:
(g)
recommending the making of an Order in Council under section 165O:
(ga)
[Repealed](h)
approving an applicant as a requiring authority under section 167:
(i)
approving an applicant as a heritage protection authority under section 188:
(j)
recommending the issue or amendment of a water conservation order under section 214 or 216:
(k)
recommending the appointment of an Environment Judge or alternate Environment Judge under section 250:
(l)
recommending the appointment of the Chief Environment Court Judge under section 251:
(m)
recommending the appointment of an Environment Commissioner or Deputy Environment Commissioner under section 254:
(n)
recommending the making of regulations under section 360:
(o)
approving a regional coastal plan under clause 19 of Schedule 1:
(p)
[Repealed](q)
this power of delegation.
(2)
(3)
(4)
The Minister may, in writing, delegate to the Environmental Protection Authority his or her functions, powers, and duties under section 24(f), Part 6AA, and sections 357B to 357D except the following:
(a)
deciding whether to make a direction under section 142(2) or 147(1) in relation to a matter that is or is part of a proposal of national significance:
(b)
appointing a board of inquiry under section 149J to consider a matter for which a direction has been made under section 142(2) or 147(1)(a):
(c)
extending the time by which a board of inquiry must produce a final report on a matter for which a direction has been made under section 142(2) or 147(1)(a):
(d)
deciding whether to intervene in a matter under section 149ZA:
(e)
deciding under section 149ZC whether to notify an application or notice of requirement to which section 149ZB applies.
(4A)
The Minister of Conservation may, in writing, delegate to the Environmental Protection Authority his or her functions, powers, and duties—
(a)
under section 149ZD(4); and
(b)
under sections 357B(b), 357C, and 357D, in relation to a delegation to which paragraph (a) applies.
(4B)
The Environmental Protection Authority may, in writing and with the consent of the Minister of Conservation, delegate any of the functions, powers, and duties that the Minister has delegated to the Authority—
(a)
under section 149ZD(4); and
(b)
under sections 357B(b), 357C, and 357D, in relation to a delegation to which paragraph (a) applies.
(5)
A delegation under subsection (4) or (4A)—
(a)
is revocable at will, but the revocation does not take effect until it is communicated in writing to the EPA; and
(b)
does not prevent the Minister from performing the functions or duties, or exercising the powers, concerned.
(6)
A delegation under subsection (4B)—
(a)
is revocable at will, but the revocation does not take effect until it is communicated in writing to the delegate; and
(b)
does not prevent the Environmental Protection Authority from performing the functions or duties, or exercising the powers, concerned.
Section 29(1): amended, on 7 August 2020, by section 135 of the Public Service Act 2020 (2020 No 40).
Section 29(1)(a): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 27(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 29(1)(b): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 27(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 29(1)(c): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 27(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 29(1)(d): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 27(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 29(1)(da): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 11(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 29(1)(e): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 27(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 29(1)(f): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 27(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 29(1)(g): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 27(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 29(1)(ga): repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 27(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 29(1)(h): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 27(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 29(1)(i): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 27(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 29(1)(j): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 27(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 29(1)(k): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 27(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 29(1)(l): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 27(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 29(1)(l): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 8 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 29(1)(m): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 27(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 29(1)(n): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 27(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 29(1)(o): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 27(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 29(1)(p): repealed, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 29(1)(q): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 27(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 29(2): amended, on 7 August 2020, by section 135 of the Public Service Act 2020 (2020 No 40).
Section 29(3): amended, on 7 August 2020, by section 135 of the Public Service Act 2020 (2020 No 40).
Section 29(4): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 27(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 29(4): amended, on 1 July 2011, by section 5 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2011 (2011 No 19).
Section 29(4A): inserted, on 4 September 2013, by section 5(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 29(4B): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 11(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 29(5): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 27(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 29(5): amended, on 4 September 2013, by section 5(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 29(6): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 11(3) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
29A Restriction on Ministerial direction
The Minister may not give a direction under section 103 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 that relates to the exercise of the EPA’s functions under section 42C(c).
Section 29A: inserted, on 1 July 2011, by section 6 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2011 (2011 No 19).
Functions, powers, and duties of local authorities
30 Functions of regional councils under this Act
(1)
Every regional council shall have the following functions for the purpose of giving effect to this Act in its region:
(a)
the establishment, implementation, and review of objectives, policies, and methods to achieve integrated management of the natural and physical resources of the region:
(b)
the preparation of objectives and policies in relation to any actual or potential effects of the use, development, or protection of land which are of regional significance:
(ba)
the establishment, implementation, and review of objectives, policies, and methods to ensure that there is sufficient development capacity in relation to housing and business land to meet the expected demands of the region:
(c)
the control of the use of land for the purpose of—
(i)
soil conservation:
(ii)
the maintenance and enhancement of the quality of water in water bodies and coastal water:
(iii)
the maintenance of the quantity of water in water bodies and coastal water:
(iiia)
the maintenance and enhancement of ecosystems in water bodies and coastal water:
(iv)
the avoidance or mitigation of natural hazards:
(v)
[Repealed](ca)
the investigation of land for the purposes of identifying and monitoring contaminated land:
(d)
in respect of any coastal marine area in the region, the control (in conjunction with the Minister of Conservation) of—
(i)
land and associated natural and physical resources:
(ii)
the occupation of space in, and the extraction of sand, shingle, shell, or other natural material from, the coastal marine area, to the extent that it is within the common marine and coastal area:
(iii)
the taking, use, damming, and diversion of water:
(iv)
discharges of contaminants into or onto land, air, or water and discharges of water into water:
(iva)
the dumping and incineration of waste or other matter and the dumping of ships, aircraft, and offshore installations:
(v)
any actual or potential effects of the use, development, or protection of land, including the avoidance or mitigation of natural hazards:
(vi)
the emission of noise and the mitigation of the effects of noise:
(vii)
activities in relation to the surface of water:
(e)
the control of the taking, use, damming, and diversion of water, and the control of the quantity, level, and flow of water in any water body, including—
(i)
the setting of any maximum or minimum levels or flows of water:
(ii)
the control of the range, or rate of change, of levels or flows of water:
(iii)
the control of the taking or use of geothermal energy:
(f)
the control of discharges of contaminants into or onto land, air, or water and discharges of water into water:
(fa)
if appropriate, the establishment of rules in a regional plan to allocate any of the following:
(i)
the taking or use of water (other than open coastal water):
(ii)
the taking or use of heat or energy from water (other than open coastal water):
(iii)
the taking or use of heat or energy from the material surrounding geothermal water:
(iv)
the capacity of air or water to assimilate a discharge of a contaminant:
(fb)
if appropriate, and in conjunction with the Minister of Conservation,—
(i)
the establishment of rules in a regional coastal plan to allocate the taking or use of heat or energy from open coastal water:
(ii)
the establishment of a rule in a regional coastal plan to allocate space in a coastal marine area under Part 7A:
(g)
in relation to any bed of a water body, the control of the introduction or planting of any plant in, on, or under that land, for the purpose of—
(i)
soil conservation:
(ii)
the maintenance and enhancement of the quality of water in that water body:
(iii)
the maintenance of the quantity of water in that water body:
(iv)
the avoidance or mitigation of natural hazards:
(ga)
the establishment, implementation, and review of objectives, policies, and methods for maintaining indigenous biological diversity:
(gb)
the strategic integration of infrastructure with land use through objectives, policies, and methods:
(h)
any other functions specified in this Act.
(2)
A regional council and the Minister of Conservation must not perform the functions specified in subsection (1)(d)(i), (ii), and (vii) to control the taking, allocation or enhancement of fisheries resources for the purpose of managing fishing or fisheries resources controlled under the Fisheries Act 1996.
(3)
However, a regional council and the Minister of Conservation may perform the functions specified in subsection (1)(d) to control aquaculture activities for the purpose of avoiding, remedying, or mitigating the effects of aquaculture activities on fishing and fisheries resources.
(4)
A rule to allocate a natural resource established by a regional council in a plan under subsection (1)(fa) or (fb) may allocate the resource in any way, subject to the following:
(a)
the rule may not, during the term of an existing resource consent, allocate the amount of a resource that has already been allocated to the consent; and
(b)
nothing in paragraph (a) affects section 68(7); and
(c)
the rule may allocate the resource in anticipation of the expiry of existing consents; and
(d)
in allocating the resource in anticipation of the expiry of existing consents, the rule may—
(i)
allocate all of the resource used for an activity to the same type of activity; or
(ii)
allocate some of the resource used for an activity to the same type of activity and the rest of the resource to any other type of activity or no type of activity; and
(e)
the rule may allocate the resource among competing types of activities; and
(f)
the rule may allocate water, or heat or energy from water, as long as the allocation does not affect the activities authorised by section 14(3)(b) to (e).
(5)
In this section and section 31,—
business land means land that is zoned for business use in an urban environment, including, for example, land in the following zones:
(a)
business and business parks:
(b)
centres, to the extent that this zone allows business uses:
(c)
commercial:
(d)
industrial:
(e)
mixed use, to the extent that this zone allows business uses:
(f)
retail
development capacity, in relation to housing and business land in urban areas, means the capacity of land for urban development, based on—
(a)
the zoning, objectives, policies, rules, and overlays that apply to the land under the relevant proposed and operative regional policy statements, regional plans, and district plans; and
(b)
the capacity required to meet—
(i)
the expected short and medium term requirements; and
(ii)
the long term requirements; and
(c)
the provision of adequate development infrastructure to support the development of the land
development infrastructure means the network infrastructure for—
(a)
water supply, wastewater, and storm water; and
(b)
to the extent that it is controlled by local authorities, land transport as defined in section 5(1) of the Land Transport Management Act 2003.
Section 30 heading: amended, on 20 August 1998, by section 9 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 105).
Section 30(1)(ba): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 12(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 30(1)(c)(iiia): inserted, on 1 August 2003, by section 9(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 30(1)(c)(v): repealed, on 19 April 2017, by section 12(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 30(1)(ca): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 11(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 30(1)(d)(ii): replaced, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 30(1)(d)(iva): inserted, on 20 August 1998, by section 9 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 105).
Section 30(1)(d)(v): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 12(3) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 30(1)(fa): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 11(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 30(1)(fb): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 11(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 30(1)(ga): inserted, on 1 August 2003, by section 9(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 30(1)(gb): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 11(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 30(2): replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 9 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 30(3): replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 9 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 30(4): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 11(4) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 30(5): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 12(4) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
31 Functions of territorial authorities under this Act
(1)
Every territorial authority shall have the following functions for the purpose of giving effect to this Act in its district:
(a)
the establishment, implementation, and review of objectives, policies, and methods to achieve integrated management of the effects of the use, development, or protection of land and associated natural and physical resources of the district:
(aa)
the establishment, implementation, and review of objectives, policies, and methods to ensure that there is sufficient development capacity in respect of housing and business land to meet the expected demands of the district:
(b)
the control of any actual or potential effects of the use, development, or protection of land, including for the purpose of—
(i)
the avoidance or mitigation of natural hazards; and
(ii)
[Repealed](iia)
the prevention or mitigation of any adverse effects of the development, subdivision, or use of contaminated land:
(iii)
the maintenance of indigenous biological diversity:
(c)
[Repealed](d)
the control of the emission of noise and the mitigation of the effects of noise:
(e)
the control of any actual or potential effects of activities in relation to the surface of water in rivers and lakes:
(f)
any other functions specified in this Act.
(2)
The methods used to carry out any functions under subsection (1) may include the control of subdivision.
Section 31 heading: amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 22 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 31(1)(aa): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 13(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 31(1)(b): replaced, on 1 August 2003, by section 10(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 31(1)(b)(ii): repealed, on 19 April 2017, by section 13(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 31(1)(b)(iia): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 12 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 31(1)(c): repealed, on 1 August 2003, by section 10(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 31(2): inserted, on 1 August 2003, by section 10(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
31A Minister of Conservation to have certain powers of local authority
(1)
The Minister of Conservation—
(a)
has, in respect of the coastal marine areas of the Kermadec Islands, the Snares Islands, the Bounty Islands, the Antipodes Islands, the Auckland Islands, Campbell Island, and the islands adjacent to Campbell Island, the responsibilities, duties, and powers that a regional council would have under section 30(1)(d) if those coastal marine areas were within the region of that regional council; and
(b)
may exercise, in respect of the islands specified in paragraph (a),—
(i)
the responsibilities, duties, and powers that a regional council would have under this Act if those islands were within the region of that regional council; and
(ii)
the responsibilities, duties, and powers that a territorial authority would have under this Act if those islands were within the district of that territorial authority.
(2)
The responsibilities, duties, and powers conferred on the Minister of Conservation by subsection (1)(b) are in addition to the powers conferred on that Minister by subsection (1)(a).
(3)
The responsibilities, duties, and powers conferred on the Minister of Conservation by this section are in addition to the responsibilities, duties, and powers conferred on that Minister by this Act.
Section 31A: inserted, on 1 July 2003, by section 262 of the Local Government Act 2002 (2002 No 84).
Section 31A(1)(b)(i): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
32 Requirements for preparing and publishing evaluation reports
(1)
An evaluation report required under this Act must—
(a)
examine the extent to which the objectives of the proposal being evaluated are the most appropriate way to achieve the purpose of this Act; and
(b)
examine whether the provisions in the proposal are the most appropriate way to achieve the objectives by—
(i)
identifying other reasonably practicable options for achieving the objectives; and
(ii)
assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of the provisions in achieving the objectives; and
(iii)
summarising the reasons for deciding on the provisions; and
(c)
contain a level of detail that corresponds to the scale and significance of the environmental, economic, social, and cultural effects that are anticipated from the implementation of the proposal.
(2)
An assessment under subsection (1)(b)(ii) must—
(a)
identify and assess the benefits and costs of the environmental, economic, social, and cultural effects that are anticipated from the implementation of the provisions, including the opportunities for—
(i)
economic growth that are anticipated to be provided or reduced; and
(ii)
employment that are anticipated to be provided or reduced; and
(b)
if practicable, quantify the benefits and costs referred to in paragraph (a); and
(c)
assess the risk of acting or not acting if there is uncertain or insufficient information about the subject matter of the provisions.
(2A)
A proposal that includes rules that control fishing in the coastal marine area must also include an assessment of the impact of the rules on fishing (within the meaning of section 2B). The assessment—
(a)
must examine whether, and the extent to which, the rules would—
(i)
affect the ability of local communities to take fish, aquatic life, or seaweed for non-commercial purposes; and
(ii)
affect the ability of persons with a commercial interest in a species or stock to take their annual catch entitlement within the quota management area for that species or stock and have an impact on quota owners for that species or stock within the quota management area; and
(iii)
affect the ability of persons with a fishing permit for non-quota management species or stock to exercise their right to take fisheries resources under the permit; and
(b)
must examine—
(i)
the location of the rules within the region; and
(ii)
the extent to which the rules will exclude fishing; and
(iii)
the extent to which fishing could be carried out in other areas; and
(iv)
the extent to which the rules will increase the cost of fishing; and
(v)
any other controls on fishing within the region or the relevant quota management area that are imposed under this Act, the Fisheries Act 1996, or other legislation; and
(vi)
the overall impact that those other controls and the rules will have on fishing; and
(c)
may examine any other relevant factor.
(2B)
The requirement in subsection (2A) for the assessment to examine the matters described in subsection (2A)(a) and (b) applies to the extent that information relating to those matters is reasonably available.
(3)
If the proposal (an amending proposal) will amend a regional policy statement, plan, or change that is already proposed or that already exists (an existing proposal), the examination under subsection (1)(b) must relate to—
(a)
the provisions and objectives of the amending proposal; and
(b)
the objectives of the existing proposal to the extent that those objectives—
(i)
are relevant to the objectives of the amending proposal; and
(ii)
would remain if the amending proposal were to take effect.
(4)
If the proposal will impose a greater or lesser prohibition or restriction on an activity to which a national environmental standard applies than the existing prohibitions or restrictions in that standard, the evaluation report must examine whether the prohibition or restriction is justified in the circumstances of each region or district in which the prohibition or restriction would have effect.
(4A)
If the proposal is a proposed policy statement, plan, or change prepared in accordance with any of the processes provided for in Schedule 1, the evaluation report must—
(a)
summarise all advice concerning the proposal received from iwi authorities under the relevant provisions of Schedule 1; and
(b)
summarise the response to the advice, including any provisions of the proposal that are intended to give effect to the advice.
(5)
The person who must have particular regard to the evaluation report must make the report available for public inspection at the same time as the proposal is notified.
(6)
In this section,—
annual catch entitlement, quota management area, and quota management system have the meanings given to them by section 2(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996
non-quota management species or stock means any species or stock that the Fisheries Act 1996 applies to and is not subject to the quota management system
objectives means,—
(a)
for a proposal that contains or states objectives, those objectives:
(b)
for all other proposals, the purpose of the proposal
proposal means a proposed regional policy statement, plan, or change for which an evaluation report must be prepared under this Act
provisions means,—
(a)
for a proposed plan or change, the policies, rules, or other methods that implement, or give effect to, the objectives of the proposed plan or change:
(b)
for all other proposals, the policies or provisions of the proposal that implement, or give effect to, the objectives of the proposal.
Section 32: replaced, on 3 December 2013, for all purposes, by section 70 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 32(2A): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 9(1) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 32(2B): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 9(1) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 32(3): amended, on 25 October 2024, by section 5(1) of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
Section 32(4): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 14(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 32(4A): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 14(3) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 32(5): replaced, on 25 October 2024, by section 5(2) of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
Section 32(6) annual catch entitlement, quota management area, and quota management system: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 9(2) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 32(6) non-quota management species or stock: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 9(2) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 32(6) proposal: amended, on 25 October 2024, by section 5(3) of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
32AA Requirements for undertaking and publishing further evaluations
(1)
A further evaluation required under this Act—
(a)
is required only for any changes that have been made to, or are proposed for, the proposal since the evaluation report for the proposal was completed (the changes); and
(b)
must be undertaken in accordance with section 32(1) to (4); and
(c)
must, despite paragraph (b) and section 32(1)(c), be undertaken at a level of detail that corresponds to the scale and significance of the changes; and
(d)
must—
(i)
be published in an evaluation report that is made available for public inspection at the same time as the decision on the proposal is notified; or
(ii)
be referred to in the decision-making record in sufficient detail to demonstrate that the further evaluation was undertaken in accordance with this section.
(2)
To avoid doubt, an evaluation report does not have to be prepared if a further evaluation is undertaken in accordance with subsection (1)(d)(ii).
(3)
In this section, proposal means a proposed regional policy statement, plan, or change for which a further evaluation must be undertaken under this Act.
Section 32AA: inserted, on 3 December 2013, for all purposes, by section 70 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 32AA(1)(d)(i): replaced, on 25 October 2024, by section 6(1) of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
Section 32AA(3): amended, on 25 October 2024, by section 6(2) of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
32A Failure to carry out evaluation
(1)
A challenge to an objective, policy, rule, or other method on the ground that an evaluation report required under this Act has not been prepared or regarded, a further evaluation required under this Act has not been undertaken or regarded, or section 32 or 32AA has not been complied with may be made only in a submission under section 149E, 149F, or 149O or under Schedule 1.
(2)
Subsection (1) does not prevent a person who is hearing a submission or an appeal on a proposal from having regard to the matters stated in section 32.
(3)
In this section, proposal means a proposed regional policy statement plan, or change for which—
(a)
an evaluation report must be prepared under this Act; or
(b)
a further evaluation must be undertaken under this Act.
Section 32A: inserted, on 1 August 2003, by section 11 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 32A(1): amended, on 25 October 2024, by section 7(1) of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
Section 32A(1): amended, on 3 December 2013, for all purposes, by section 71(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 32A(1): amended, on 4 September 2013, by section 6 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 32A(2): replaced, on 3 December 2013, for all purposes, by section 71(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 32A(3): inserted, on 3 December 2013, for all purposes, by section 71(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 32A(3): amended, on 25 October 2024, by section 7(2) of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
33 Transfer of powers
(1)
A local authority may transfer any 1 or more of its functions, powers, or duties under this Act, except this power of transfer, to another public authority in accordance with this section.
(2)
For the purposes of this section, public authority includes—
(a)
a local authority; and
(b)
an iwi authority; and
(c)
a government department; and
(d)
a statutory authority; and
(e)
a joint committee set up for the purposes of section 80; and
(f)
a local board.
(3)
A local authority must not transfer any of its functions, powers, or duties under this section unless—
(a)
it has used the special consultative procedure set out in section 83 of the Local Government Act 2002; and
(b)
before using that special consultative procedure it serves notice on the Minister of its proposal to transfer the function, power, or duty; and
(c)
both authorities agree that the transfer is desirable on all of the following grounds:
(i)
the authority to which the transfer is made represents the appropriate community of interest relating to the exercise or performance of the function, power, or duty:
(ii)
efficiency:
(iii)
technical or special capability or expertise.
(4)
A transfer of functions, powers, or duties under this section must be made by agreement between the authorities concerned and on such terms and conditions as are agreed.
(5)
A public authority to which any function, power, or duty is transferred under this section may accept the transfer, unless expressly forbidden to do so by the terms of any Act by or under which it is constituted, and upon the transfer its functions, powers, and duties are deemed to be extended in such manner as may be necessary to enable it to undertake, exercise, and perform the function, power, or duty.
(6)
A local authority that has transferred any function, power, or duty under this section may change or revoke the transfer at any time by notice to the transferee.
(7)
A public authority to which any function, power, or duty has been transferred under this section may relinquish the transfer in accordance with the transfer agreement.
Section 33: inserted, on 23 December 2023, by section 6 of the Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023 (2023 No 68).
33 Transfer of powers
[Repealed]Section 33: repealed, on 24 August 2023, by section 805(4) of the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (2023 No 46).
34 Delegation of functions, etc, by local authorities
(1)
A local authority may delegate to any committee of the local authority established in accordance with the Local Government Act 2002 any of its functions, powers, or duties under this Act.
(2)
A territorial authority may delegate to any community board established in accordance with the Local Government Act 2002 any of its functions, powers, or duties under this Act in respect of any matter of significance to that community, other than the approval of a plan or any change to a plan.
(3)
Subsection (2) does not prevent a local authority delegating to a community board power to do anything before a final decision on the approval of a plan or any change to a plan.
(3A)
A unitary authority may delegate to any local board any of its functions, powers, or duties under this Act in respect of any matter of local significance to that board, other than the approval of a plan or any change to a plan.
(3B)
Subsection (3A) does not prevent a unitary authority delegating to a local board power to do anything before a final decision on the approval of a plan or any change to a plan.
(4)
[Repealed](5)
[Repealed](6)
[Repealed](7)
Any delegation under this section may be made on such terms and conditions as the local authority thinks fit, and may be revoked at any time by notice to the delegate.
(8)
Except as provided in the instrument of delegation, every person to whom any function, power, or duty has been delegated under this section may, without confirmation by the local authority, exercise or perform the function, power, or duty in like manner and with the same effect as the local authority could itself have exercised or performed it.
(9)
Every person authorised to act under a delegation under this section is presumed to be acting in accordance with its terms in the absence of proof to the contrary.
(10)
A delegation under this section does not affect the performance or exercise of any function, power, or duty by the local authority.
(11)
In subsections (3A) and (3B), Auckland Council and local board have the meanings given in section 4(1) of the Local Government (Auckland Council) Act 2009.
Section 34(1): amended, on 1 July 2003, by section 262 of the Local Government Act 2002 (2002 No 84).
Section 34(2): amended, on 1 July 2003, by section 262 of the Local Government Act 2002 (2002 No 84).
Section 34(3): replaced, on 1 August 2003, by section 13 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 34(3A): inserted, on 1 November 2010, by section 113(1) of the Local Government (Auckland Transitional Provisions) Act 2010 (2010 No 37).
Section 34(3A): amended, on 8 August 2014, by section 78 of the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 55).
Section 34(3B): inserted, on 1 November 2010, by section 113(1) of the Local Government (Auckland Transitional Provisions) Act 2010 (2010 No 37).
Section 34(3B): amended, on 8 August 2014, by section 78 of the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 55).
Section 34(4): repealed, on 1 August 2003, by section 13 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 34(5): repealed, on 1 August 2003, by section 13 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 34(6): repealed, on 1 August 2003, by section 13 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 34(11): inserted, on 1 November 2010, by section 113(1) of the Local Government (Auckland Transitional Provisions) Act 2010 (2010 No 37).
34A Delegation of powers and functions to employees and other persons
(1)
A local authority may delegate to an employee, or hearings commissioner appointed by the local authority (who may or may not be a member of the local authority), any functions, powers, or duties under this Act except the following:
(a)
the approval of a proposed policy statement or plan under clause 17 of Schedule 1:
(b)
this power of delegation.
(1A)
If a local authority is considering appointing 1 or more hearings commissioners to exercise a delegated power to conduct a hearing under Part 1 or 5 of Schedule 1,—
(a)
the local authority must consult tangata whenua through relevant iwi authorities on whether it is appropriate to appoint a commissioner with an understanding of tikanga Māori and of the perspectives of local iwi or hapū; and
(b)
if the local authority considers it appropriate, it must appoint at least 1 commissioner with an understanding of tikanga Māori and of the perspectives of local iwi or hapū, in consultation with relevant iwi authorities.
(2)
A local authority may delegate to any other person any functions, powers, or duties under this Act except the following:
(a)
the powers in subsection (1)(a) and (b):
(b)
the decision on an application for a resource consent:
(c)
the making of a recommendation on a requirement for a designation.
(3)
[Repealed](4)
Section 34(7), (8), (9), and (10) applies to a delegation under this section.
(5)
Subsection (1) or subsection (2) does not prevent a local authority delegating to any person the power to do anything before a final decision on a matter referred to in those subsections.
Section 34A: inserted, on 1 August 2003, by section 14 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 34A(1)(a): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 28 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 34A(1A): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 17 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 34A(3): repealed, on 10 August 2005, by section 14 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
35 Duty to gather information, monitor, and keep records
(1)
Every local authority shall gather such information, and undertake or commission such research, as is necessary to carry out effectively its functions under this Act or regulations under this Act.
(2)
Every local authority shall monitor—
(a)
the state of the whole or any part of the environment of its region or district—
(i)
to the extent that is appropriate to enable the local authority to effectively carry out its functions under this Act; and
(ii)
in addition, by reference to any indicators or other matters prescribed by regulations made under this Act, and in accordance with the regulations; and
(b)
the efficiency and effectiveness of policies, rules, or other methods in its policy statement or its plan; and
(c)
the exercise of any functions, powers, or duties delegated or transferred by it; and
(ca)
the efficiency and effectiveness of processes used by the local authority in exercising its powers or performing its functions or duties (including those delegated or transferred by it), including matters such as timeliness, cost, and the overall satisfaction of those persons or bodies in respect of whom the powers, functions, or duties are exercised or performed; and
(d)
the exercise of the resource consents that have effect in its region or district, as the case may be; and
(e)
in the case of a regional council, the exercise of a protected customary right in its region, including any controls imposed on the exercise of that right under Part 3 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011—
and take appropriate action (having regard to the methods available to it under this Act) where this is shown to be necessary.
(2AA)
Monitoring required by subsection (2) must be undertaken in accordance with any regulations.
(2A)
Every local authority must, at intervals of not more than 5 years, compile and make available to the public a review of the results of its monitoring under subsection (2)(b).
(3)
Every local authority shall keep reasonably available at its principal office, information which is relevant to the administration of policy statements and plans, the monitoring of resource consents, and current issues relating to the environment of the area, to enable the public—
(a)
to be better informed of their duties and of the functions, powers, and duties of the local authority; and
(b)
to participate effectively under this Act.
(4)
Every local authority shall keep reasonably available at each of the offices in its region or district such of the information referred to in subsection (3) as relates to that part of the region or district.
(5)
The information to be kept by a local authority under subsection (3) shall include—
(a)
copies of its operative and any proposed policy statements and plans including all requirements for designations and heritage orders, and all operative and proposed changes to those policy statements and plans; and
(aa)
copies of all material incorporated by reference in any plan or proposed plan under Part 3 of Schedule 1; and
(b)
all its decisions relating to submissions on any proposed policy statements and plans which have not yet become operative; and
(c)
in the case of a territorial authority, copies of every operative and proposed regional policy statement and regional plan for the region of which its district forms part; and
(d)
in the case of a regional council, copies of every operative and proposed district plan for every territorial authority in its region; and
(e)
in the case of a regional council, a copy of every Order in Council served on it under section 154(a); and
(f)
copies of any national environmental standard or national policy statement or New Zealand coastal policy statement; and
(g)
records of all applications for resource consents received by it; and
(ga)
(gb)
records of all resource consents granted within the local authority’s region or district; and
(gc)
records of the transfer of any resource consent; and
(h)
[Repealed](i)
a summary of all written complaints received by it during the preceding 5 years concerning alleged breaches of the Act or a plan, and information on how it dealt with each such complaint; and
(j)
records of natural hazards to the extent that the local authority considers appropriate for the effective discharge of its functions; and
(ja)
in the case of a territorial authority, the location and area of all esplanade reserves, esplanade strips, and access strips in the district; and
(jb)
in the case of a regional council, records of every protected customary rights order or agreement relating to a part of the common marine and coastal area within its region; and
(k)
any other information gathered under subsections (1) and (2).
(6)
In subsections (2)(e) and (5)(jb), regional council includes the Chatham Islands Council.
Section 35(1): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 29(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 35(2)(a): replaced, on 4 September 2013, by section 7(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 35(2)(b): replaced, on 1 August 2003, by section 15(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 35(2)(ca): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 18(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 35(2)(d): amended, on 17 January 2005, by section 10(1) of the Resource Management (Foreshore and Seabed) Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 94).
Section 35(2)(e): replaced, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 35(2AA): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 18(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 35(2A): inserted, on 1 August 2003, by section 15(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 35(5)(aa): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 15 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 35(5)(f): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 29(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 35(5)(g): replaced, on 1 August 2003, by section 15(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 35(5)(ga): inserted, on 1 August 2003, by section 15(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 35(5)(ga): amended, on 18 October 2017, by section 128 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 35(5)(ga): amended, on 4 September 2013, by section 7(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 35(5)(ga): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 29(3) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 35(5)(gb): inserted, on 1 August 2003, by section 15(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 35(5)(gc): inserted, on 1 August 2003, by section 15(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 35(5)(h): repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 29(4) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 35(5)(ja): inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 24 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 35(5)(jb): replaced, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 35(6): inserted, on 17 January 2005, by section 10(3) of the Resource Management (Foreshore and Seabed) Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 94).
35A Duty to keep records about iwi and hapu
(1)
For the purposes of this Act or regulations under this Act, a local authority must keep and maintain, for each iwi and hapu within its region or district, a record of—
(a)
the contact details of each iwi authority within the region or district and any groups within the region or district that represent hapu for the purposes of this Act or regulations under this Act; and
(b)
the planning documents that are recognised by each iwi authority and lodged with the local authority; and
(c)
any area of the region or district over which 1 or more iwi or hapu exercise kaitiakitanga; and
(d)
any Mana Whakahono a Rohe entered into under section 58O.
(2)
For the purposes of subsection (1)(a) and (c),—
(a)
the Crown must provide to each local authority information on—
(i)
the iwi authorities within the region or district of that local authority and the areas over which 1 or more iwi exercise kaitiakitanga within that region or district; and
(ii)
any groups that represent hapu for the purposes of this Act or regulations under this Act within the region or district of that local authority and the areas over which 1 or more hapu exercise kaitiakitanga within that region or district; and
(iii)
the matters provided for in subparagraphs (i) and (ii) that the local authority has advised to the Crown; and
(b)
the local authority must include in its records all the information provided to it by the Crown under paragraph (a).
(3)
In addition to any information provided by a local authority under subsection (2)(a)(iii), the local authority may also keep a record of information relevant to its region or district, as the case may be,—
(a)
on iwi, obtained directly from the relevant iwi authority; and
(b)
on hapu, obtained directly from the relevant group representing the hapu for the purposes of this Act or regulations under this Act.
(4)
In this section, the requirement under subsection (1) to keep and maintain a record does not apply in relation to hapu unless a hapu, through the group that represents it for the purposes of this Act or regulations under this Act, requests the Crown or the relevant local authority (or both) to include the required information for that hapu in the record.
(5)
If information recorded under subsection (1) conflicts with a provision of another enactment, advice given under the other enactment, or a determination made under the other enactment, as the case may be,—
(a)
the provision of the other enactment prevails; or
(b)
the advice given under the other enactment prevails; or
(c)
the determination made under the other enactment prevails.
(6)
Information kept and maintained by a local authority under this section must not be used by the local authority except for the purposes of this Act or regulations under this Act.
(7)
Information required to be provided under this section must be provided in accordance with any prescribed requirements.
Section 35A: inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 16 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 35A(1): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 30 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 35A(1)(a): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 30 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 35A(1)(c): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 19(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 35A(1)(d): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 19(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 35A(2)(a)(ii): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 30 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 35A(3)(b): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 30 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 35A(4): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 30 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 35A(6): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 30 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 35A(7): inserted, on 4 September 2013, by section 8 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
36 Administrative charges
(1)
A local authority may from time to time fix charges of all or any of the following kinds:
(a)
charges payable by applicants for the preparation or change of a policy statement or plan, for the carrying out by the local authority of its functions in relation to such applications:
(aa)
charges payable by an applicant who makes a request under section 100A in relation to an application for a resource consent, even if 1 or more submitters also make a request, for the cost of the application being heard and decided in accordance with the request:
(ab)
charges payable if 1 or more submitters make a request under section 100A in relation to an application for a resource consent, but the applicant does not also make a request, as follows:
(i)
charges payable by the applicant for the amount that the local authority estimates it would cost for the application to be heard and decided if the request had not been made; and
(ii)
charges payable by the submitters who made a request for equal shares of any amount by which the cost of the application being heard and decided in accordance with the request exceeds the amount payable by the applicant under subparagraph (i):
(ac)
charges payable by a requiring authority or heritage protection authority who makes a request under section 100A in relation to a notice of requirement, even if 1 or more submitters also make a request, for the cost of the requirement being heard and decided or recommended on in accordance with the request:
(ad)
charges payable if 1 or more submitters make a request under section 100A in relation to a notice of requirement, but the requiring authority or heritage protection authority does not also make a request, as follows:
(i)
charges payable by the requiring authority or heritage protection authority for the amount that the local authority estimates it would cost for the requirement to be heard and decided or recommended on if the request had not been made; and
(ii)
charges payable by the submitters who made a request for equal shares of any amount by which the cost of the requirement being heard and decided or recommended on in accordance with the request exceeds the amount payable by the authority under subparagraph (i):
(ae)
charges payable by persons proposing to undertake an activity, for the carrying out by the local authority of its functions in relation to issuing a notice under section 87BA or 87BB stating whether the activity is a permitted activity:
(af)
charges payable by a person making an objection under section 357A(1)(f) or (g), if the person requests under section 357AB that the objection be considered by a hearings commissioner, for the cost of the objection being considered and decided in accordance with the request:
(b)
charges payable by applicants for resource consents, for the carrying out by the local authority of any 1 or more of its functions in relation to the receiving, processing, and granting of resource consents (including certificates of compliance and existing use certificates):
(c)
charges payable by holders of resource consents, for the carrying out by the local authority of its functions in relation to the administration, monitoring, and supervision of resource consents (including certificates of compliance and existing use certificates), and for the carrying out of its resource management functions under section 35:
(caaa)
charges payable by a person carrying out a permitted activity, for the carrying out by the local authority of monitoring the person’s compliance with any rule in a plan that relates to the permitted activity, but this paragraph does not apply to a rule in a plan that permits the same activity as is permitted in a national environmental standard:
(caab)
charges payable by a person who, in the opinion of an enforcement officer, has contravened this Act, a national environmental standard, a regulation, a rule in a plan, or a resource consent, for the carrying out by the local authority of any function necessary to determine whether the contravention has occurred:
(caac)
charges payable by a person who is the subject of an abatement notice or an enforcement order, for the carrying out by the local authority of its functions relating to issuing, administering, supervising, or monitoring compliance with the notice or order:
(ca)
charges payable by persons seeking authorisations under Part 7A, for the carrying out by the local authority of its functions in relation to the allocation of authorisations (whether by tender or any other method), including its functions preliminary to the allocation of authorisations:
(cb)
charges payable by holders of resource consents, for the carrying out by the local authority of any 1 or more of its functions in relation to reviewing consent conditions, if—
(i)
the review is carried out at the request of the consent holder; or
(ii)
the review is carried out under section 128(1)(a); or
(iia)
the review is carried out under section 128(1)(aa); or
(iii)
the review is carried out under section 128(1)(c); or
(iv)
the review is carried out under section 128(2); or
(v)
the review is carried out by a regional council under section 128(1) in accordance with a relevant national environmental standard or national planning standard; or
(vi)
the review is carried out under section 165ZZD:
(cc)
charges payable by a person who carries out a permitted activity, for the monitoring of that activity, if the local authority is empowered to charge for the monitoring in accordance with section 43A(8):
(cd)
charges payable by the farm operator of a farm that is required to have a freshwater farm plan, for the carrying out by the local authority of its functions under section 217I:
(d)
charges payable by requiring authorities and heritage protection authorities, for the carrying out by the local authority of any 1 or more of its functions in relation to designations and heritage orders:
(e)
charges for providing information in respect of plans and resource consents, payable by the person requesting the information:
(f)
charges for supply of documents, payable by the person requesting the document:
(g)
any kind of charge authorised for the purposes of this section by regulations.
(1A)
To avoid doubt, charges may be fixed under subsection (1) to recover costs incurred by the consent authority for performing its functions under—
(a)
sections 88 to 88F, 91(1) and (2), 91A to 92B, 95, 95A(2), and 96 to 103B in relation to an application to exchange recreation reserve land under section 15AA of the Reserves Act 1977 that is made jointly with an application for a resource consent:
(b)
Part 2 of Schedule 1 in relation to an application to exchange recreation reserve land under section 15AA of the Reserves Act 1977 that is made jointly with a request for a change to a district plan or regional plan.
(2)
Charges fixed under this section must be either specific amounts or determined by reference to scales of charges or other formulae fixed by the local authority.
(3)
Charges may be fixed under this section only—
(a)
in the manner set out in section 150 of the Local Government Act 2002; and
(b)
after using the special consultative procedure set out in section 83 of the Local Government Act 2002; and
(c)
in accordance with section 36AAA.
(3A)
However, subsection (3)(a) and (b) does not apply to the Minister of Conservation when exercising the responsibilities, duties, and powers conferred on the Minister by section 31A.
(3A)
[Repealed](4)
A local authority must fix a charge under this section if required to do so by regulations made under section 360F.
Additional charges
(5)
Except where regulations are made under section 360F, if a charge fixed under this section is, in any particular case, inadequate to enable a local authority to recover its actual and reasonable costs in respect of the matter concerned, the local authority may require the person who is liable to pay the charge to also pay an additional charge to the local authority.
(6)
A local authority must, on request by any person liable to pay a charge under this section, provide an estimate of any additional charge likely to be imposed under subsection (5).
(7)
Sections 357B to 358 (which deal with rights of objection and appeal against certain decisions) apply in respect of the requirement by a local authority to pay an additional charge under subsection (5).
Other matters
(8)
Section 36AAB sets out other matters relating to administrative charges.
Section 36(1): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 20(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 36(1): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 20(3) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 36(1)(aa): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 31(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 36(1)(ab): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 31(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 36(1)(ac): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 31(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 36(1)(ad): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 31(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 36(1)(ae): inserted, on 18 October 2017, by section 129 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 36(1)(af): inserted, on 18 October 2017, by section 129 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 36(1)(b): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 31(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 36(1)(b): amended, on 10 August 2005, by section 17(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 36(1)(c): amended, on 10 August 2005, by section 17(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 36(1)(caaa): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 10(1) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 36(1)(caab): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 10(1) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 36(1)(caac): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 10(1) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 36(1)(ca): inserted, on 1 January 2005, by section 8 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 103).
Section 36(1)(cb): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 17(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 36(1)(cb): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 31(3) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 36(1)(cb)(iia): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 10(2) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 36(1)(cb)(iii): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 31(4) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 36(1)(cb)(iv): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 31(4) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 36(1)(cb)(v): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 10(3) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 36(1)(cb)(vi): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 10(3) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 36(1)(cc): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 20(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 36(1)(cd): inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 9 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 36(1)(cd): amended, on 21 August 2025, by section 10(4) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 36(1)(d): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 31(5) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 36(1A): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 188(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 36(2): replaced, on 19 April 2017, by section 20(4) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 36(3): replaced, on 19 April 2017, by section 20(4) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 36(3A): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 10(5) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 36(3A): repealed, on 19 April 2017, by section 20(4) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 36(4): replaced, on 19 April 2017, by section 20(4) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 36(5): replaced, on 19 April 2017, by section 20(4) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 36(6): replaced, on 19 April 2017, by section 20(4) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 36(7): replaced, on 19 April 2017, by section 20(4) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 36(8): replaced, on 19 April 2017, by section 20(4) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
36AAA Criteria for fixing administrative charges
(1)
When fixing charges under section 36, a local authority must have regard to the criteria set out in this section.
(2)
The sole purpose of a charge is to recover the reasonable costs incurred by the local authority in respect of the activity to which the charge relates.
(3)
A particular person or particular persons should be required to pay a charge only—
(a)
to the extent that the benefit of the local authority’s actions to which the charge relates is obtained by those persons as distinct from the community of the local authority as a whole; or
(b)
where the need for the local authority’s actions to which the charge relates results from the actions of those persons; or
(c)
in a case where the charge is in respect of the local authority’s monitoring functions under section 35(2)(a) (which relates to monitoring the state of the whole or part of the environment),—
(i)
to the extent that the monitoring relates to the likely effects on the environment of those persons’ activities; or
(ii)
to the extent that the likely benefit to those persons of the monitoring exceeds the likely benefit of the monitoring to the community of the local authority as a whole.
(4)
The local authority may fix different charges for different costs it incurs in the performance of its various functions, powers, and duties under this Act—
(a)
in relation to different areas or different classes of applicant, consent holder, requiring authority, or heritage protection authority; or
(b)
where any activity undertaken by the persons liable to pay any charge reduces the cost to the local authority of carrying out any of its functions, powers, and duties.
Section 36AAA: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 21 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
36AAB Other matters relating to administrative charges
(1)
A local authority may, in any particular case and in its absolute discretion, remit the whole or any part of any charge of a kind referred to in section 36 that would otherwise be payable.
(2)
Where a charge of a kind referred to in section 36 is payable to a local authority, the local authority need not perform the action to which the charge relates until the charge has been paid to it in full.
(3)
However, subsection (2) does not apply to a charge to which section 36(1)(ab)(ii), (ad)(ii), or (cb)(iv) applies (relating to independent hearings commissioners requested by submitters or reviews required by a court order).
(4)
A local authority must publish and maintain, on an Internet site to which the public has free access, an up-to-date list of charges fixed under section 36.
Section 36AAB: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 21 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
36AA Local authority policy on discounting administrative charges
(1)
A local authority must provide a discount on an administrative charge imposed under section 36 as follows:
(a)
a local authority that has not adopted a policy under subsection (3) must provide a discount if regulations under section 360(1)(hj) require the local authority to provide a discount:
(b)
a local authority that has adopted a policy under subsection (3) must provide a discount under whichever of the policy and regulations under section 360(1)(hj) is more generous in the circumstances of the particular case.
(2)
The Minister must recommend to the Governor-General within 9 months of the commencement of section 32 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 that regulations be made under section 360(1)(hj) and the Minister must, before making the recommendation, consult with local authorities about the proposed regulations.
(2A)
The Minister must ensure that regulations made under section 360(1)(hj) remain in force, but this subsection does not prevent regulations made under section 360(1)(hj) (including the regulations made in compliance with subsection (2)) from being amended or from being revoked and replaced by another set of regulations made under section 360(1)(hj).
(3)
A local authority may adopt, in accordance with the special consultative procedure set out in section 83 of the Local Government Act 2002, a policy in respect of discounting administrative charges imposed under section 36 of this Act in the circumstances where—
(a)
an application for a resource consent or an application to change or cancel conditions under section 127 is not processed within the time frames set out in this Act; and
(b)
the responsibility for the failure rests with the local authority.
(4)
The policy must specify—
(a)
the discount, or the method for determining the discount, that would be given for any application fees or charges paid or owing; and
(b)
the procedure an applicant must follow to obtain the discount.
(5)
[Repealed]Section 36AA: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 32 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 36AA(1): replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 12(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 36AA(2A): inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 12(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 36AA(5): repealed, on 1 October 2011, by section 12(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Duties of local authorities and applicants
Heading: inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 18 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
36A No duty under this Act to consult about resource consent applications and notices of requirement
(1)
The following apply to an applicant for a resource consent and the local authority:
(a)
neither has a duty under this Act to consult any person about the application; and
(b)
each must comply with a duty under any other enactment to consult any person about the application; and
(c)
each may consult any person about the application.
(2)
This section applies to a notice of requirement issued under any of sections 168, 168A, 189, and 189A by a requiring authority or a heritage protection authority, as if—
(a)
the notice were an application for a resource consent; and
(b)
the authority were an applicant.
Section 36A: inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 18 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Powers and duties of local authorities and other public authorities
Heading: inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 18 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
36B Power to make joint management agreement
(1)
A local authority that wants to make a joint management agreement must—
(a)
notify the Minister that it wants to do so; and
(b)
satisfy itself—
(i)
that each public authority, iwi authority, and group that represents hapu for the purposes of this Act that, in each case, is a party to the joint management agreement—
(A)
represents the relevant community of interest; and
(B)
has the technical or special capability or expertise to perform or exercise the function, power, or duty jointly with the local authority; and
(ii)
that a joint management agreement is an efficient method of performing or exercising the function, power, or duty; and
(c)
include in the joint management agreement details of—
(i)
the resources that will be required for the administration of the agreement; and
(ii)
how the administrative costs of the joint management agreement will be met.
(2)
A local authority that complies with subsection (1) may make a joint management agreement.
Section 36B: inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 18 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
36C Local authority may act by itself under joint management agreement
(1)
This section applies when a joint management agreement requires the parties to it to perform or exercise a specified function, power, or duty together.
(2)
The local authority may perform or exercise the function, power, or duty by itself if a decision is required before the parties to the joint management agreement can perform or exercise the function, power, or duty and the joint management agreement does not provide a method for making a decision of that kind.
Section 36C: inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 18 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
36D Effect of joint management agreement
A decision made under a joint management agreement has legal effect as a decision of the local authority.
Section 36D: inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 18 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 36D: amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
36E Termination of joint management agreement
Any party to a joint management agreement may terminate that agreement by giving the other parties 20 working days’ notice.
Section 36E: inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 18 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Waivers and extension of time limits
37 Power of waiver and extension of time limits
(1)
A consent authority or local authority may, in any particular case,—
(a)
extend a time period specified in this Act or in regulations, whether or not the time period has expired; or
(b)
waive a failure to comply with a requirement under this Act, regulations, or a plan for the time or method of service of documents.
(1A)
However, a consent authority must not, under subsection (1), waive or extend a time period for the purpose of providing more time for a pre-request aquaculture agreement to be negotiated under section 186ZM of the Fisheries Act 1996.
(1B)
A consent authority must not extend, under subsection (1)(a), the time period for processing and deciding an application for a resource consent for a wood processing activity or specified energy activity (see section 88BA).
(2)
If a person is required to provide information under this Act, regulations, or a plan and the information is inaccurate or omitted, or a procedural requirement is omitted, the consent authority or local authority may—
(a)
waive compliance with the requirement; or
(b)
direct that the omission or inaccuracy be rectified on such terms as the consent authority or local authority thinks fit.
Section 37: replaced, on 1 August 2003, by section 17 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 37(1A): inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 13 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 37(1B): inserted, on 20 October 2025, by section 11 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
37A Requirements for waivers and extensions
(1)
A consent authority or local authority must not extend a time limit or waive compliance with a time limit, a method of service, or the service of a document in accordance with section 37 unless it has taken into account—
(a)
the interests of any person who, in its opinion, may be directly affected by the extension or waiver; and
(b)
the interests of the community in achieving adequate assessment of the effects of a proposal, policy statement, or plan; and
(c)
its duty under section 21 to avoid unreasonable delay.
(2)
A time period may be extended under section 37 for—
(a)
a time not exceeding twice the maximum time period specified in this Act; or
(b)
a time exceeding twice the maximum time period specified in this Act if the applicant or requiring authority requests or agrees.
(3)
Instead of subsections (1) and (2), subsections (4) and (5) apply to an extension of a time limit imposed on a consent authority in respect of—
(a)
an application for a resource consent; or
(b)
an application to change or cancel a condition of a resource consent; or
(c)
a review of a resource consent.
(4)
A consent authority may extend a time period under section 37 only if—
(a)
the time period as extended does not exceed twice the maximum time period specified in this Act; and
(b)
either—
(i)
special circumstances apply (including special circumstances existing by reason of the scale or complexity of the matter); or
(ii)
the applicant agrees to the extension; and
(c)
the authority has taken into account the matters specified in subsection (1).
(5)
A consent authority may extend a time period under section 37 so that the extended period exceeds twice the maximum time period specified in the Act only if—
(a)
the applicant agrees to the extension; and
(b)
the authority has taken into account the matters specified in subsection (1).
(6)
A consent authority or a local authority must ensure that every person who, in its opinion, is directly affected by the extension of a time limit or the waiver of compliance with a time limit, a method of service, or the service of a document is notified of the extension or waiver.
Section 37A: inserted, on 1 August 2003, by section 17 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 37A(3): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 33 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 37A(4): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 33 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 37A(5): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 33 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 37A(6): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 33 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
37B Persons to have powers of consent authority for purposes of sections 37 and 37A
The following bodies have the powers of a consent authority under sections 37 and 37A for the following matters:
(a)
the Minister, while carrying out any of his or her functions under Part 6AA:
(b)
a board of inquiry appointed under section 149J, while carrying out its functions under Part 6AA, except in respect of the time periods and requirements under section 149R:
(ba)
the EPA, while carrying out its functions under Part 6AA, except in respect of the time periods and requirements under section 146(1):
(c)
a special tribunal appointed under section 202, for all matters while carrying out its functions.
(d)
[Repealed]Section 37B: inserted, on 1 August 2003, by section 17 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 37B(a): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 34 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 37B(b): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 34 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 37B(ba): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 34 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 37B(d): repealed, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Enforcement officers
38 Authorisation and responsibilities of enforcement officers
(1)
A local authority may authorise—
(a)
any of its officers; or
(b)
any of the officers of any other local authority, or the Ministry for Primary Industries, or the Department of Conservation, or Maritime New Zealand, subject to such terms and conditions as to payment of salary and expenses and as to appointment of his or her duties as may be agreed upon between the relevant authorities—
to carry out all or any of the functions and powers as an enforcement officer under this Act.
(2)
A local authority may authorise any person who is—
(a)
the holder of a licence as a property guard issued under section 34 of the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010; or
(b)
employed by a person authorised under paragraph (a) and who is—
(i)
the holder of a certificate of approval issued under section 40 of that Act; or
(ii)
a person in respect of whom permission granted under section 37 of that Act is in force—
to exercise or carry out all or any of the functions and powers of an enforcement officer under sections 327 and 328 (which relate to excessive noise).
(3)
[Repealed](4)
[Repealed](5)
The local authority or Minister shall supply every enforcement officer authorised under this section with a warrant, and that warrant shall clearly state the functions and powers that the person concerned has been authorised to exercise and carry out under this Act.
(6)
Every enforcement officer authorised under this section who exercises or purports to exercise any power conferred on him or her by this Act shall have with him or her, and shall produce if required to do so, his or her warrant and evidence of his or her identity.
(7)
Every enforcement officer who holds a warrant issued under this section shall, on the termination of his or her appointment as such, surrender the warrant to the local authority or Minister, as the case may be.
Section 38(1)(b): amended, on 21 August 2025, by section 12(1) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 38(1)(b): amended, on 1 July 2005, by section 11(3) of the Maritime Transport Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 98).
Section 38(1)(b): amended, on 17 December 1997, by section 9(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 38(2): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 26 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 38(2)(a): replaced, on 1 April 2011, by section 121(1) of the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010 (2010 No 115).
Section 38(2)(b): replaced, on 17 December 1997, by section 9(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 38(3): repealed, on 21 August 2025, by section 12(2) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 38(4): repealed, on 21 August 2025, by section 12(2) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 38(5): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 10(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 38(6): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 10(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Powers and duties in relation to hearings
39 Hearings to be public and without unnecessary formality
(1)
Where a local authority, a consent authority, or a person given authority to conduct hearings under any of sections 33, 34, 34A, 117, 149J, 202, or 357C, holds a hearing in relation to—
(a)
a proposed policy statement, a plan, a change, or a variation; or
(b)
an application for a resource consent; or
(c)
a review of a resource consent; or
(d)
an application to change or cancel a condition of a resource consent; or
(e)
a matter for which a direction has been made under section 142(2) or 147(1)(a); or
(f)
a requirement for a designation or heritage order; or
(fa)
a requirement to alter a designation or heritage order; or
(g)
an application for a water conservation order,—
the authority shall hold the hearing in public (unless permitted to do otherwise by section 42 (which relates to the protection of sensitive information) or the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987), and shall establish a procedure that is appropriate and fair in the circumstances.
(2)
In determining an appropriate procedure for the purposes of subsection (1), the authority shall—
(a)
avoid unnecessary formality; and
(b)
recognise tikanga Maori where appropriate, and receive evidence written or spoken in Maori and Te Ture mō Te Reo Māori 2016/the Māori Language Act 2016 shall apply accordingly; and
(c)
not permit any person other than the chairperson or other member of the hearing body to question any party or witness; and
(d)
not permit cross-examination.
(3)
Despite subsection (2), nothing in paragraph (c) or (d) of that subsection applies to a board of inquiry appointed under section 149J.
Section 39(1): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 36(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 39(1): amended, on 10 August 2005, by section 20(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 39(1): amended, on 10 August 2005, by section 20(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 39(1): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 27(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 39(1)(a): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 36(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 39(1)(c): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 36(3) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 39(1)(d): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 36(4) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 39(1)(e): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 36(5) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 39(1)(fa): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 36(6) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 39(2)(b): amended, on 30 April 2016, by section 50 of Te Ture mō Te Reo Māori 2016/the Māori Language Act 2016 (2016 No 17).
Section 39(3): inserted, on 4 September 2013, by section 9 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
39AA Hearing using remote access facilities
Interpretation
(1)
In this section,—
audio link means a facility (such as a telephone facility) that enables audio communication between an authority and 1 or more persons with a right to be heard at a hearing
audiovisual link means a facility that enables both audio and visual communication between an authority and 1 or more persons with a right to be heard at a hearing
remote access facility means any of the following:
(a)
audio link:
(b)
audiovisual link:
(c)
any other similar facility.
Direction to use remote access facilities
(2)
For the purposes of section 39, an authority may direct that a hearing or part of a hearing may be conducted using 1 or more remote access facilities.
(3)
A direction may be made under subsection (2)—
(a)
on the initiative of the authority itself; or
(b)
at the request of any person with a right to be heard at the hearing under section 40.
(4)
An authority may make a direction under subsection (2) provided that the authority—
(a)
considers it appropriate and fair to do so; and
(b)
is satisfied that the necessary remote access facilities are available.
(5)
If a hearing is conducted in full or in part using a remote access facility, the authority must,—
(a)
if it is reasonably practicable to do so, enable access to the hearing by making the hearing available live and free of charge to the public, for example, on an Internet site; or
(b)
as soon as practicable after the hearing closes, make available free of charge on its Internet site—
(i)
an audio or a video recording of the hearing; or
(ii)
a written transcript of the hearing.
Exclusions
(6)
This section does not apply—
(a)
to a public hearing if the relevant authority is represented by 1 or more persons appearing in person at the hearing and 1 or more persons make submissions or give evidence by means of a remote access facility; or
(b)
to a hearing to which section 47A of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 applies.
Deemed compliance
(7)
A hearing conducted in full or in part before 25 March 2020 using a remote access facility is deemed to comply with this section.
When this section applies
(8)
This section applies on and from 25 March 2020.
(9)
[Repealed]Section 39AA: inserted, on 16 May 2020, by section 3 of the COVID-19 Response (Further Management Measures) Legislation Act 2020 (2020 No 13).
Section 39AA heading: amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 11(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 39AA(8) heading: amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 11(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 39AA(9): repealed, on 1 July 2020, by section 11(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
39A Accreditation
(1)
The Minister must—
(a)
approve a qualification or qualifications establishing a person’s accreditation; and
(b)
give notice of each qualification.
(2)
A notice under subsection (1)(b) is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | The maker must publish it in the Gazette | LA19 ss 73, 74(1)(a), Sch 1 cl 14 | ||
| Presentation | It is not required to be presented to the House of Representatives because a transitional exemption applies under Schedule 1 of the Legislation Act 2019 | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 39A: inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 21 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 39A(1)(b): replaced, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 39A(2): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
39B Persons who may be given hearing authority
(1)
This section applies when a local authority wants to apply any of sections 33, 34, and section 34A to give authority to 1 person or a group of persons to conduct a hearing on—
(a)
an application for a resource consent; or
(b)
a notice of requirement given under section 168 or section 189; or
(c)
a request under clause 21(1) of Schedule 1 for a change to be made to a plan; or
(d)
a review of a resource consent; or
(e)
an application to change or cancel a condition of a resource consent; or
(f)
(g)
any matter under section 357C.
(2)
If the local authority wants to give authority to 1 person, it may do so only if the person is accredited.
(3)
If the local authority wants to give authority to a group of persons that has a chairperson, it may do so only if—
(a)
all persons in the group, including the chairperson, are accredited; or
(b)
the chairperson is accredited and there are exceptional circumstances that do not provide the time or opportunity to ensure that all persons in the group are accredited.
(4)
If the local authority wants to give authority to a group of persons that does not have a chairperson, it may do so only if—
(a)
all the persons in the group are accredited; or
(b)
over half of all the persons in the group are accredited and there are exceptional circumstances that do not provide the time or opportunity to ensure that all persons in the group are accredited.
Section 39B: inserted, on 9 August 2006, by section 22(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 39B(1)(a): amended, on 12 September 2014, by section 14(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 39B(1)(c): amended, on 12 September 2014, by section 14(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 39B(1)(d): inserted, on 12 September 2014, by section 14(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 39B(1)(e): inserted, on 12 September 2014, by section 14(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 39B(1)(f): inserted, on 12 September 2014, by section 14(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 39B(1)(f): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 22 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 39B(1)(g): inserted, on 12 September 2014, by section 14(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 39B(3): replaced, on 12 September 2014, by section 14(4) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 39B(4): replaced, on 12 September 2014, by section 14(4) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
39C Effect of lack of accreditation
(1)
This section applies when a local authority purports to give authority under section 39B to a person or group of persons, but does not in fact give it because the person, chairperson of the group, or members of the group are not accredited as required by the section.
(2)
No decision made by the person or group of persons is invalid solely because the person, chairperson of the group, or members of the group were not accredited as required by section 39B.
Section 39C: inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 23 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
40 Persons who may be heard at hearings
(1)
At any hearing described in section 39, the applicant, and every person who has made a submission and stated that they wished to be heard at the hearing, may speak (either personally or through a representative) and call evidence.
(2)
Notwithstanding subsection (1), the authority may, if it considers that there is likely to be excessive repetition, limit the circumstances in which parties having the same interest in a matter may speak or call evidence in support.
(3)
If—
(a)
the applicant; or
(b)
any person who made a submission and stated they wished to be heard at any such hearing—
fails to appear at the hearing, the authority may nevertheless proceed with the hearing, if it considers it fair and reasonable to do so.
Section 40 heading: amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 40(3): inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 28 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 40(3): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
41 Provisions relating to hearings
(1)
The following provisions of the Commissions of Inquiry Act 1908 apply to every hearing conducted by a local authority, a consent authority, or a person given authority to conduct hearings under sections 33, 34, 34A, 117, 149J, or 202:
(a)
section 4, which gives powers to maintain order:
(b)
section 4B, which relates to evidence:
(c)
section 4D, which gives power to summon witnesses:
(d)
section 5, which relates to the service of a summons:
(e)
section 6, which relates to the protection of witnesses:
(f)
section 7, which relates to allowances for witnesses.
(2)
Every summons to a witness to appear at a hearing shall be in the prescribed form and be signed by the chairperson of the hearing.
(3)
All allowances for a witness shall be paid by the party on whose behalf the witness is called.
(4)
At every hearing conducted in relation to a matter described in section 39(1), the authority may request and receive, from any person who makes a report under section 42A or who is heard by the authority or who is represented at the hearing, any information or advice that is relevant and reasonably necessary to determine the application.
Section 41(1): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 41(1): amended, on 10 August 2005, by section 24 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 41(4): inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 29 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
41A Control of hearings
An authority conducting a hearing on a matter described in section 39(1) may exercise a power under any of sections 41B to 41D, after considering whether the scale and significance of the hearing makes the exercise of the power appropriate.
Section 41A: inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 25(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 41A: amended, on 18 October 2017, by section 130 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
41B Directions to provide evidence within time limits
(1)
The authority may direct the applicant to provide briefs of evidence to the authority before the hearing.
(2)
The applicant must provide the briefs of evidence at least 10 working days before the hearing.
(3)
The authority may direct a person who has made a submission and who is intending to call expert evidence to provide briefs of the evidence to the authority before the hearing.
(4)
The person must provide the briefs of evidence at least 5 working days before the hearing.
(5)
[Repealed](6)
[Repealed](7)
[Repealed]Section 41B: inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 25(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 41B(5): repealed, on 3 March 2015, by section 88 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 41B(6): repealed, on 3 March 2015, by section 88 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 41B(7): repealed, on 3 March 2015, by section 88 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
41C Directions and requests before or at hearings
(1)
Before or at the hearing, the authority may—
(a)
direct the order of business at the hearing, including the order in which evidence and submissions are presented; or
(b)
direct that evidence and submissions be—
(i)
recorded; or
(ii)
taken as read; or
(iii)
limited to matters in dispute; or
(c)
direct the applicant, when presenting evidence or a submission, to present it within a time limit; or
(d)
direct a person who has made a submission, when presenting evidence or a submission, to present it within a time limit.
(2)
Before or at the hearing, the authority may request a person who has made a submission to provide further information.
(3)
At the hearing, the authority may request the applicant to provide further information.
(4)
At the hearing, the authority may commission a consultant or any other person employed for the purpose to prepare a report on any matter on which the authority requires further information, if all the following apply:
(a)
the activity that is the subject of the hearing may, in the authority’s opinion, have a significant adverse environmental effect; and
(b)
the applicant is notified before the authority commissions the report; and
(c)
the applicant does not refuse to agree to the commissioning of the report.
(5)
The authority must provide a copy of any further information requested under subsection (2), and received before the hearing, to the applicant and every person who made a submission.
(5A)
Subsection (5B) applies to—
(a)
any further information that—
(i)
is requested under subsection (2) or (3); and
(ii)
is received in writing or electronically after the start of the hearing; but
(iii)
is not given as evidence at the hearing; and
(b)
any report that is commissioned under subsection (4).
(5B)
The authority must—
(a)
provide a copy of the further information or report to the applicant and every person who made a submission and stated a wish to be heard; and
(b)
make the further information or report available at its office to any person who made a submission and did not state a wish to be heard.
(5C)
However, the authority does not need to provide further information to the applicant or submitter who provided the information.
(6)
At the hearing, the authority may direct a person presenting a submission not to present—
(a)
the whole submission, if all of it is irrelevant or not in dispute; or
(b)
any part of it that is irrelevant or not in dispute.
(7)
[Repealed](8)
[Repealed](9)
[Repealed]Section 41C: inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 25(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 41C(5): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 38 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 41C(5A): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 38 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 41C(5B): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 38 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 41C(5C): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 38 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 41C(7): repealed, on 18 October 2017, by section 131 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 41C(8): repealed, on 18 October 2017, by section 131 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 41C(9): repealed, on 18 October 2017, by section 131 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
41D Striking out submissions
(1)
An authority conducting a hearing on a matter described in section 39(1) may direct that a submission or part of a submission be struck out if the authority is satisfied that at least 1 of the following applies to the submission or the part:
(a)
it is frivolous or vexatious:
(b)
it discloses no reasonable or relevant case:
(c)
it would be an abuse of the hearing process to allow the submission or the part to be taken further:
(d)
it is supported only by evidence that, though purporting to be independent expert evidence, has been prepared by a person who is not independent or who does not have sufficient specialised knowledge or skill to give expert evidence on the matter:
(e)
it contains offensive language.
(2)
An authority—
(a)
may make a direction under this section before, at, or after the hearing; and
(b)
must record its reasons for any direction made.
(3)
A person whose submission is struck out, in whole or in part, has a right of objection under section 357.
Section 41D: inserted, on 18 October 2017, by section 132 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
42 Protection of sensitive information
(1)
A local authority may, on its own motion or on the application of any party to any proceedings or class of proceedings, make an order described in subsection (2) where it is satisfied that the order is necessary—
(a)
to avoid serious offence to tikanga Maori or to avoid the disclosure of the location of waahi tapu; or
(b)
to avoid the disclosure of a trade secret or unreasonable prejudice to the commercial position of the person who supplied, or is the subject of, the information,—
and, in the circumstances of the particular case, the importance of avoiding such offence, disclosure, or prejudice outweighs the public interest in making that information available.
(2)
A local authority may make an order for the purpose of subsection (1)—
(a)
that the whole or part of any hearing or class of hearing at which the information is likely to be referred to, shall be held with the public excluded (which order shall, for the purposes of subsections (3) to (5) of section 48 of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987, be deemed to be a resolution passed under that section):
(b)
prohibiting or restricting the publication or communication of any information supplied to it, or obtained by it, in the course of any proceedings, whether or not the information may be material to any proposal, application, or requirement.
(3)
An order made under subsection (2)(b) in relation to—
(a)
any matter described in subsection (1)(a) may be expressed to have effect from the commencement of any proceedings to which it relates and for an indefinite period or until such date as the local authority considers appropriate in the circumstances:
(b)
any matter described in subsection (1)(b) may be expressed to have effect from the commencement of any proceedings to which it relates but shall cease to have any effect at the conclusion of those proceedings—
and upon the date that such order ceases to have effect, the provisions of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 shall apply accordingly in respect of any information that was the subject of any such order.
(4)
Any party to any proceedings or class of proceedings before a local authority may apply to the Environment Court for an order under section 279(3)(a) cancelling or varying any order made by the local authority under this section.
(5)
Where, on the application of any party to any proceedings or class of proceedings, a local authority has declined to make an order described in subsection (2), that party may apply to the Environment Court for an order under section 279(3)(b).
(6)
In this section—
(a)
information includes any document or evidence:
(b)
local authority includes—
(i)
a board of inquiry appointed under section 149J:
(ia)
a local board:
(ii)
a community board:
(iii)
a public body:
(iv)
a special tribunal:
(v)
a person given authority to conduct hearings under any of sections 33, 34, 34A, 117, and 202.
Section 42(4): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 42(5): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 42(6)(b): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 39 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 42(6)(b)(i): amended, on 25 October 2024, by section 8 of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
Section 42(6)(b)(ia): inserted, on 8 August 2014, by section 78 of the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 55).
Reports
Heading: inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 30 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
42A Reports to local authority
(1)
At any reasonable time before a hearing or, if no hearing is to be held, before the decision is made, a local authority (as local authority is defined in section 42(6)(b)) may require preparation of a report on information provided on any matter described in section 39(1) by the applicant or any person who made a submission.
(1AA)
The local authority may—
(a)
require an officer of the local authority to prepare the report; or
(b)
commission a consultant or any other person employed for the purpose to prepare the report.
(1A)
The report does not need to repeat information included in the applicant’s application under section 88(2).
(1B)
Instead, the report may—
(a)
adopt all of the information; or
(b)
adopt any part of the information by referring to the part adopted.
(2)
Any report prepared under subsection (1) may be considered at any hearing conducted by the local authority.
(3)
If the report is in writing, the local authority must provide a copy of it to the applicant, and to every person who made a submission and stated a wish to be heard at the hearing, so that they receive the copy—
(a)
at least 15 working days before the hearing, if the authority gives a direction under section 41B; or
(b)
at least 5 working days before the hearing, if the authority does not give a direction under section 41B.
(4)
If the report is in writing, the authority must—
(a)
make the report available at its office to any person who made a submission and did not state a wish to be heard; and
(b)
give written or electronic notice to those submitters that the report is available at the authority’s office.
(5)
The local authority may waive compliance with—
(a)
subsection (3) if it is satisfied that there is no material prejudice, or is not aware of any material prejudice, to any person who should have been provided with a copy of the report under that subsection; or
(b)
subsection (4)(b) if it is satisfied that there is no material prejudice, or is not aware of any material prejudice, to any person who should have been given notice of the report under that paragraph.
Section 42A: inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 30 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 42A(1): replaced, on 4 September 2013, by section 10 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 42A(1AA): inserted, on 4 September 2013, by section 10 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 42A(1A): replaced, on 3 March 2015, by section 89 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 42A(1B): replaced, on 3 March 2015, by section 89 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 42A(3): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 40(3) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 42A(4): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 40(3) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 42A(5): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 40(3) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Information for post-settlement governance entities
Heading: inserted, on 23 December 2023, by section 6 of the Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023 (2023 No 68).
42AA Provision of relevant information to post-settlement governance entity
(1)
This section applies if—
(a)
a consent authority is or was required by legislation to provide to a post-settlement governance entity relevant information relating to an application for a resource consent for an activity within, adjacent to, or directly affecting a statutory area of a post-settlement governance entity; and
(b)
the requirement to provide the relevant information no longer applies (for example, through the expiry of any period specified in the legislation).
(2)
The consent authority must provide the post-settlement governance entity with relevant information relating to an application for a resource consent.
(3)
In this section, relevant information means the following information relating to an application for a resource consent for an activity within, adjacent to, or directly affecting a statutory area of the post-settlement governance entity:
(a)
if the application is received by the consent authority, a summary of the application; or
(b)
if a notice of the application is served on the consent authority under section 145(10), a copy of the notice.
(4)
The summary must be the same as would be given to an affected person by limited notification under section 95B or as may be agreed between the post-settlement governance entity and the consent authority.
(5)
A consent authority must provide the post-settlement governance entity—
(a)
with the summary—
(i)
as soon as is reasonably practicable after the consent authority receives the application for the resource consent; but
(ii)
before the relevant consent authority decides under section 95 whether to notify the application; and
(b)
with the copy of the notice not later than 10 working days after the day on which the consent authority receives the notice.
(6)
The post-settlement governance entity may, by written notice to a consent authority,—
(a)
waive the right to be provided with the summary or copy of the notice; and
(b)
state the scope of that waiver and the period it applies for.
(7)
This section does not affect the obligation of a consent authority to decide,—
(a)
under section 95, whether to notify an application:
(b)
under section 95E, whether the post-settlement governance entity is an affected person in relation to an activity.
(8)
In this section, legislation has the meaning given in section 5 of the Legislation Act 2019 and includes any enactment.
Section 42AA: inserted, on 23 December 2023, by section 6 of the Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023 (2023 No 68).
Part 4A Environmental Protection Authority
Part 4A: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 41 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
42B Establishment of Environmental Protection Authority
[Repealed]Section 42B: repealed, on 1 July 2011, by section 7 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2011 (2011 No 19).
42C Functions of EPA
The functions of the Environmental Protection Authority are—
(aa)
to make recommendations to the Minister under section 144A in relation to a matter to which section 142(1) applies:
(a)
to receive matters lodged under section 145:
(b)
to make recommendations to the Minister under section 146 or 149ZB in respect of a matter referred to in paragraph (a):
(ba)
to receive matters under section 149B(2):
(c)
to make decisions under section 139 on applications for certificates of compliance for proposals or activities that are related to proposals of national significance:
(d)
to provide secretarial and support services to—
(i)
a board of inquiry appointed under section 149J:
(ii)
a special tribunal appointed under section 202:
(daa)
to provide planning advice under section 149L to a board of inquiry:
(dab)
if requested by the Minister, to provide secretarial and support services to a person appointed under another Act to make a decision requiring the application of provisions of this Act as applied or modified by the other Act:
(dac)
(da)
to provide technical advice to the Minister on the development of a national environmental standard:
(e)
to exercise any powers or perform any functions or duties delegated to it by the Minister under section 29(4):
(f)
to perform the enforcement functions conferred by section 343F; and
(g)
if requested by the Minister, to provide secretarial and support services to assist the Chief Freshwater Commissioner in the exercise of his or her functions and powers in respect of the freshwater planning process; and
(h)
to exercise any other functions specified in this Act.
Section 42C: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 41 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 42C(aa): inserted, on 1 July 2011, by section 8(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2011 (2011 No 19).
Section 42C(ba): inserted, on 1 July 2011, by section 8(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2011 (2011 No 19).
Section 42C(d): inserted, on 1 July 2011, by section 8(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2011 (2011 No 19).
Section 42C(daa): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 23 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 42C(dab): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 23 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 42C(dac): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 23 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 42C(da): inserted, on 1 July 2011, by section 8(4) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2011 (2011 No 19).
Section 42C(f): replaced, on 1 July 2020, by section 12 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 42C(g): inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 12 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 42C(h): inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 12 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
42CA Cost recovery for specified function of EPA
(1)
If the Minister asks the EPA under section 42C(dab) to provide secretarial and support services to a person (a supported person),—
(a)
the Minister may direct the EPA to recover from that person the actual and reasonable costs incurred by the EPA in providing the services; and
(b)
the EPA may recover those costs in accordance with the direction, but only to the extent that they are not provided for by an appropriation under the Public Finance Act 1989.
(2)
The EPA must, on request by the supported person, provide an estimate of the costs likely to be recovered under this section.
(3)
When recovering costs under this section, the EPA must have regard to the following criteria:
(a)
the sole purpose is to recover the reasonable costs incurred in providing the services:
(b)
the supported person should be required to pay for costs only to the extent that the benefit of the services provided by the EPA is obtained by that person as distinct from the community as a whole:
(c)
the extent to which any activity by the supported person reduces the cost to the EPA of providing the services.
(4)
If the EPA requires a supported person to pay costs recoverable under this section, the costs are a debt due to the Crown that is recoverable by the EPA on behalf of the Crown in any court of competent jurisdiction.
Section 42CA: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 24 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
42D Secretary for the Environment to exercise functions of EPA
[Repealed]Section 42D: repealed, on 1 July 2011, by section 9 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2011 (2011 No 19).
Part 5 Standards, policy statements, and plans
43AA Interpretation
In this Act, unless the context requires another meaning,—
change means—
(a)
a change proposed by a local authority to a policy statement or plan under clause 2 of Schedule 1, including an IPI notified in accordance with section 80F(1) or (2); and
(b)
a change proposed by any person to a policy statement or plan by a request under clause 21 of Schedule 1
district plan—
(a)
means an operative plan approved by a territorial authority under Schedule 1; and
(b)
includes all operative changes to the plan (whether arising from a review or otherwise)
operative, in relation to a policy statement or plan, or a provision of a policy statement or plan, means that the policy statement, plan, or provision—
(a)
(b)
has not ceased to be operative
plan means a regional plan or a district plan
policy statement means a regional policy statement
regional coastal plan—
(a)
means an operative plan approved by the Minister of Conservation under Schedule 1; and
(b)
includes all operative changes to the plan (whether arising from a review or otherwise)
regional plan—
(a)
means an operative plan approved by a regional council under Schedule 1 (including all operative changes to the plan (whether arising from a review or otherwise)); and
(b)
includes a regional coastal plan
regional policy statement—
(a)
means an operative regional policy statement approved by a regional council under Schedule 1; and
(b)
includes all operative changes to the policy statement (whether arising from a review or otherwise)
rule means a district rule or a regional rule
variation means an alteration by a local authority under clause 16A of Schedule 1 to—
(a)
a proposed policy statement or plan; or
(b)
a change.
Section 43AA: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 42 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 43AA change: replaced, on 21 December 2021, by section 5 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
Section 43AA proposed policy statement: amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 25(a) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 43AA proposed policy statement: amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 25(b) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
43AAB Meaning of district rule and regional rule
(1)
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, district rule means a rule made as part of a district plan or proposed district plan in accordance with section 76.
(2)
Subsection (1) is subject to section 86B and clause 10(5) of Schedule 1.
(3)
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, regional rule means a rule made as part of a regional plan or proposed regional plan in accordance with section 68.
(4)
Subsection (3) is subject to section 86B and clause 10(5) of Schedule 1.
Section 43AAB: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 42 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
43AAC Meaning of proposed plan
(1)
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, proposed plan—
(a)
means a proposed plan, a variation to a proposed plan or change, or a change to a plan proposed by a local authority that has been notified under clause 5 of Schedule 1 or given limited notification under clause 5A of that schedule, but has not become operative in terms of clause 20 of that schedule; and
(b)
includes—
(i)
a proposed plan or a change to a plan proposed by a person under Part 2 of Schedule 1 that has been adopted by the local authority under clause 25(2)(a) of Schedule 1:
(ii)
an IPI notified in accordance with section 80F(1) or (2).
(2)
Subsection (1) is subject to section 86B and clause 10(5) of Schedule 1.
Section 43AAC: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 42 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 43AAC(1)(a): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 26(a) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 43AAC(1)(a): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 26(b) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 43AAC(1)(b): replaced, on 21 December 2021, by section 6 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
Subpart 1—National direction
Subpart 1 heading: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 27 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
National environmental standards
Heading: replaced, on 19 April 2017, by section 27 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
43 Regulations prescribing national environmental standards
(1)
The Governor-General may, by Order in Council, make regulations, to be known as national environmental standards, that prescribe any or all of the following technical standards, methods, or requirements:
(a)
standards for the matters referred to in section 9, section 11, section 12, section 13, section 14, or section 15, including, but not limited to—
(i)
contaminants:
(ii)
water quality, level, or flow:
(iii)
air quality:
(iv)
soil quality in relation to the discharge of contaminants:
(b)
standards for noise:
(c)
standards, methods, or requirements for monitoring.
(2)
The regulations may include:
(a)
qualitative or quantitative standards:
(b)
standards for any discharge or the ambient environment:
(c)
methods for classifying a natural or physical resource:
(d)
methods, processes, or technology to implement standards:
(da)
non-technical methods or requirements:
(e)
exemptions from standards:
(f)
transitional provisions for standards, methods, or requirements.
(3)
Section 360(2) applies to all regulations made under this section.
(4)
Regulations made under this section may apply—
(a)
generally; or
(b)
to any specified district or region of any local authority; or
(c)
to any specified part of New Zealand.
(5)
Regulations under this section are secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 43: replaced, on 20 May 2003, by section 18 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 43(1)(a): amended, on 10 August 2005, by section 27 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 43(2)(da): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 28(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 43(4): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 28(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 43(5): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
43A Contents of national environmental standards
(1)
National environmental standards may—
(a)
prohibit an activity:
(b)
allow an activity:
(c)
restrict the making of a rule or the granting of a resource consent to matters specified in a national environmental standard:
(d)
require a person to obtain a certificate from a specified person stating that an activity complies with a term or condition imposed by a national environmental standard:
(e)
specify, in relation to a rule made before the commencement of a national environmental standard,—
(i)
the extent to which any matter to which the standard applies continues to have effect; or
(ii)
the time period during which any matter to which the standard applies continues to have effect:
(f)
require local authorities to review, under section 128(1), all or any of the permits or consents to which paragraph (ba) of that subsection applies as soon as practicable or within the time specified in a national environmental standard.
(2)
A national environmental standard that prohibits an activity—
(a)
may do one or both of the following:
(i)
state that a resource consent may be granted for the activity, but only on the terms or conditions specified in the standard, including the duration of a consent; and
(ii)
require compliance with the rules in a plan or proposed plan as a term or condition; or
(b)
may state that the activity is a prohibited activity.
(3)
If an activity has significant adverse effects on the environment, a national environmental standard must not, under subsections (1)(b) and (4),—
(a)
allow the activity, unless it states that a resource consent is required for the activity; or
(b)
state that the activity is a permitted activity.
(4)
A national environmental standard that allows an activity—
(a)
may state that a resource consent is not required for the activity; or
(b)
may do one or both of the following:
(i)
state that the activity is a permitted activity, but only on the terms or conditions specified in the standard; and
(ii)
require compliance with the rules in a plan or proposed plan as a term or condition.
(5)
If a national environmental standard allows an activity and states that a resource consent is not required for the activity, or states that an activity is a permitted activity, the following provisions apply to plans and proposed plans:
(a)
a plan or proposed plan may state that the activity is a permitted activity on the terms or conditions specified in the plan; and
(b)
the terms or conditions specified in the plan may deal only with effects of the activity that are different from those dealt with in the terms or conditions specified in the standard; and
(c)
if a plan’s terms or conditions deal with effects of the activity that are the same as those dealt with in the terms or conditions specified in the standard, the terms or conditions in the standard prevail.
(6)
A national environmental standard that allows a resource consent to be granted for an activity—
(a)
may state that the activity is—
(i)
a controlled activity; or
(ii)
a restricted discretionary activity; or
(iii)
a discretionary activity; or
(iv)
a non-complying activity; and
(b)
may state the matters over which—
(i)
control is reserved; or
(ii)
discretion is restricted.
(6A)
A national environmental standard may, in relation to an aquaculture activity,—
(a)
state that an application by a consent holder to change or cancel conditions must be treated as an application for a resource consent for a controlled or restricted discretionary activity; and
(b)
for that purpose, state the matters over which control is reserved or discretion is restricted.
(6B)
However, if a national environmental standard has the same effect as a rule that controls fishing in the coastal marine area, section 71(4)(a) to (c) applies to the standard as if each reference to a rule in that section were a reference to the standard.
(7)
A national environmental standard may specify the activities for which the consent authority—
(a)
must give public notification of an application for a resource consent:
(b)
is precluded from giving public notification of an application for a resource consent:
(c)
is precluded from giving limited notification of an application for a resource consent.
(8)
A national environmental standard may empower local authorities to charge for monitoring any specified permitted activities in the standard.
Section 43A: inserted, on 20 May 2003, by section 18 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 43A heading: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 43(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 43A(1): amended, on 10 August 2005, by section 28(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 43A(1)(b): replaced, on 10 August 2005, by section 28(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 43A(1)(c): amended, on 10 August 2005, by section 28(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 43A(1)(d): amended, on 10 August 2005, by section 28(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 43A(1)(e): amended, on 10 August 2005, by section 28(4)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 43A(1)(e)(i): amended, on 10 August 2005, by section 28(4)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 43A(1)(e)(ii): amended, on 10 August 2005, by section 28(4)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 43A(1)(f): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 29(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 43A(1)(f): amended, on 10 August 2005, by section 28(5) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 43A(2): replaced, on 10 August 2005, by section 28(6) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 43A(2)(a)(i): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 29(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 43A(3): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 28(6) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 43A(4): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 28(6) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 43A(5): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 28(6) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 43A(6): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 28(6) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 43A(6A): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 13 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 43A(6B): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 13 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 43A(7): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 43(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 43A(8): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 29(3) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
43B Relationship between national environmental standards and rules or consents
(1)
A rule or resource consent that is more stringent than a national environmental standard prevails over the standard, if the standard expressly says that a rule or consent may be more stringent than it.
(2)
For the purposes of subsection (1),—
(a)
a rule is more stringent than a standard if it prohibits or restricts an activity that the standard permits or authorises:
(b)
a resource consent is more stringent than a standard if it imposes conditions on an activity that the standard does not impose or authorise.
(3)
A rule or resource consent that is more lenient than a national environmental standard prevails over the standard if the standard expressly says that a rule or consent may be more lenient than it.
(4)
For the purposes of subsection (3), a rule or resource consent is more lenient than a standard if it permits or authorises an activity that the standard prohibits or restricts.
(5)
A land use consent or a subdivision consent granted under the district rules before the date on which a national environmental standard is published under the Legislation Act 2019 prevails over the standard.
(6)
The following permits and consents prevail over a national environmental standard:
(a)
a coastal, water, or discharge permit:
(b)
a land use consent granted in relation to a regional rule.
(6A)
Subsection (6) applies—
(a)
if those permits or consents are granted before the date on which a relevant national environmental standard is published under the Legislation Act 2019:
(b)
until a review of the conditions of the permit or consent under section 128(1)(ba) results in some or all of the standard prevailing over the permit or consent.
(7)
This subsection applies to a resource consent not covered by subsection (5) or (6). The consent prevails over a national environmental standard if the application giving rise to the consent was the subject of a decision on whether to notify it before the date on which the standard is published under the Legislation Act 2019. However, the consent does not prevail if the standard expressly provides otherwise.
(8)
[Repealed](9)
If a national environmental standard requires a resource consent to be obtained for an activity, sections 10, 10A, 10B, and 20A(2) apply to the activity as if the standard were a rule in a plan that had become operative.
Section 43B: replaced, on 10 August 2005, by section 29 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 43B(3): replaced, on 19 April 2017, by section 30(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 43B(5): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 44 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 43B(5): amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 43B(5): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 30(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 43B(6): replaced, on 19 April 2017, by section 30(3) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 43B(6A): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 30(3) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 43B(6A)(a): amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 43B(7): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 44 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 43B(7): amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 43B(8): repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 44 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
43C Relationship between national environmental standards and water conservation orders
(1)
A water conservation order that is more stringent than a national environmental standard applying to water prevails over the standard.
(2)
A national environmental standard applying to water that is more stringent than a water conservation order prevails over the order.
Section 43C: replaced, on 10 August 2005, by section 29 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
43D Relationship between national environmental standards and designations
(1)
A designation that exists when a national environmental standard is made prevails over the standard until the earlier of the following:
(a)
the designation lapses:
(b)
the designation is altered under section 181 by the alteration of conditions in it to which the standard is relevant.
(2)
If the conditions of a designation are altered as described in subsection (1)(b), the standard—
(a)
applies to the altered conditions; and
(b)
does not apply to the unaltered conditions.
(3)
A national environmental standard prevails over a designation that requires an outline plan if, when the standard is made,—
(a)
the designation exists; and
(b)
no outline plan for the designation has completed the process described in section 176A.
(4)
A national environmental standard that exists when a designation is made prevails over the designation.
(5)
A use is not required to comply with a national environmental standard if—
(a)
the use was lawfully established by way of a designation that has lapsed; and
(b)
the effects of the use, in character, intensity, and scale, are the same as or similar to those that existed before the designation lapsed; and
(c)
the standard is made—
(i)
after the designation was made; and
(ii)
before or after it lapses.
(6)
Work under a designation is not required to comply with a national environmental standard if the work has come under the designation through the following sequence of events:
(a)
the work is made; and
(b)
the standard is made; and
(c)
the designation is applied to the work.
(7)
In this section, conditions includes a condition about the physical boundaries of a designation.
Section 43D: replaced, on 10 August 2005, by section 29 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
43E Relationship between national environmental standards and bylaws
(1)
A bylaw that is more stringent than a national environmental standard prevails over the standard, if the standard expressly says that a bylaw may be more stringent than it.
(2)
For the purposes of subsection (1), a bylaw is more stringent than a standard if it prohibits or restricts an activity that the standard permits or authorises.
(3)
A bylaw may be more lenient than a national environmental standard if the standard expressly specifies that the bylaw may be more lenient.
(4)
For the purposes of subsection (3), a bylaw is more lenient than a standard if it permits or authorises an activity that the standard prohibits or restricts.
(5)
In this section, bylaw means a bylaw made under any enactment.
Section 43E: replaced, on 10 August 2005, by section 29 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 43E(3): replaced, on 19 April 2017, by section 31 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
43F Description of discharges in national environmental standards for discharges
A national environmental standard for an activity that is a discharge may describe the discharge by referring to—
(a)
particular contaminants or sources of contaminants in a discharge; or
(b)
the circumstances or sources of a discharge.
Section 43F: inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 29 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
43G Incorporation of material by reference in national environmental standards
[Repealed]Section 43G: repealed, on 19 April 2017, by section 32 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
44 Restriction on power to make national environmental standards
(1)
Before recommending the making of a national environmental standard to the Governor-General, the Minister must—
(a)
comply with section 46A(1); and
(b)
publicly notify the report and recommendations made under section 46A(1)(c).
(c)
[Repealed](d)
[Repealed](2)
For the purposes of subsection (1)(a), the Minister—
(a)
must consider a report and any recommendations made to the Minister under section 46A(1)(c); and
(b)
may make any changes, or no changes, to the proposed national environmental standard as the Minister thinks fit.
(2)
[Repealed](3)
The Minister need not follow the process referred to in section 46A if the Minister is recommending the making of an amendment for 1 of the following reasons:
(a)
to align with a New Zealand Standard within the meaning of section 4 of the Standards and Accreditation Act 2015:
(b)
to implement New Zealand’s obligations under any international convention, protocol, or agreement to which New Zealand is a party:
(c)
to give effect to provisions in an emissions reduction plan or national adaptation plan:
(d)
to extend the time frame for implementation of any part of a national environmental standard:
(e)
to remove provisions in a national environmental standard that are no longer required as a consequence of changes to legislation:
(f)
to make changes that are no more than minor in effect, to correct errors, or to make similar technical alterations.
(4)
The Minister must,—
(a)
before recommending an amendment for a reason specified in subsection (3), consider whether it is more appropriate to follow the process referred to in section 46A to make the amendment; and
(b)
as soon as practicable after making the amendment under subsection (3), publish their reasons for the amendment on an internet site to which the public have access.
(4)
[Repealed](5)
An amendment under subsection (3) is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | The maker must:
|
LA19 s 73, 74(1)(a), Schedule 1 cl 14 | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 44: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 45 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 44(1): replaced, on 19 April 2017, by section 33(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 44(1)(a): amended, on 25 October 2024, by section 9(1) of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
Section 44(1)(b): replaced, on 25 October 2024, by section 9(2) of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
Section 44(1)(c): repealed, on 25 October 2024, by section 9(2) of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
Section 44(1)(d): repealed, on 25 October 2024, by section 9(2) of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
Section 44(2): inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 13 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 44(2)(a): replaced, on 23 December 2023, by section 6 of the Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023 (2023 No 68).
Section 44(2)(a): amended, on 25 October 2024, by section 9(3) of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
Section 44(2): repealed, on 19 April 2017, by section 33(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 44(3): replaced, on 25 October 2024, by section 9(4) of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
Section 44(4): inserted, on 25 October 2024, by section 9(4) of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
Section 44(4): repealed, on 23 December 2023, by section 6 of the Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023 (2023 No 68).
Section 44(5): inserted, on 25 October 2024, by section 9(4) of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
44A Local authority recognition of national environmental standards
(1)
Subsections (3) to (5) apply if a local authority’s plan or proposed plan contains a rule that duplicates a provision in a national environmental standard.
(2)
Subsections (3) to (5) apply if a local authority’s plan or proposed plan contains a rule that conflicts with a provision in a national environmental standard. A rule conflicts with a provision if—
(a)
both of the following apply:
(i)
the rule is more stringent than the provision in that it prohibits or restricts an activity that the provision permits or authorises; and
(ii)
the standard does not expressly say that a rule may be more stringent than it; or
(b)
the rule in the plan is more lenient than a provision in the standard and the standard does not expressly specify that a rule may be more lenient than the provision in the standard.
(3)
If the duplication or conflict is dealt with in the national environmental standard in one of the ways described in section 43A(1)(e), the local authority must amend the plan or proposed plan to remove the duplication or conflict—
(a)
without using the process in Schedule 1; and
(b)
in accordance with the specification in the national environmental standard.
(4)
If the duplication or conflict arises as described in section 43A(5)(c), the local authority must amend the plan or proposed plan to remove the duplication or conflict—
(a)
without using the process in Schedule 1; and
(b)
as soon as practicable after the date on which the standard comes into force.
(5)
In every other case of duplication or conflict, the local authority must amend the plan or proposed plan to remove the duplication or conflict—
(a)
without using the process in Schedule 1; and
(b)
as soon as practicable after the date on which the standard comes into force.
(6)
A local authority may amend a plan or proposed plan to include a reference to a national environmental standard—
(a)
without using the process in Schedule 1; and
(b)
after the date on which the standard comes into force.
(7)
Every local authority and consent authority must observe national environmental standards.
(8)
Every local authority and consent authority must enforce the observance of national environmental standards to the extent to which their powers enable them to do so.
Section 44A: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 45 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 44A(2)(b): replaced, on 19 April 2017, by section 34 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Designations
Heading: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 75 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
44B Relationship between environmental performance standards, infrastructure design solutions, and designations
(1)
A designation that exists when a stormwater environmental performance standard, a wastewater environmental performance standard, or an infrastructure design solution is made prevails over the environmental performance standard or the infrastructure design solution until the earlier of the following:
(a)
the designation lapses:
(b)
the designation is altered under section 181 by the alteration of conditions in it to which the environmental performance standard or infrastructure design solution is relevant.
(2)
If the conditions of a designation are altered as described in subsection (1)(b), the environmental performance standard or infrastructure design solution—
(a)
applies to the altered conditions; and
(b)
does not apply to the unaltered conditions.
(3)
Despite subsection (1), a stormwater environmental performance standard, a wastewater environmental performance standard, or an infrastructure design solution prevails over a designation that requires an outline plan if, when the environmental performance standard or infrastructure design solution is made,—
(a)
the designation exists; and
(b)
no outline plan for the designation has completed the process described in section 176A.
(4)
A stormwater environmental performance standard, a wastewater environmental performance standard, or an infrastructure design solution that exists when a designation is made prevails over the designation.
(5)
A use is not required to comply with a stormwater environmental performance standard, a wastewater environmental performance standard, or an infrastructure design solution if—
(a)
the use was lawfully established by way of a designation that has been removed; and
(b)
the effects of the use, in character, intensity, and scale, are the same as or similar to those that existed before the designation was removed; and
(c)
the environmental performance standard or infrastructure design solution is made—
(i)
after the designation was made; and
(ii)
before or after the designation is removed.
(6)
Work under a designation is not required to comply with a stormwater environmental performance standard, a wastewater environmental performance standard, or an infrastructure design solution if the work has come under the designation through the following sequence of events:
(a)
the work is made; and
(b)
the environmental performance standard or infrastructure design solution is made; and
(c)
the designation is applied to the work.
(7)
In this section, conditions includes a condition about the physical boundaries of a designation.
Section 44B: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 75 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
National policy statements
45 Purpose of national policy statements (other than New Zealand coastal policy statements)
(1)
The purpose of national policy statements is to state objectives and policies for matters of national significance that are relevant to achieving the purpose of this Act.
(2)
In determining whether it is desirable to prepare a national policy statement, the Minister may have regard to—
(a)
the actual or potential effects of the use, development, or protection of natural and physical resources:
(b)
New Zealand’s interests and obligations in maintaining or enhancing aspects of the national or global environment:
(c)
anything which affects or potentially affects any structure, feature, place, or area of national significance:
(d)
anything which affects or potentially affects more than 1 region:
(e)
anything concerning the actual or potential effects of the introduction or use of new technology or a process which may affect the environment:
(f)
anything which, because of its scale or the nature or degree of change to a community or to natural and physical resources, may have an impact on, or is of significance to, New Zealand:
(g)
anything which, because of its uniqueness, or the irreversibility or potential magnitude or risk of its actual or potential effects, is of significance to the environment of New Zealand:
(h)
anything which is significant in terms of section 8 (Treaty of Waitangi):
(i)
the need to identify practices (including the measures referred to in section 24(h), relating to economic instruments) to implement the purpose of this Act:
(j)
any other matter related to the purpose of a national policy statement.
Section 45(1): amended, on 20 May 2003, by section 19 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
45A Contents of national policy statements
(1)
A national policy statement must state objectives and policies for matters of national significance that are relevant to achieving the purpose of this Act.
(2)
A national policy statement may also state—
(a)
the matters that local authorities must consider in preparing policy statements and plans:
(b)
methods or requirements in policy statements or plans, and any specifications for how local authorities must apply those methods or requirements, including the use of models and formulae:
(c)
the matters that local authorities are required to achieve or provide for in policy statements and plans:
(d)
constraints or limits on the content of policy statements or plans:
(e)
objectives and policies that must be included in policy statements and plans:
(f)
directions to local authorities on the collection and publication of specific information in order to achieve the objectives of the statement:
(g)
directions to local authorities on monitoring and reporting on matters relevant to the statement, including—
(i)
directions for monitoring and reporting on their progress in relation to any provision included in the statement under this section; and
(ii)
directions for monitoring and reporting on how they are giving effect to the statement; and
(iii)
directions specifying standards, methods, or requirements for carrying out monitoring and reporting under subparagraph (i) or (ii):
(h)
any other matter relating to the purpose or implementation of the statement.
(3)
A national policy statement may apply—
(a)
generally; or
(b)
to any specified district or region of any local authority; or
(c)
to any specified part of New Zealand.
(4)
A national policy statement may include transitional provisions for any matter, including its effect on existing matters or proceedings.
(5)
Consultation undertaken before this section comes into force in relation to a matter included in a national policy statement satisfies the requirement for consultation under section 46A.
Section 45A: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 35 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
46 Proposed national policy statement
[Repealed]Section 46: repealed, on 19 April 2017, by section 36 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
46A Process for preparing national environmental standards and national policy statements
(1)
If the Minister proposes to issue a national environmental standard or national policy statement, the Minister must establish and follow a process that includes the following steps:
(a)
the public and iwi authorities must be given notice of—
(i)
the proposed national environmental standard or national policy statement (the proposal); and
(ii)
why the Minister considers that the proposal is consistent with the purpose of this Act; and
(b)
those notified must, subject to subsection (2), be given what the Minister considers to be adequate time and opportunity to make a submission on the subject matter of the proposal; and
(c)
a report and recommendations must be made to the Minister on the submissions and the subject matter of the proposal.
(2)
The time given for submissions under subsection (1)(b) must not be less than 20 working days.
(3)
A person preparing a report and recommendations required by subsection (1)(c) must consider the matters in Part 2.
(4)
In preparing a national environmental standard or national policy statement, the Minister may, at any time, consult on a draft of that document.
(5)
If the Minister decides, after consulting as required by subsection (1), to recommend that regulations on the same subject matter as that consulted on be made under any of sections 360 to 360C, the consultation under subsection (1) satisfies the requirement to consult the public and iwi authorities in relation to those regulations.
Section 46A: replaced, on 25 October 2024, by section 10 of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
46B Incorporation of material by reference in national environmental standard or national policy statement
A national environmental standard or national policy statement may incorporate material by reference under Schedule 1AA.
Section 46B: inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 33 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 46B heading: amended, on 25 October 2024, by section 11(1) of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
Section 46B: amended, on 25 October 2024, by section 11(2) of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
47 Board of inquiry
[Repealed]Section 47: repealed, on 25 October 2024, by section 12 of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
47A Board of inquiry to suspend consideration or consider additional material
[Repealed]Section 47A: repealed, on 25 October 2024, by section 12 of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
48 Public notification of proposal for national direction and inquiry
[Repealed]Section 48: repealed, on 25 October 2024, by section 12 of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
49 Submissions to board of inquiry
[Repealed]Section 49: repealed, on 25 October 2024, by section 12 of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
50 Conduct of hearing
[Repealed]Section 50: repealed, on 25 October 2024, by section 12 of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
51 Matters to be considered and board of inquiry’s report
[Repealed]Section 51: repealed, on 25 October 2024, by section 12 of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
51A Withdrawal of proposed national policy statement
(1)
The Minister may withdraw all or part of a proposed national policy statement at any time before the statement is approved under section 52(2).
(2)
The Minister must give public notice of the withdrawal, including the reasons for the withdrawal.
(3)
[Repealed]Section 51A: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 51 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 51A(3): repealed, on 25 October 2024, by section 13 of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
52 Consideration of recommendations and approval or withdrawal of statement
(1)
In the case of a national policy statement, the Minister—
(a)
first, must consider a report and any recommendations made under section 46A(1)(c); and
(b)
secondly, may—
(i)
make any changes, or no changes, to the proposed national policy statement as he or she thinks fit; or
(ii)
withdraw all or part of the proposed national policy statement and give public notice of the withdrawal, including the reasons for the withdrawal.
(c)
[Repealed](2)
The Governor-General in Council may, on the recommendation of the Minister, approve a national policy statement.
(3)
The Minister must, as soon as practicable after a national policy statement has been approved,—
(a)
issue the statement by having it published under the Legislation Act 2019; and
(b)
publicly notify the statement and the report made under section 46A(1)(c) in whatever form he or she thinks appropriate and send a copy to every local authority; and
(c)
provide every person who made a submission on the statement with a summary of the recommendations and a summary of the Minister’s decision on the recommendations (including reasons for not adopting any recommendations).
(d)
[Repealed](4)
A national policy statement under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
(5)
That Act applies as if—
(a)
the Minister were the maker of the national policy statement; and
(b)
the national policy statement were made when the Order in Council under subsection (2) is made.
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation referred to in subsection (4) | ||||
| Publication | The maker must: | LA19 ss 73, 74(1)(a), Sch 1 cl 14 | ||
| • give public notice of it (see section 2AB) | ||||
| • publish it in whatever form the maker thinks appropriate | ||||
| • publish the Order in Council made under subsection (2) in the Gazette | ||||
| • comply with subsection (3) and section 54(1) | ||||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 52: replaced, on 20 May 2003, by section 22 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 52 heading: amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 52(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 52(1): replaced, on 3 December 2013, for all purposes, by section 75 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 52(1): amended, on 25 October 2024, by section 14(1) of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
Section 52(1): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 44(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 52(1)(a): replaced, on 25 October 2024, by section 14(2) of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
Section 52(1)(c): repealed, on 25 October 2024, by section 14(3) of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
Section 52(3)(a): replaced, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 52(3)(b): amended, on 25 October 2024, by section 14(4) of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
Section 52(3)(c): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 52(3) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 52(3)(d): repealed, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 52(4): replaced, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 52(5): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
53 Changes to or review or revocation of national policy statements
(1)
The Minister may review, change, or revoke a national policy statement after following the process referred to in section 46A.
(2)
The Minister may, without following the process referred to in section 46A,—
(a)
amend a national policy statement if the Minister is recommending the amendment for a reason specified in section 44(3), in which case,—
(i)
section 44(3) applies as if a reference to a national environmental standard were a reference to a national policy statement; and
(ii)
the Minister must comply with section 44(4); or
(b)
amend the NPS-UD in accordance with section 77S(2).
(2A)
[Repealed](3)
A change, revocation, or amendment under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation referred to in subsection (1) | ||||
| Publication | The maker must: | LA19 ss 73, 74(1)(a), Sch 1 cl 14 | ||
| • give public notice of it (see section 2AB) | ||||
| • publish it in whatever form the maker thinks appropriate | ||||
| • publish the Order in Council made under section 52(2) in the Gazette | ||||
| • comply with sections 52(3) and 54(1) | ||||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation referred to in subsection (2) | ||||
| Publication | The maker must: | LA19 ss 73, 74(1)(a), Sch 1 cl 14 | ||
| • give public notice of it (see section 2AB) | ||||
| • publish it in whatever form the maker thinks appropriate | ||||
| • comply with section 54(1) | ||||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 53(1): replaced, on 25 October 2024, by section 15(1) of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
Section 53(2): replaced, on 21 December 2021, by section 7 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
Section 53(2): amended, on 25 October 2024, by section 15(2) of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
Section 53(2)(a): replaced, on 25 October 2024, by section 15(3) of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
Section 53(2A): repealed, on 23 December 2023, by section 6 of the Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023 (2023 No 68).
Section 53(3): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
54 Publication of national policy statements
(1)
When a national policy statement is issued, changed, or revoked, the Minister must send a copy of the statement, change, or revocation to every local authority.
(2)
When a national policy statement is reviewed, the Minister must—
(a)
publish the review in whatever form the Minister thinks appropriate; and
(b)
send a copy of the review to every local authority; and
(c)
give public notice of the review.
Section 54: replaced, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
55 Local authority recognition of national policy statements
(1)
In subsections (2) and (2A), document means—
(a)
a regional policy statement; or
(b)
a proposed regional policy statement; or
(c)
a proposed plan; or
(d)
a plan; or
(e)
a variation.
(2)
A local authority must amend a document, if a national policy statement directs so,—
(a)
to include specific objectives and policies set out in the statement; or
(b)
so that objectives and policies specified in the document give effect to objectives and policies specified in the statement; or
(c)
if it is necessary to make the document consistent with any constraint or limit set out in the statement.
(2A)
The local authority must—
(a)
make the amendments referred to in subsection (2) without using a process in Schedule 1; and
(b)
give public notice of the amendments within 5 working days after making them.
(2B)
The local authority must also make all other amendments to a document that are required to give effect to any provision in a national policy statement that affects the document.
(2C)
The local authority must make the amendments referred to in subsection (2B) using a process in Schedule 1.
(2D)
In all cases, the local authority must make the amendments—
(a)
as soon as practicable; or
(b)
within the time specified in the national policy statement (if any); or
(c)
before the occurrence of an event specified in the national policy statement (if any).
(3)
A local authority must also take any other action that is directed by the national policy statement.
(4)
[Repealed]Section 55: replaced, on 20 May 2003, by section 23 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 55(1): replaced, on 10 August 2005, by section 35 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 55(2): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 53 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 55(2)(b): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 45(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 55(2)(c): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 45(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 55(2A): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 53 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 55(2A)(a): amended, on 21 August 2025, by section 14 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 55(2B): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 53 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 55(2C): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 53 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 55(2C): amended, on 21 August 2025, by section 14 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 55(2D): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 53 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 55(3): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 45(3) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 55(4): repealed, on 19 April 2017, by section 45(4) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
New Zealand coastal policy statements
56 Purpose of New Zealand coastal policy statements
The purpose of a New Zealand coastal policy statement is to state objectives and policies in order to achieve the purpose of this Act in relation to the coastal environment of New Zealand.
Section 56: amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 46 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
57 Preparation of New Zealand coastal policy statements
(1)
There shall at all times be at least 1 New Zealand coastal policy statement prepared, recommended, and issued by the Minister of Conservation after following the process referred to in section 46A as if references in that section to the Minister were references to the Minister of Conservation and references to a national policy statement were references to a New Zealand coastal policy statement.
(2)
Sections 53, 54, and 55, with all necessary modifications, apply to a New Zealand coastal policy statement as if it were a national policy statement and as if references in those sections to the Minister were references to the Minister of Conservation.
(3)
For the status under the Legislation Act 2019 of—
(a)
a New Zealand coastal policy statement, see section 52(4):
(b)
a change or amendment to, or revocation of, a New Zealand coastal policy statement, see section 53(3).
Section 57(1): amended, on 25 October 2024, by section 16 of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
Section 57(1): amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 57(3): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
58 Contents of New Zealand coastal policy statements
(1)
A New Zealand coastal policy statement may state objectives and policies about any 1 or more of the following matters:
(a)
national priorities for the preservation of the natural character of the coastal environment of New Zealand, including protection from inappropriate subdivision, use, and development:
(b)
the protection of the characteristics of the coastal environment of special value to the tangata whenua including waahi tapu, tauranga waka, mahinga maataitai, and taonga raranga:
(c)
activities involving the subdivision, use, or development of areas of the coastal environment:
(d)
the Crown’s interests in the coastal marine area:
(e)
the matters to be included in 1 or more regional coastal plans in regard to the preservation of the natural character of the coastal environment, including the activities that are required to be specified as restricted coastal activities because the activities—
(i)
have or are likely to have significant or irreversible adverse effects on the coastal marine area; or
(ii)
relate to areas in the coastal marine area that have significant conservation value:
(f)
the implementation of New Zealand’s international obligations affecting the coastal environment:
(g)
the procedures and methods to be used to review the policies and to monitor their effectiveness:
(ga)
national priorities for maintaining and enhancing public access to and along the coastal marine area:
(gb)
the protection of protected customary rights:
(h)
any other matter relating to the purpose of a New Zealand coastal policy statement.
(2)
A New Zealand coastal policy statement may also include any of the matters specified in section 45A(2) and (4) (which applies as if references to a national policy statement were references to a New Zealand coastal policy statement).
(3)
A New Zealand coastal policy statement or any provisions of it may apply—
(a)
generally within the coastal environment; or
(b)
to any specified part of the coastal environment.
Section 58(1): amended, on 10 August 2005, by section 37 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 58(1)(d): amended, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 58(1)(e): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 54 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 58(1)(ga): inserted, on 25 November 2004, by section 13 of the Resource Management (Foreshore and Seabed) Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 94).
Section 58(1)(gb): inserted, on 25 November 2004, by section 13 of the Resource Management (Foreshore and Seabed) Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 94).
Section 58(1)(gb): amended, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 58(2): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 48 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 58(3): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 48 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
58A Incorporation of material by reference in New Zealand coastal policy statements
[Repealed]Section 58A: repealed, on 19 April 2017, by section 49 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
National planning standards
Heading: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 50 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
58B Purposes of national planning standards
(1)
The purposes of national planning standards are—
(a)
to assist in achieving the purpose of this Act; and
(b)
to set out requirements or other provisions relating to any aspect of the structure, format, or content of regional policy statements and plans to address any matter that the Minister considers—
(i)
requires national consistency:
(ii)
is required to support the implementation of a national environmental standard, a national policy statement, a New Zealand coastal policy statement, or regulations made under this Act:
(iii)
is required to assist people to comply with the procedural principles set out in section 18A.
(2)
In this section and sections 58C to 58K, references to the Minister are to be read as references to the Minister of Conservation if, and to the extent that, a matter relates to the coastal marine area.
Section 58B: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 50 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
58C Scope and contents of national planning standards
(1)
National planning standards must—
(a)
give effect to national policy statements; and
(b)
be consistent with—
(i)
national environmental standards; and
(ii)
regulations made under this Act; and
(iii)
water conservation orders.
(2)
National planning standards may specify—
(a)
any of the matters specified in section 45A(2) and (4) (which applies as if the national planning standard were a national policy statement):
(b)
objectives, policies, methods (including rules), and other provisions to be included in plans:
(c)
objectives, policies, methods (but not rules), and other provisions to be included in regional policy statements:
(d)
that a local authority must review, under section 128(1), a discharge, coastal, or water permit, or a land use consent required in relation to a regional rule.
(3)
For the purpose of subsection (2)(b), national planning standards may include any rules that could be included in any plan under section 68, 68A to 70A, 76, or 77A to 77D.
(4)
A national planning standard may also—
(a)
specify the structure and form of regional policy statements and plans:
(b)
direct local authorities—
(i)
to use a particular structure and form for regional policy statements and plans:
(ii)
to include specific provisions in their policy statements and plans:
(iii)
to choose from a number of specific provisions to be included in their policy statements and plans:
(c)
direct whether a national planning standard applies generally, to specific regions or districts, or to other parts of New Zealand:
(d)
include time frames for local authorities to give effect to the whole or part of a national planning standard, including different time frames for different local authorities:
(e)
specify where local provisions must or may be included in regional policy statements and plans:
(f)
include requirements that relate to the electronic accessibility and functionality of policy statements and plans.
(5)
National planning standards may incorporate material by reference, and Schedule 1AA applies for the purposes of this subsection as if references to a national environmental standard, national policy statement, or New Zealand coastal policy statement included references to the national planning standards.
(6)
National planning standards may, for ease of reference, set out (or incorporate by reference) provisions of a national policy statement, New Zealand coastal policy statement, or regulations (including a national environmental standard), but those provisions do not form part of a national planning standard for the purposes of any other provision of this Act or for any other purpose.
Section 58C: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 50 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
58D Preparation of national planning standards
(1)
If the Minister decides to prepare a national planning standard, the Minister must prepare it in accordance with this section and sections 58E to 58K.
(2)
In preparing or amending a national planning standard, the Minister may have regard to—
(a)
whether it is desirable to have national consistency in relation to a resource management issue:
(b)
whether the national planning standard supports the implementation of national environmental standards, national policy statements, a New Zealand coastal policy statement, or regulations made under this Act:
(c)
whether the national planning standard should allow for local circumstances and, if so, to what extent:
(d)
whether it is appropriate for the national planning standard to apply to a specified district, region, or other parts of New Zealand rather than nationally:
(e)
any other matter that is relevant to the purpose of the national planning standard.
(3)
Before approving a national planning standard, the Minister must—
(a)
prepare a draft national planning standard; and
(b)
[Repealed](c)
publicly notify the draft; and
(d)
establish a process that—
(i)
the Minister considers gives the public, local authorities, and iwi authorities adequate time and opportunity to make a submission on the draft; and
(ii)
requires a report and recommendations to be made to the Minister on those submissions and the subject matter of the draft.
Section 58D: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 50 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 58D(3)(b): repealed, on 25 October 2024, by section 17 of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
58E Approval of national planning standard
(1)
Before approving a national planning standard, the Minister must consider the report and recommendations made under section 58D(3)(d)(ii).
(2)
The Minister may—
(a)
approve a national planning standard after changing the draft in the manner that the Minister thinks fit; or
(b)
withdraw all or part of a draft national planning standard and give public notice of the withdrawal, including the reasons for the withdrawal.
(3)
National planning standards under this section are secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
(4)
[Repealed]| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation referred to in subsection (3) | ||||
| Publication | The maker must: | LA19 ss 73, 74(1)(a), Sch 1 cl 14 | ||
| • give notice of its approval in the Gazette | ||||
| • give public notice of its approval (see section 2AB) | ||||
| • comply with section 58F | ||||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 58E: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 50 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 58E(1): replaced, on 25 October 2024, by section 18 of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
Section 58E(3): replaced, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 58E(4): repealed, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
58F Publication of national planning standards and other documents
(1)
The Minister must ensure that—
(a)
[Repealed](b)
all national planning standards are published together in an integrated format that will assist the implementation of the national planning standards; and
(c)
copies of all national planning standards are provided to every local authority.
(2)
The Minister must publish all the national planning standards and the reports and any recommendations on them made to the Minister under section 58D(3)(d) on an Internet site to which the public has free access, and may publish the national planning standards and the reports and recommendations in any other way or form that the Minister considers appropriate.
Section 58F: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 50 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 58F(1)(a): repealed, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
58G First set of national planning standards
(1)
The Minister must ensure that a first set of national planning standards is approved not later than 2 years after the date on which this section comes into force.
(2)
The first set of national planning standards must include the following minimum requirements (the minimum requirements):
(a)
a structure and form for policy statements and plans, including references to relevant national policy statements, national environmental standards, and regulations made under this Act; and
(b)
definitions; and
(c)
requirements for the electronic functionality and accessibility of policy statements and plans.
(3)
The Minister must ensure that, at all times after the approval of the first set of national planning standards, the minimum requirements are included in a planning standard.
Section 58G: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 50 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
58H Changing, replacing, or revoking national planning standards
(1)
The Minister may change or replace a national planning standard, following the process set out in sections 58D and 58E.
(2)
The Minister need not follow the process set out in sections 58D and 58E if the Minister is recommending a change to a national planning standard for a reason specified in section 44(3), in which case,—
(a)
section 44(3) applies as if a reference to section 46A were a reference to sections 58D and 58E and a reference to a national environmental standard were a reference to a national planning standard; and
(b)
the Minister must comply with section 44(4) (which applies as if a reference to section 46A were a reference to sections 58D and 58E and a reference to an amendment were a reference to a change).
(2A)
The Minister may change the period for compliance specified in standards 17.2.a and 17.8.a of the National Planning Standards 2019 from 3 years to 5 years without following the process set out in sections 58D and 58E, other than to give notice of the change in the Gazette and on the Internet site referred to in section 58F(2).
(2B)
[Repealed](3)
The Minister may revoke a national planning standard in whole or in part, but must first give the public and iwi authorities notice, with adequate time and opportunity to comment on the proposed revocation.
(4)
The revocation of the whole or part of a national planning standard does not have the effect of revoking any provision of a plan included at the direction of, or in reliance on, a revoked provision of the national planning standard.
(5)
A change to or revocation of a national planning standard is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation referred to in subsection (2) or (3) | ||||
| Publication | The maker must: | LA19 ss 73, 74(1)(a), Sch 1 cl 14 | ||
| • notify it in the Gazette | ||||
| • comply with section 58F(2) | ||||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for all other secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | The maker must: | LA19 ss 73, 74(1)(a), Sch 1 cl 14 | ||
| • give notice of its approval in the Gazette | ||||
| • give public notice of its approval (see section 2AB) | ||||
| • comply with section 58F | ||||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 58H: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 50 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 58H(2): replaced, on 25 October 2024, by section 19 of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
Section 58H(2A): inserted, on 3 November 2021, by Schedule 3 clause 9 of the COVID-19 Response (Management Measures) Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 42).
Section 58H(2B): repealed, on 23 December 2023, by section 6 of the Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023 (2023 No 68).
Section 58H(3): replaced, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 58H(5): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
58I Local authority recognition of national planning standards
(1)
In this section and sections 58J and 58K, document means any of the following:
(a)
a regional policy statement:
(b)
a proposed regional policy statement:
(c)
a proposed plan:
(d)
a plan:
(e)
a variation:
(f)
a change.
Mandatory directions
(2)
If a national planning standard so directs, a local authority must amend each of its documents—
(a)
to include specific provisions in the documents; and
(b)
to ensure that the document is consistent with any constraint or limit placed on the content of the document under section 58C(2)(a) to (c).
(3)
An amendment required by subsection (2) must—
(a)
be made without using any of the processes set out in Schedule 1; and
(b)
be made within the time specified in the national planning standard or (in the absence of a specified time) within 1 year after the date on which the national planning standard is published under the Legislation Act 2019; and
(c)
amend the document to include the provisions as directed; and
(d)
include any consequential amendments to any document as necessary to avoid duplication or conflict with the amendments; and
(e)
be publicly notified not later than 5 working days after the amendments are made under paragraph (d).
Discretionary directions
(4)
If a national planning standard directs a local authority to choose from a number of specific provisions in a national planning standard, the local authority must—
(a)
choose an appropriate provision; and
(b)
use one of the processes set out in Schedule 1 in order to apply the provision to the local circumstances, but not to decide the content of the provision set by the national planning standard; and
(c)
notify any amendment required under this section within the time specified in the national planning standard, using any of the processes provided for by Schedule 1; and
(d)
make any consequential amendments to its documents needed to avoid duplication or inconsistency, but without using a process set out in Schedule 1; and
(e)
publicly notify any amendments made under paragraph (d) not later than 5 working days after the amendments are made.
(5)
A document is amended as from the date of the relevant public notice under subsection (3)(e) or (4)(c).
(6)
For the purpose of subsection (4)(a), a national planning standard may specify how local authorities are to choose relevant provisions from the national planning standard.
Other changes that may be directed
(7)
A local authority must—
(a)
make all other amendments to any document that are required to give effect to any provision in a national planning standard that affects the document, using one of the processes set out in Schedule 1; and
(b)
notify all amendments required under paragraph (a) not later than 1 year after the date on which the national planning standard is published under the Legislation Act 2019.
(8)
A local authority must also take any other action that is directed by a national planning standard.
(9)
This section and section 58J are subject to the obligations of local authorities, or of any particular local authority, under any other Act that relates to the preparation or change of a policy statement or plan under this Act.
Section 58I: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 50 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 58I(3)(b): amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 58I(7)(b): amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
58J Time frames applying under first set of national planning standards
(1)
In the case of the first set of national planning standards, if a process provided by Schedule 1 is required, a local authority must make any amendments required not later than the fifth anniversary of the date on which the first set is notified in the Gazette under section 58K, unless—
(a)
a different time is specified in the first set; or
(b)
subsection (3) applies.
(2)
Subsection (3) applies if—
(a)
a local authority has notified a proposed policy statement or plan before the first set of national planning standards is notified in the Gazette; and
(b)
a process provided by Schedule 1 is required.
(3)
If this subsection applies, the local authority must make the amendments required—
(a)
within the time specified in the national planning standard; or
(b)
if no time is specified, not later than 5 years after the date on which the proposed policy statement or plan becomes operative.
Section 58J: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 50 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
58JA Certain obligations stopped until 31 December 2027
On and after the commencement of this section and until 31 December 2027, the following cease to apply:
(a)
the obligations described in section 58I(2), (4), (7), and (8); and
(b)
the time frames applying under section 58J.
Section 58JA: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 15 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Wastewater and stormwater environmental performance standards
Heading: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 76 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
58JB Relationship between wastewater and stormwater environmental performance standards and other instruments
(1)
A wastewater environmental performance standard or a stormwater environmental performance standard prevails over a rule.
(2)
Subsection (1) applies whether the rule is more or less stringent than the wastewater environmental performance standard or the stormwater environmental performance standard.
(3)
If there is any conflict or duplication between a wastewater environmental performance standard or a stormwater environmental performance standard and a document listed in subsection (4), the environmental performance standard prevails.
(4)
The documents are—
(a)
a national policy statement:
(b)
a New Zealand coastal policy statement:
(c)
a national environmental standard:
(d)
a regional policy statement:
(e)
a regional plan:
(f)
a district plan.
(5)
However, if anything in a document listed in subsection (4)(d), (e), or (f) (the relevant document) conflicts with or duplicates anything in a wastewater environmental performance standard or a stormwater environmental performance standard, then, to the extent that the conflict or duplication results from the relevant document giving effect to Te Ture Whaimana o Te Awa o Waikato—the Vision and Strategy for the Waikato River,—
(a)
subsection (3) does not apply; and
(b)
the relevant document prevails.
(6)
If a local authority’s plan or proposed plan contains a rule that conflicts with or duplicates a provision in a wastewater environmental performance standard or a stormwater environmental performance standard, the local authority must amend the plan or proposed plan to remove the conflict or duplication—
(a)
without using the process in Schedule 1; and
(b)
as soon as practicable after the date on which the standard comes into force.
(7)
Every local authority and consent authority must—
(a)
enforce the observance of stormwater environmental performance standards and wastewater environmental performance standards—
(i)
within the limits specified in subsections (5) and (8); and
(ii)
to the extent to which their powers enable them to do so; and
(b)
observe stormwater environmental performance standards and wastewater environmental performance standards.
(8)
However, subsections (1), (2), and (6) do not apply if—
(a)
the rule gives effect to Te Ture Whaimana o Te Awa o Waikato—the Vision and Strategy for the Waikato River; and
(b)
the rule is more stringent than the wastewater environmental performance standard or the stormwater environmental performance standard.
Section 58JB: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 76 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
58JC Plan may permit effects that wastewater or stormwater environmental performance standard does not deal with
(1)
Subsection (2) applies if a wastewater environmental performance standard or a stormwater environmental performance standard provides that—
(a)
an activity is permitted; or
(b)
an activity does not require a resource consent.
(2)
A plan may permit, and impose conditions that deal with, any effects of the activity that differ from those regulated or managed in the environmental performance standard.
(3)
However, subsection (2) does not apply if the environmental performance standard provides otherwise.
Section 58JC: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 76 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Infrastructure design solutions
Heading: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 76 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
58JD Relationship between infrastructure design solutions and other instruments
(1)
An infrastructure design solution prevails over a rule.
(2)
Subsection (1) applies whether the rule is more or less stringent than the infrastructure design solution.
(3)
However, a rule prevails over the infrastructure design solution, and subsections (1) and (2) do not apply, if—
(a)
the rule is included in a district plan or regional plan to give effect to Te Ture Whaimana o Te Awa o Waikato—the Vision and Strategy for the Waikato River; and
(b)
the rule is more stringent than the infrastructure design solution.
(4)
If there is any conflict or duplication between an infrastructure design solution and a document listed in subsection (5), the infrastructure design solution prevails.
(5)
The documents are—
(a)
a national policy statement:
(b)
a New Zealand coastal policy statement:
(c)
a national environmental standard:
(d)
a regional policy statement:
(e)
a regional plan:
(f)
a district plan.
(6)
However, if anything in a document listed in subsection (5)(d), (e), or (f) (the relevant document) conflicts with or duplicates anything in an infrastructure design solution, then, to the extent that the conflict or duplication results from the relevant document giving effect to Te Ture Whaimana o Te Awa o Waikato—the Vision and Strategy for the Waikato River,—
(a)
subsection (4) does not apply; and
(b)
the relevant document prevails.
(7)
If a local authority’s plan or proposed plan contains a rule that conflicts with or duplicates a provision in an infrastructure design solution, the local authority must amend the plan or proposed plan to remove the inconsistency or duplication—
(a)
without using the process in Schedule 1; and
(b)
as soon as practicable after the date on which the standard comes into force.
(8)
However, subsection (7) does not apply if—
(a)
the rule gives effect to Te Ture Whaimana o Te Awa o Waikato—the Vision and Strategy for the Waikato River; and
(b)
the rule is more stringent than the infrastructure design solution.
Section 58JD: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 76 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
58JE Plan may permit effects that infrastructure design solution does not deal with
(1)
Subsection (2) applies if an infrastructure design solution provides that—
(a)
an activity is permitted; or
(b)
an activity does not require a resource consent.
(2)
A plan may permit, and impose conditions that deal with, any effects of the activity that differ from those regulated or managed in the infrastructure design solution.
(3)
However, subsection (2) does not apply if the infrastructure design solution provides otherwise.
Section 58JE: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 76 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
58JF References to infrastructure design solutions
In this Act, each reference to an infrastructure design solution must be read, unless the context otherwise requires, as referring only to an infrastructure design solution that the relevant person has decided to rely on.
Section 58JF: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 76 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Publication of documents
Heading: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 50 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
58K Obligation to publish documents
Not later than 1 year after the date on which the approval of the first set of national planning standards is notified in the Gazette, a local authority must make its documents publicly available, free of charge on a single searchable Internet site, as they relate to a particular district or region.
Section 58K: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 50 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Subpart 2—Mana Whakahono a Rohe: Iwi participation arrangements
Subpart 2: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 51 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
58L Definitions
In this subpart and Schedule 1,—
area of interest means the area that the iwi and hapū represented by an iwi authority identify as their traditional rohe
initiating iwi authority has the meaning given in section 58O(1)
iwi participation legislation means legislation (other than this Act), including any legislation listed in Schedule 3 of the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975, that provides a role for iwi or hapū in processes under this Act
Mana Whakahono a Rohe means an iwi participation arrangement entered into under this subpart
participating authorities has the meaning given in section 58O(5)
participating iwi authorities means the iwi authorities that—
(a)
have agreed to participate in a Mana Whakahono a Rohe; and
(b)
have agreed the order in which negotiations are to be conducted
relevant iwi authority means an iwi authority whose area of interest overlaps with, or is adjacent to, the area of interest of an initiating iwi authority
relevant local authority means a local authority whose area of interest overlaps with, or is adjacent to, the area of interest represented by the initiating iwi authority.
Section 58L: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 51 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 58L relevant local authority: amended, on 24 October 2019, by section 127 of the Statutes Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 56).
Purpose and guiding principles
Heading: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 51 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
58M Purpose of Mana Whakahono a Rohe
The purpose of a Mana Whakahono a Rohe is—
(a)
to provide a mechanism for iwi authorities and local authorities to discuss, agree, and record ways in which tangata whenua may, through their iwi authorities, participate in resource management and decision-making processes under this Act; and
(b)
to assist local authorities to comply with their statutory duties under this Act, including through the implementation of sections 6(e), 7(a), and 8.
Section 58M: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 51 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
58N Guiding principles
In initiating, developing, and implementing a Mana Whakahono a Rohe, the participating authorities must use their best endeavours—
(a)
to achieve the purpose of the Mana Whakahono a Rohe in an enduring manner:
(b)
to enhance the opportunities for collaboration amongst the participating authorities, including by promoting—
(i)
the use of integrated processes:
(ii)
co-ordination of the resources required to undertake the obligations and responsibilities of the parties to the Mana Whakahono a Rohe:
(c)
in determining whether to proceed to negotiate a joint or multi-party Mana Whakahono a Rohe, to achieve the most effective and efficient means of meeting the statutory obligations of the participating authorities:
(d)
to work together in good faith and in a spirit of co-operation:
(e)
to communicate with each other in an open, transparent, and honest manner:
(f)
to recognise and acknowledge the benefit of working together by sharing their respective vision and expertise:
(g)
to commit to meeting statutory time frames and minimise delays and costs associated with the statutory processes:
(h)
to recognise that a Mana Whakahono a Rohe under this subpart does not limit the requirements of any relevant iwi participation legislation or the agreements associated with that legislation.
Section 58N: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 51 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Initiating Mana Whakahono a Rohe
Heading: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 51 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
58O Initiation of Mana Whakahono a Rohe
Invitation from 1 or more iwi authorities
(1)
At any time other than in the period that is 90 days before the date of a triennial election under the Local Electoral Act 2001, 1 or more iwi authorities representing tangata whenua (the initiating iwi authorities) may invite 1 or more relevant local authorities in writing to enter into a Mana Whakahono a Rohe with the 1 or more iwi authorities.
Obligations of local authorities that receive invitation
(2)
As soon as is reasonably practicable after receiving an invitation under subsection (1), the local authorities—
(a)
may advise any relevant iwi authorities and relevant local authorities that the invitation has been received; and
(b)
must convene a hui or meeting of the initiating iwi authority and any iwi authority or local authority identified under paragraph (a) (the parties) that wishes to participate to discuss how they will work together to develop a Mana Whakahono a Rohe under this subpart.
(3)
The hui or meeting required by subsection (2)(b) must be held not later than 60 working days after the invitation sent under subsection (1) is received, unless the parties agree otherwise.
(4)
The purpose of the hui or meeting is to provide an opportunity for the iwi authorities and local authorities concerned to discuss and agree on—
(a)
the process for negotiation of 1 or more Mana Whakahono a Rohe; and
(b)
which parties are to be involved in the negotiations; and
(c)
the times by which specified stages of the negotiations must be concluded.
(5)
The iwi authorities and local authorities that are able to agree at the hui or meeting how they will develop a Mana Whakahono a Rohe (the participating authorities) must proceed to negotiate the terms of the Mana Whakahono a Rohe in accordance with that agreement and this subpart.
(6)
If 1 or more local authorities in an area are negotiating a Mana Whakahono a Rohe and a further invitation is received under subsection (1), the participating iwi authorities and relevant local authorities may agree on the order in which they negotiate the Mana Whakahono a Rohe.
Other matters relevant to Mana Whakahono a Rohe
(7)
If an iwi authority and a local authority have at any time entered into a relationship agreement, to the extent that the agreement relates to resource management matters, the parties to that agreement may, by written agreement, treat that agreement as if it were a Mana Whakahono a Rohe entered into under this subpart.
(8)
The participating authorities must take account of the extent to which resource management matters are included in any iwi participation legislation and seek to minimise duplication between the functions of the participating authorities under that legislation and those arising under the Mana Whakahono a Rohe.
(9)
Nothing in this subpart prevents a local authority from commencing, continuing, or completing any process under the Act while waiting for a response from, or negotiating a Mana Whakahono a Rohe with, 1 or more iwi authorities.
Section 58O: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 51 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
58P Other opportunities to initiate Mana Whakahono a Rohe
Later initiation by iwi authority
(1)
An iwi authority that, at the time of receiving an invitation to a meeting or hui under section 58O(2)(b), does not wish to participate in negotiating a Mana Whakahono a Rohe, or withdraws from negotiations before a Mana Whakahono a Rohe is agreed, may participate in, or initiate, a Mana Whakahono a Rohe at any later time (other than within the period that is 90 days before a triennial election under the Local Electoral Act 2001).
(2)
If a Mana Whakahono a Rohe exists and another iwi authority in the same area as the initiating iwi wishes to initiate a Mana Whakahono a Rohe under section 58O(1), that iwi authority must first consider joining the existing Mana Whakahono a Rohe.
(3)
The provisions of this subpart apply to any initiation under subsection (1).
Initiation by local authority
(4)
A local authority may initiate a Mana Whakahono a Rohe with an iwi authority or with hapū.
(5)
The local authority and iwi authority or hapū concerned must agree on—
(a)
the process to be adopted; and
(b)
the time period within which the negotiations are to be concluded; and
(c)
how the Mana Whakahono a Rohe is to be implemented after negotiations are concluded.
(6)
If 1 or more hapū are invited to enter a Mana Whakahono a Rohe under subsection (4), the provisions of this subpart apply as if the references to an iwi authority were references to 1 or more hapū, to the extent that the provisions relate to the contents of a Mana Whakahono a Rohe (see sections 58M, 58N, 58R, 58T, and 58U).
Section 58P: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 51 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
58Q Time frame for concluding Mana Whakahono a Rohe
If an invitation is initiated under section 58O(1), the participating authorities must conclude a Mana Whakahono a Rohe within—
(a)
18 months after the date on which the invitation is received; or
(b)
any other period agreed by all the participating authorities.
Section 58Q: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 51 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Contents
Heading: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 51 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
58R Contents of Mana Whakahono a Rohe
(1)
A Mana Whakahono a Rohe must—
(a)
be recorded in writing; and
(b)
identify the participating authorities; and
(c)
record the agreement of the participating authorities about—
(i)
how an iwi authority may participate in the preparation or change of a policy statement or plan, including the use of any of the pre-notification or streamlined planning processes under Schedule 1; and
(ii)
how the participating authorities will undertake consultation requirements, including the requirements of section 34A(1A) and clause 4A of Schedule 1; and
(iii)
how the participating authorities will work together to develop and agree on methods for monitoring under this Act; and
(iv)
how the participating authorities will give effect to the requirements of any relevant iwi participation legislation, or of any agreements associated with, or entered into under, that legislation; and
(v)
a process for identifying and managing conflicts of interest; and
(vi)
the process that the parties will use for resolving disputes about the implementation of the Mana Whakahono a Rohe, including the matters described in subsection (2).
(2)
The dispute resolution process recorded under subsection (1)(c)(vi) must—
(a)
set out the extent to which the outcome of a dispute resolution process may constitute an agreement—
(i)
to alter or terminate a Mana Whakahono a Rohe (see subsection (5)):
(ii)
[Repealed](iii)
to complete the review of a local authority’s policies and processes (to ensure that they are consistent with a Mana Whakahono a Rohe) at a later date (see section 58T(2)):
(iv)
jointly to review the effectiveness of a Mana Whakahono a Rohe at a later date (see section 58T(3)):
(v)
to undertake any additional reporting (see section 58T(5)); and
(b)
require each of the participating authorities to bear its own costs for any dispute resolution process undertaken.
(3)
The dispute resolution process must not require a local authority to suspend commencing, continuing, or completing any process under the Act while the dispute resolution process is in contemplation or is in progress.
(4)
A Mana Whakahono a Rohe may also specify—
(a)
how a local authority is to consult or notify an iwi authority on resource consent matters, where the Act provides for consultation or notification:
(b)
the circumstances in which an iwi authority may be given limited notification as an affected party:
(c)
any arrangement relating to other functions, duties, or powers under this Act:
(d)
if there are 2 or more iwi authorities participating in a Mana Whakahono a Rohe, how those iwi authorities will work collectively together to participate with local authorities:
(e)
whether a participating iwi authority has delegated to a person or group of persons (including hapū) a role to participate in particular processes under this Act.
(5)
Unless the participating authorities agree,—
(a)
the contents of a Mana Whakahono a Rohe must not be altered; and
(b)
a Mana Whakahono a Rohe must not be terminated.
(6)
If 2 or more iwi authorities collectively have entered into a Mana Whakahono a Rohe with a local authority, any 1 of the iwi authorities, if seeking to amend the contents of the Mana Whakahono a Rohe, must negotiate with the local authority for that purpose rather than seek to enter into a new Mana Whakahono a Rohe.
Section 58R: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 51 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 58R(1)(c)(i): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 16 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 58R(2)(a)(ii): repealed, on 24 October 2019, by section 128(1) of the Statutes Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 56).
Section 58R(2)(a)(iii): amended, on 24 October 2019, by section 128(2) of the Statutes Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 56).
58S Resolution of disputes that arise in course of negotiating Mana Whakahono a Rohe
(1)
This section applies if a dispute arises among participating authorities in the course of negotiating a Mana Whakahono a Rohe.
(2)
The participating authorities—
(a)
may by agreement undertake a binding process of dispute resolution; but
(b)
if they do not reach agreement on a binding process, must undertake a non-binding process of dispute resolution.
(3)
Whether the participating authorities choose a binding process or a non-binding process, each authority must—
(a)
jointly appoint an arbitrator or a mediator; and
(b)
meet its own costs of the process.
(4)
If the dispute remains unresolved after a non-binding process has been undertaken, the participating authorities may individually or jointly seek the assistance of the Minister.
(5)
The Minister, with a view to assisting the participating authorities to resolve the dispute and conclude a Mana Whakahono a Rohe, may—
(a)
appoint, and meet the costs of, a Crown facilitator:
(b)
direct the participating authorities to use a particular alternative dispute resolution process for that purpose.
Section 58S: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 51 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
58T Review and monitoring
(1)
A local authority that enters into a Mana Whakahono a Rohe under this subpart must review its policies and processes to ensure that they are consistent with the Mana Whakahono a Rohe.
(2)
The review required by subsection (1) must be completed not later than 6 months after the date of the Mana Whakahono a Rohe, unless a later date is agreed by the participating authorities.
(3)
Every sixth anniversary after the date of a Mana Whakahono a Rohe, or at any other time by agreement, the participating authorities must jointly review the effectiveness of the Mana Whakahono a Rohe, having regard to the purpose of a Mana Whakahono a Rohe stated in section 58M and the guiding principles set out in section 58N.
(4)
The obligations under this section are in addition to the obligations of a local authority under—
(a)
section 27 (the provision of information to the Minister):
(b)
section 35 (monitoring and record keeping).
(5)
Any additional reporting may be undertaken by agreement of the participating authorities.
Section 58T: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 51 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
58U Relationship with iwi participation legislation
A Mana Whakahono a Rohe does not limit any relevant provision of any iwi participation legislation or any agreement under that legislation.
Section 58U: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 51 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Subpart 3—Local authority policy statements and plans
Subpart 3 heading: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 51 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Regional policy statements
59 Purpose of regional policy statements
The purpose of a regional policy statement is to achieve the purpose of the Act by providing an overview of the resource management issues of the region and policies and methods to achieve integrated management of the natural and physical resources of the whole region.
60 Preparation and change of regional policy statements
(1)
There shall at all times be for each region 1 regional policy statement prepared by the regional council in the manner set out in Schedule 1.
(2)
A regional policy statement may be changed in the manner set out in Schedule 1, at the instigation of a Minister of the Crown, the regional council, or any territorial authority within or partly within the region.
61 Matters to be considered by regional council (policy statements)
(1)
A regional council must prepare and change its regional policy statement in accordance with—
(a)
its functions under section 30; and
(b)
the provisions of Part 2; and
(c)
its obligation (if any) to prepare an evaluation report in accordance with section 32; and
(d)
its obligation to have particular regard to an evaluation report prepared in accordance with section 32; and
(da)
a national policy statement, a New Zealand coastal policy statement, and a national planning standard; and
(e)
any regulations.
(2)
In addition to the requirements of section 62(3), when preparing or changing a regional policy statement, the regional council shall have regard to—
(a)
any—
(i)
management plans and strategies prepared under other Acts; and
(ii)
[Repealed](iia)
relevant entry on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rārangi Kōrero required by the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014; and
(iii)
regulations relating to ensuring sustainability, or the conservation, management, or sustainability of fisheries resources (including regulations or bylaws relating to taiapure, mahinga mataitai, or other non-commercial Maori customary fishing); and
(iv)
[Repealed]to the extent that their content has a bearing on resource management issues of the region; and
(b)
the extent to which the regional policy statement needs to be consistent with the policy statements and plans of adjacent regional councils; and
(c)
the extent to which the regional policy statement needs to be consistent with regulations made under the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act 2012; and
(d)
any emissions reduction plan made in accordance with section 5ZI of the Climate Change Response Act 2002; and
(e)
any national adaptation plan made in accordance with section 5ZS of the Climate Change Response Act 2002.
(2A)
When a regional council is preparing or changing a regional policy statement, it must deal with the following documents, if they are lodged with the council, in the manner specified, to the extent that their content has a bearing on the resource management issues of the region:
(a)
the council must take into account any relevant planning document recognised by an iwi authority; and
(b)
in relation to a planning document prepared by a customary marine title group under section 85 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011, the council must, in accordance with section 93 of that Act,—
(i)
recognise and provide for the matters in that document, to the extent that they relate to the relevant customary marine title area; and
(ii)
take into account the matters in that document, to the extent that they relate to a part of the common marine and coastal area outside the customary marine title area of the relevant group.
(3)
In preparing or changing any regional policy statement, a regional council must not have regard to trade competition or the effects of trade competition.
Section 61 heading: amended, on 17 December 1997, by section 11 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 61(1): replaced, on 3 December 2013, for all purposes, by section 76 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 61(1)(da): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 52(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 61(2): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 52(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 61(2)(a)(ii): repealed, on 1 August 2003, by section 24(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 61(2)(a)(iia): inserted, on 1 July 1993, by section 118(2) of the Historic Places Act 1993 (1993 No 38).
Section 61(2)(a)(iia): amended, on 20 May 2014, by section 107 of the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014 (2014 No 26).
Section 61(2)(a)(iii): replaced, on 1 October 1996, by section 316(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996 (1996 No 88).
Section 61(2)(a)(iv): repealed, on 1 August 2003, by section 24(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 61(2)(b): amended, on 28 June 2013, by section 176(2) of the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act 2012 (2012 No 72).
Section 61(2)(c): inserted, on 28 June 2013, by section 176(2) of the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act 2012 (2012 No 72).
Section 61(2)(d): inserted, on 30 November 2022, by section 17 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 61(2)(e): inserted, on 30 November 2022, by section 17 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 61(2A): replaced, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 61(3): inserted, on 17 December 1997, by section 11 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 61(3): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 55 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
62 Contents of regional policy statements
(1)
A regional policy statement must state—
(a)
the significant resource management issues for the region; and
(b)
the resource management issues of significance to iwi authorities in the region; and
(c)
the objectives sought to be achieved by the statement; and
(d)
the policies for those issues and objectives and an explanation of those policies; and
(e)
the methods (excluding rules) used, or to be used, to implement the policies; and
(f)
the principal reasons for adopting the objectives, policies, and methods of implementation set out in the statement; and
(g)
the environmental results anticipated from implementation of those policies and methods; and
(h)
the processes to be used to deal with issues that cross local authority boundaries, and issues between territorial authorities or between regions; and
(i)
the local authority responsible in the whole or any part of the region for specifying the objectives, policies, and methods for the control of the use of land—
(i)
to avoid or mitigate natural hazards or any group of hazards; and
(ii)
[Repealed](iii)
to maintain indigenous biological diversity; and
(j)
the procedures used to monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of the policies or methods contained in the statement; and
(k)
any other information required for the purpose of the regional council’s functions, powers, and duties under this Act.
(2)
If no responsibilities are specified in the regional policy statement for functions described in subsection (1)(i)(i) or (ii), the regional council retains primary responsibility for the function in subsection (1)(i)(i) and the territorial authorities of the region retain primary responsibility for the function in subsection (1)(i)(ii).
(3)
A regional policy statement must not be inconsistent with any water conservation order and must give effect to a national policy statement, a New Zealand coastal policy statement, or a national planning standard.
Section 62: replaced, on 1 August 2003, by section 25 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 62(1)(b): replaced, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 62(1)(i)(ii): repealed, on 19 April 2017, by section 53(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 62(3): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 53(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Regional plans
63 Purpose of regional plans
(1)
The purpose of the preparation, implementation, and administration of regional plans is to assist a regional council to carry out any of its functions in order to achieve the purpose of this Act.
(2)
Without limiting subsection (1), the purpose of the preparation, implementation, and administration of regional coastal plans is to assist a regional council, in conjunction with the Minister of Conservation, to achieve the purpose of this Act in relation to the coastal marine area of that region.
64 Preparation and change of regional coastal plans
(1)
There shall at all times be, for all the coastal marine area of a region, 1 or more regional coastal plans prepared in the manner set out in Schedule 1.
(2)
A regional coastal plan may form part of a regional plan where it is considered appropriate in order to promote the integrated management of a coastal marine area and any related part of the coastal environment.
(3)
Where a regional coastal plan forms part of a regional plan, the Minister of Conservation shall approve only that part which relates to the coastal marine area.
(4)
A regional coastal plan may be changed in the manner set out in Schedule 1.
Section 64(1): replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 35 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 64(1): amended, on 1 October 2011, by section 15 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 64(4): amended, on 1 October 2011, by section 15 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
64A Imposition of coastal occupation charges
(1)
Unless a regional coastal plan or proposed regional coastal plan already addresses coastal occupation charges, in preparing or changing a regional coastal plan or proposed regional coastal plan, a regional council must consider, after having regard to—
(a)
the extent to which public benefits from the coastal marine area are lost or gained; and
(b)
the extent to which private benefit is obtained from the occupation of the coastal marine area,—
whether or not a coastal occupation charging regime applying to persons who occupy any part of the common marine and coastal area should be included.
(2)
Where the regional council considers that a coastal occupation charging regime should not be included, a statement to that effect must be included in the regional coastal plan.
(3)
Where the regional council considers that a coastal occupation charging regime should be included, the council must, after having regard to the matters set out in paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (1), specify in the regional coastal plan—
(a)
the circumstances when a coastal occupation charge will be imposed; and
(b)
the circumstances when the regional council will consider waiving (in whole or in part) a coastal occupation charge; and
(c)
the level of charges to be paid or the manner in which the charge will be determined; and
(d)
in accordance with subsection (5), the way the money received will be used.
(4)
No coastal occupation charge may be imposed on any person occupying the coastal marine area unless the charge is provided for in the regional coastal plan.
(4A)
A coastal occupation charge must not be imposed on a protected customary rights group or customary marine title group exercising a right under Part 3 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011.
(5)
Any money received by the regional council from a coastal occupation charge must be used only for the purpose of promoting the sustainable management of the coastal marine area.
Section 64A: inserted, on 17 December 1997, by section 12 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 64A(1): amended, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 64A(4A): replaced, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
65 Preparation and change of other regional plans
(1)
A regional council may prepare a regional plan for the whole or part of its region for any function specified in section 30(1)(c), (ca), (e), (f), (fa), (fb), (g), or (ga).
(1A)
A regional council given a direction under section 25A(1) must—
(a)
prepare a regional plan that implements the direction; or
(b)
prepare a change to its regional plan in a way that implements the direction; or
(c)
prepare a variation to its regional plan in a way that implements the direction.
(2)
A plan must be prepared in accordance with Schedule 1.
(3)
Without limiting the power of a regional council to prepare a regional plan at any time, a regional council shall consider the desirability of preparing a regional plan whenever any of the following circumstances or considerations arise or are likely to arise:
(a)
any significant conflict between the use, development, or protection of natural and physical resources or the avoidance or mitigation of such conflict:
(b)
any significant need or demand for the protection of natural and physical resources or of any site, feature, place, or area of regional significance:
(c)
any risks from natural hazards:
(d)
any foreseeable demand for or on natural and physical resources:
(e)
any significant concerns of tangata whenua for their cultural heritage in relation to natural and physical resources:
(f)
the restoration or enhancement of any natural and physical resources in a deteriorated state or the avoidance or mitigation of any such deterioration:
(g)
the implementation of a national policy statement or New Zealand coastal policy statement:
(h)
any use of land or water that has actual or potential adverse effects on soil conservation or air quality or water quality:
(i)
any other significant issue relating to any function of the regional council under this Act.
(4)
Any person may request a regional council to prepare or change a regional plan in the manner set out in Part 2 of Schedule 1.
(4A)
A request for a plan change may be made jointly with an application to exchange recreation reserve land under section 15AA of the Reserves Act 1977 if the regional council—
(a)
is also the administering body in which the recreation reserve land is vested; and
(b)
agrees that the request and application may be made jointly.
(5)
A regional plan may be changed in the manner set out in the relevant Part of Schedule 1.
(6)
A regional council must amend a proposed regional plan or regional plan to give effect to a regional policy statement, if—
(a)
the statement contains a provision to which the plan does not give effect; and
(b)
one of the following occurs:
(i)
the statement is reviewed under section 79 and not changed or replaced; or
(ii)
the statement is reviewed under section 79 and is changed or replaced and the change or replacement becomes operative; or
(iii)
the statement is changed or varied and becomes operative.
(7)
A regional council must comply with subsection (6)—
(a)
within the time specified in the statement, if a time is specified; or
(b)
as soon as reasonably practicable, in any other case.
Section 65(1): replaced, on 1 August 2003, by section 26 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 65(1): amended, on 10 August 2005, by section 39(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 65(1A): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 39(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 65(2): replaced, on 1 August 2003, by section 26 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 65(3)(c): replaced, on 19 April 2017, by section 54(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 65(4): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 54(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 65(4A): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 188(3) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 65(5): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 54(3) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 65(6): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 39(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 65(7): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 39(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 65(7): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 54(4) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
66 Matters to be considered by regional council (plans)
(1)
A regional council must prepare and change any regional plan in accordance with—
(a)
its functions under section 30; and
(b)
the provisions of Part 2; and
(c)
a direction given under section 25A(1); and
(d)
its obligation (if any) to prepare an evaluation report in accordance with section 32; and
(e)
its obligation to have particular regard to an evaluation report prepared in accordance with section 32; and
(ea)
a national policy statement, a New Zealand coastal policy statement, and a national planning standard; and
(f)
any regulations.
(2)
In addition to the requirements of section 67(3) and (4), when preparing or changing any regional plan, the regional council shall have regard to—
(a)
any proposed regional policy statement in respect of the region; and
(b)
the Crown’s interests in the coastal marine area; and
(c)
any—
(i)
management plans and strategies prepared under other Acts; and
(ii)
[Repealed](iia)
relevant entry on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rārangi Kōrero required by the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014; and
(iii)
regulations relating to ensuring sustainability, or the conservation, management, or sustainability of fisheries resources (including regulations or bylaws relating to taiapure, mahinga mataitai, or other non-commercial Maori customary fishing); and
(iv)
[Repealed](v)
relevant project area and project objectives (as those terms are defined in section 9 of the Urban Development Act 2020), if section 98 of that Act applies,—
to the extent that their content has a bearing on resource management issues of the region; and
(d)
the extent to which the regional plan needs to be consistent with the regional policy statements and plans, or proposed regional policy statements and proposed plans, of adjacent regional councils; and
(e)
to the extent to which the regional plan needs to be consistent with regulations made under the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act 2012; and
(f)
any emissions reduction plan made in accordance with section 5ZI of the Climate Change Response Act 2002; and
(g)
any national adaptation plan made in accordance with section 5ZS of the Climate Change Response Act 2002.
(2A)
When a regional council is preparing or changing a regional plan, it must deal with the following documents, if they are lodged with the council, in the manner specified, to the extent that their content has a bearing on the resource management issues of the region:
(a)
the council must take into account any relevant planning document recognised by an iwi authority; and
(b)
in relation to a planning document prepared by a customary marine title group under section 85 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011, the council must, in accordance with section 93 of that Act,—
(i)
recognise and provide for the matters in that document, to the extent that they relate to the relevant customary marine title area; and
(ii)
take into account the matters in that document, to the extent that they relate to a part of the common marine and coastal area outside the customary marine title area of the relevant group.
(3)
In preparing or changing any regional plan, a regional council must not have regard to trade competition or the effects of trade competition.
Section 66 heading: amended, on 17 December 1997, by section 13 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 66(1): replaced, on 3 December 2013, for all purposes, by section 77 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 66(1)(ea): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 55 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 66(2): amended, on 10 August 2005, by section 40(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 66(2)(b): amended, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 66(2)(c)(ii): repealed, on 1 August 2003, by section 27(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 66(2)(c)(iia): inserted, on 1 July 1993, by section 118(2) of the Historic Places Act 1993 (1993 No 38).
Section 66(2)(c)(iia): amended, on 20 May 2014, by section 107 of the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014 (2014 No 26).
Section 66(2)(c)(iii): replaced, on 1 October 1996, by section 316(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996 (1996 No 88).
Section 66(2)(c)(iv): repealed, on 1 August 2003, by section 27(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 66(2)(c)(v): inserted, on 7 August 2020, by section 300 of the Urban Development Act 2020 (2020 No 42).
Section 66(2)(d): amended, on 28 June 2013, by section 176(3) of the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act 2012 (2012 No 72).
Section 66(2)(e): inserted, on 28 June 2013, by section 176(3) of the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act 2012 (2012 No 72).
Section 66(2)(f): inserted, on 30 November 2022, by section 18 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 66(2)(g): inserted, on 30 November 2022, by section 18 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 66(2A): replaced, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 66(3): inserted, on 17 December 1997, by section 13 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 66(3): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 56 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
67 Contents of regional plans
(1)
A regional plan must state—
(a)
the objectives for the region; and
(b)
the policies to implement the objectives; and
(c)
the rules (if any) to implement the policies.
(2)
A regional plan may state—
(a)
the issues that the plan seeks to address; and
(b)
the methods, other than rules, for implementing the policies for the region; and
(c)
the principal reasons for adopting the policies and methods; and
(d)
the environmental results expected from the policies and methods; and
(e)
the procedures for monitoring the efficiency and effectiveness of the policies and methods; and
(f)
the processes for dealing with issues—
(i)
that cross local authority boundaries; or
(ii)
that arise between territorial authorities; or
(iii)
that arise between regions; and
(g)
the information to be included with an application for a resource consent; and
(h)
any other information required for the purpose of the regional council’s functions, powers, and duties under this Act.
(3)
A regional plan must give effect to—
(a)
any national policy statement; and
(b)
any New Zealand coastal policy statement; and
(ba)
a national planning standard; and
(c)
any regional policy statement.
(4)
A regional plan must not be inconsistent with—
(a)
a water conservation order; or
(b)
any other regional plan for the region; or
(c)
[Repealed](5)
A regional plan must record how a regional council has allocated a natural resource under section 30(1)(fa) or (fb) and (4), if the council has done so.
(6)
A regional plan may incorporate material by reference under Part 3 of Schedule 1.
Section 67: replaced, on 10 August 2005, by section 41 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 67(3)(ba): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 56 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 67(4)(c): repealed, on 1 October 2011, by section 16 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
68 Regional rules
(1)
A regional council may, for the purpose of—
(a)
carrying out its functions under this Act (other than those described in paragraphs (a) and (b) of section 30(1)); and
(b)
achieving the objectives and policies of the plan,—
include rules in a regional plan.
(2)
Every such rule shall have the force and effect of a regulation in force under this Act but, to the extent that any such rule is inconsistent with any such regulation, the regulation shall prevail.
(2A)
Rules may be made under this section for the protection of other property (as defined in section 7 of the Building Act 2004) from the effects of surface water, which require persons undertaking building work to achieve performance criteria additional to, or more restrictive than, those specified in the building code as defined in section 7 of the Building Act 2004.
(3)
In making a rule, the regional council shall have regard to the actual or potential effect on the environment of activities, including, in particular, any adverse effect.
(3A)
[Repealed](3B)
[Repealed](4)
A rule may specify an activity as a restricted coastal activity only if the rule is in a regional coastal plan and the Minister of Conservation has required the activity to be so specified on the grounds that the activity—
(a)
has or is likely to have significant or irreversible adverse effects on a coastal marine area; or
(b)
occurs or is likely to occur in an area having significant conservation value.
(5)
A rule may—
(a)
apply throughout the region or a part of the region:
(b)
make different provision for—
(i)
different parts of the region; or
(ii)
different classes of effects arising from an activity:
(c)
apply all the time or for stated periods or seasons:
(d)
be specific or general in its application:
(e)
require a resource consent to be obtained for an activity causing, or likely to cause, adverse effects not covered by the plan.
(6)
[Repealed](7)
Where a regional plan includes a rule relating to maximum or minimum levels or flows or rates of use of water, or minimum standards of water quality or air quality, or ranges of temperature or pressure of geothermal water, the plan may state—
(a)
whether the rule shall affect, under section 130, the exercise of existing resource consents for activities which contravene the rule; and
(b)
that the holders of resource consents may comply with the terms of the rule, or rules, in stages or over specified periods.
(8)
Where regulations have been made under section 360(1)(ha) deeming rules to be included in a regional coastal plan or proposed regional coastal plan, the relevant regional council shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after the date on which the regulations are made, revoked, or cease to apply to its region,—
(a)
give public notice of the fact that such regulations have been made or revoked or have ceased to apply, as the case may be, and in such detail as the council considers appropriate, generally describe the nature of any rules deemed to be included in the plan or proposed plan by those regulations; and
(b)
ensure that a copy of any regulations deeming rules to be included in the plan or proposed plan is annexed to, and appropriate annotations are made in, every copy of that plan or proposed plan that is under the regional council’s control.
(9)
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this section, no rule of a regional coastal plan shall authorise as a permitted activity any of the following activities to which section 15A applies:
(a)
the dumping in the coastal marine area of any waste or other matter from any ship, aircraft, or offshore installation:
(b)
the dumping in the coastal marine area of any ship, aircraft, or offshore installation:
(c)
the incineration in the coastal marine area of any waste or other matter in any marine incineration facility.
(10)
Subject to subsection (9), sections 69 and 70(2) shall, with all necessary modifications, apply to the inclusion of rules in regional coastal plans about the dumping of waste or other matter as if every reference in those provisions to a discharge of a contaminant included a reference to a dumping of waste or other matter.
(11)
A rule may exempt from its coverage an area or class of contaminated land if the rule—
(a)
provides how the significant adverse effects on the environment that the hazardous substance has are to be remedied or mitigated; or
(b)
provides how the significant adverse effects on the environment that the hazardous substance is reasonably likely to have are to be avoided; or
(c)
treats the land as not contaminated for purposes stated in the rule.
Section 68(1): amended, on 1 August 2003, by section 29(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 68(2A): replaced, on 31 March 2005, by section 414 of the Building Act 2004 (2004 No 72).
Section 68(3): amended, on 1 August 2003, by section 29(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 68(3A): repealed, on 1 August 2003, by section 29(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 68(3B): repealed, on 1 August 2003, by section 29(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 68(4): amended, on 1 August 2003, by section 29(4) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 68(5)(e): replaced, on 1 August 2003, by section 29(5) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 68(6): repealed, on 17 December 1997, by section 14 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 68(7): inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 37(4) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 68(8): inserted, on 20 August 1998, by section 10 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 105).
Section 68(9): inserted, on 20 August 1998, by section 10 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 105).
Section 68(10): inserted, on 20 August 1998, by section 10 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 105).
Section 68(11): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 42 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 68(11): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 57 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
68A Regional coastal plan not to authorise aquaculture activities in coastal marine area as permitted activities
(1)
Despite section 68, after the commencement of section 17 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 no rule may be included in a regional coastal plan which authorises as a permitted activity any aquaculture activity in the coastal marine area.
(2)
If, immediately before the commencement of section 17 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011, a regional coastal plan contains a rule that authorises as a permitted activity any part of an aquaculture activity in the coastal marine area—
(a)
any person may act, or continue to act, in accordance with the rule until any alteration of the rule has legal effect; but
(b)
a regional council must, as soon as is reasonably practicable and not later than 2 years after the commencement of section 17 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011, initiate a review of the rule under section 79 and propose to alter any provisions necessary to ensure compliance with subsection (1), in the manner set out in Part 1 of Schedule 1 and this Part.
Section 68A: replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 17 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
69 Rules relating to water quality
(1)
Where a regional council—
(a)
provides in a plan that certain waters are to be managed for any purpose described in respect of any of the classes specified in Schedule 3; and
(b)
includes rules in the plan about the quality of water in those waters,—
the rules shall require the observance of the standards specified in that schedule in respect of the appropriate class or classes unless, in the council’s opinion, those standards are not adequate or appropriate in respect of those waters in which case the rules may state standards that are more stringent or specific.
(2)
Where a regional council provides in a plan that certain waters are to be managed for any purpose for which the classes specified in Schedule 3 are not adequate or appropriate, the council may state in the plan new classes and standards about the quality of water in those waters.
(3)
Subject to the need to allow for reasonable mixing of a discharged contaminant or water, a regional council shall not set standards in a plan which result, or may result, in a reduction of the quality of the water in any waters at the time of the public notification of the proposed plan unless it is consistent with the purpose of this Act to do so.
(4)
On and from the commencement of this subsection, Schedule 3 ceases to be applicable to fresh water.
Section 69(4): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 57 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
70 Rules about discharges
(1)
Before a regional council includes in a regional plan a rule that allows as a permitted activity—
(a)
a discharge of a contaminant or water into water; or
(b)
a discharge of a contaminant onto or into land in circumstances which may result in that contaminant (or any other contaminant emanating as a result of natural processes from that contaminant) entering water,—
the regional council shall be satisfied that none of the following effects are likely to arise in the receiving waters, after reasonable mixing, as a result of the discharge of the contaminant (either by itself or in combination with the same, similar, or other contaminants):
(c)
the production of conspicuous oil or grease films, or scums or foams:
(d)
any conspicuous change in the colour or visual clarity:
(e)
any emission of objectionable odour:
(f)
the rendering of fresh water unsuitable for consumption by farm animals:
(g)
any significant adverse effects on aquatic life.
(2)
Before a regional council includes in a regional plan a rule requiring the adoption of the best practicable option to prevent or minimise any actual or likely adverse effect on the environment of any discharge of a contaminant, the regional council shall be satisfied that, having regard to—
(a)
the nature of the discharge and the receiving environment; and
(b)
other alternatives, including a rule requiring the observance of minimum standards of quality of the environment,—
the inclusion of that rule in the plan is the most efficient and effective means of preventing or minimising those adverse effects on the environment.
(3)
Despite subsection (1), a regional council may include in a regional plan a rule that allows as a permitted activity a discharge described in subsection (1)(a) or (b) that may allow the effects described in subsection (1)(d), (f), or (g) if—
(a)
the council is satisfied that those effects are already in the receiving waters; and
(b)
the rule includes standards for the permitted activity; and
(c)
the council is satisfied that those standards, or those standards in combination with any other provisions in the plan, will contribute to a reduction of those effects over a period of time—
(i)
no greater than 10 years; and
(ii)
commencing on the date that the rule becomes operative.
Section 70(1)(c): replaced, on 21 August 2025, by section 16(1) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 70(3): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 16(2) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
71 Requirements for rules that control fishing
(1)
This section applies to rules that control fishing within the coastal marine area.
(2)
A regional council must not include a rule that controls fishing in a regional coastal plan unless—
(a)
the rule (a notified rule) is included in the proposed regional coastal plan when it is notified; or
(b)
the rule applies within an area to which a notified rule applies.
(3)
However, a regional council may, after a proposed regional coastal plan is notified, make minor adjustments to the boundaries of an area to which a rule that controls fishing applies.
(4)
If a regional council includes a rule that controls fishing in a regional coastal plan,—
(a)
the rule must not classify fishing as a controlled activity, a restricted discretionary activity, a discretionary activity, or a non-complying activity:
(b)
the rule may classify fishing as a prohibited activity in an area:
(c)
the rule may classify fishing as a permitted activity in an area only if it is an exception to a rule made under paragraph (b) that applies to the area.
(5)
See also clause 4B of Schedule 1, which—
(a)
requires a regional council that intends to propose a rule that controls fishing in a regional coastal plan to complete an assessment of the impact of the proposed rule in accordance with section 32(2A); and
(b)
restricts the notification of the proposed rule unless the Director-General of the Ministry for Primary Industries concurs with the rule.
(6)
This section applies despite section 77A.
Section 71: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 17 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Rules relating to discharge of greenhouse gases[Repealed]
Heading: repealed, on 30 November 2022, pursuant to section 20 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
70A Application to climate change of rules relating to discharge of greenhouse gases
[Repealed]Section 70A: repealed, on 30 November 2022, by section 19 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
70B Implementation of national environmental standards
[Repealed]Section 70B: repealed, on 30 November 2022, by section 20 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
71 Rules about esplanade reserves on reclamation
[Repealed]Section 71: repealed, on 7 July 1993, by section 38 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
District plans
72 Purpose of district plans
The purpose of the preparation, implementation, and administration of district plans is to assist territorial authorities to carry out their functions in order to achieve the purpose of this Act.
73 Preparation and change of district plans
(1)
There must at all times be 1 district plan for each district, prepared in the manner set out in the relevant Part of Schedule 1.
(1A)
A district plan may be changed in the manner set out in the relevant Part of Schedule 1.
(1B)
A territorial authority given a direction under section 25A(2) must prepare a change to its district plan in a way that implements the direction.
(2)
(2A)
A request for a plan change may be made jointly with an application to exchange recreation reserve land under section 15AA of the Reserves Act 1977 if the territorial authority—
(a)
is also the administering body in which the recreation reserve land is vested; and
(b)
agrees that the request and application may be made jointly.
(3)
A district plan may be prepared in territorial sections.
(4)
A local authority must amend a proposed district plan or district plan to give effect to a regional policy statement, if—
(a)
the statement contains a provision to which the plan does not give effect; and
(b)
one of the following occurs:
(i)
the statement is reviewed under section 79 and not changed or replaced; or
(ii)
the statement is reviewed under section 79 and is changed or replaced and the change or replacement becomes operative; or
(iii)
the statement is changed or varied and becomes operative.
(5)
A local authority must comply with subsection (4)—
(a)
within the time specified in the statement, if a time is specified; or
(b)
as soon as reasonably practicable, in any other case.
Section 73(1): replaced, on 19 April 2017, by section 58(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 73(1A): replaced, on 19 April 2017, by section 58(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 73(1B): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 44(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 73(2): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 58(3) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 73(2A): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 188(4) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 73(4): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 44(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 73(5): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 44(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
74 Matters to be considered by territorial authority
(1)
A territorial authority must prepare and change its district plan in accordance with—
(a)
its functions under section 31; and
(b)
the provisions of Part 2; and
(c)
a direction given under section 25A(2); and
(d)
its obligation (if any) to prepare an evaluation report in accordance with section 32; and
(e)
its obligation to have particular regard to an evaluation report prepared in accordance with section 32; and
(ea)
a national policy statement, a New Zealand coastal policy statement, and a national planning standard; and
(f)
any regulations.
(2)
In addition to the requirements of section 75(3) and (4), when preparing or changing a district plan, a territorial authority shall have regard to—
(a)
any—
(i)
proposed regional policy statement; or
(ii)
proposed regional plan of its region in regard to any matter of regional significance or for which the regional council has primary responsibility under Part 4; and
(b)
any—
(i)
management plans and strategies prepared under other Acts; and
(ii)
[Repealed](iia)
relevant entry on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rārangi Kōrero required by the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014; and
(iii)
regulations relating to ensuring sustainability, or the conservation, management, or sustainability of fisheries resources (including regulations or bylaws relating to taiapure, mahinga mataitai, or other non-commercial Maori customary fishing); and
(iv)
relevant project area and project objectives (as those terms are defined in section 9 of the Urban Development Act 2020), if section 98 of that Act applies,—
to the extent that their content has a bearing on resource management issues of the district; and
(c)
the extent to which the district plan needs to be consistent with the plans or proposed plans of adjacent territorial authorities; and
(d)
any emissions reduction plan made in accordance with section 5ZI of the Climate Change Response Act 2002; and
(e)
any national adaptation plan made in accordance with section 5ZS of the Climate Change Response Act 2002.
(2A)
A territorial authority, when preparing or changing a district plan, must take into account any relevant planning document recognised by an iwi authority and lodged with the territorial authority, to the extent that its content has a bearing on the resource management issues of the district.
(3)
In preparing or changing any district plan, a territorial authority must not have regard to trade competition or the effects of trade competition.
Section 74(1): replaced, on 3 December 2013, for all purposes, by section 78 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 74(1)(ea): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 59 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 74(2): amended, on 10 August 2005, by section 45(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 74(2)(a): replaced, on 17 December 1997, by section 15(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 74(2)(b)(ii): repealed, on 1 August 2003, by section 31(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 74(2)(b)(iia): inserted, on 1 July 1993, by section 118(2) of the Historic Places Act 1993 (1993 No 38).
Section 74(2)(b)(iia): amended, on 20 May 2014, by section 107 of the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014 (2014 No 26).
Section 74(2)(b)(iii): replaced, on 1 October 1996, by section 316(1) of the Fisheries Act 1996 (1996 No 88).
Section 74(2)(b)(iv): inserted, on 7 August 2020, by section 300 of the Urban Development Act 2020 (2020 No 42).
Section 74(2)(d): inserted, on 30 November 2022, by section 21 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 74(2)(e): inserted, on 30 November 2022, by section 21 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 74(2A): replaced, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 74(3): inserted, on 17 December 1997, by section 15(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 74(3): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 58 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
75 Contents of district plans
(1)
A district plan must state—
(a)
the objectives for the district; and
(b)
the policies to implement the objectives; and
(c)
the rules (if any) to implement the policies.
(2)
A district plan may state—
(a)
the significant resource management issues for the district; and
(b)
the methods, other than rules, for implementing the policies for the district; and
(c)
the principal reasons for adopting the policies and methods; and
(d)
the environmental results expected from the policies and methods; and
(e)
the procedures for monitoring the efficiency and effectiveness of the policies and methods; and
(f)
the processes for dealing with issues that cross territorial authority boundaries; and
(g)
the information to be included with an application for a resource consent; and
(h)
any other information required for the purpose of the territorial authority’s functions, powers, and duties under this Act.
(3)
A district plan must give effect to—
(a)
any national policy statement; and
(b)
any New Zealand coastal policy statement; and
(ba)
a national planning standard; and
(c)
any regional policy statement.
(4)
A district plan must not be inconsistent with—
(a)
a water conservation order; or
(b)
a regional plan for any matter specified in section 30(1).
(5)
A district plan may incorporate material by reference under Part 3 of Schedule 1.
Section 75: replaced, on 10 August 2005, by section 46 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 75(3)(ba): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 60 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
76 District rules
(1)
A territorial authority may, for the purpose of—
(a)
carrying out its functions under this Act; and
(b)
achieving the objectives and policies of the plan,—
include rules in a district plan.
(2)
Every such rule shall have the force and effect of a regulation in force under this Act but, to the extent that any such rule is inconsistent with any such regulation, the regulation shall prevail.
(2A)
Rules may be made under this section, for the protection of other property (as defined in section 7 of the Building Act 2004) from the effects of surface water, which require persons undertaking building work to achieve performance criteria additional to, or more restrictive than, those specified in the building code as defined in section 7 of the Building Act 2004.
(3)
In making a rule, the territorial authority shall have regard to the actual or potential effect on the environment of activities including, in particular, any adverse effect.
(3A)
[Repealed](3B)
[Repealed](4)
A rule may—
(a)
apply throughout a district or a part of a district:
(b)
make different provision for—
(i)
different parts of the district; or
(ii)
different classes of effects arising from an activity:
(c)
apply all the time or for stated periods or seasons:
(d)
be specific or general in its application:
(e)
require a resource consent to be obtained for an activity causing, or likely to cause, adverse effects not covered by the plan.
(4A)
A rule may prohibit or restrict the felling, trimming, damaging, or removal of a tree or trees on a single urban environment allotment only if, in a schedule to the plan,—
(a)
the tree or trees are described; and
(b)
the allotment is specifically identified by street address or legal description of the land, or both.
(4B)
A rule may prohibit or restrict the felling, trimming, damaging, or removal of trees on 2 or more urban environment allotments only if—
(a)
the allotments are adjacent to each other; and
(b)
the trees on the allotments together form a group of trees; and
(c)
in a schedule to the plan,—
(i)
the group of trees is described; and
(ii)
the allotments are specifically identified by street address or legal description of the land, or both.
(4C)
In subsections (4A) and (4B),—
group of trees means a cluster, grove, or line of trees
urban environment allotment or allotment means an allotment within the meaning of section 218—
(a)
that is no greater than 4 000 m2; and
(b)
that is connected to a reticulated water supply system and a reticulated sewerage system; and
(c)
on which there is a building used for industrial or commercial purposes or as a dwellinghouse; and
(d)
that is not reserve (within the meaning of section 2(1) of the Reserves Act 1977) or subject to a conservation management plan or conservation management strategy prepared in accordance with the Conservation Act 1987 or the Reserves Act 1977.
(4D)
To avoid doubt, subsections (4A) and (4B) apply—
(a)
regardless of whether the tree, trees, or group of trees is, or the allotment or allotments are, also identified on a map in the plan; and
(b)
regardless of whether the allotment or allotments are also clad with bush or other vegetation.
(5)
A rule may exempt from its coverage an area or class of contaminated land if the rule—
(a)
provides how the significant adverse effects on the environment that the hazardous substance has are to be remedied or mitigated; or
(b)
provides how the significant adverse effects on the environment that the hazardous substance is reasonably likely to have are to be avoided; or
(c)
treats the land as not contaminated for purposes stated in the rule.
Section 76(1): amended, on 1 August 2003, by section 33(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 76(2A): replaced, on 31 March 2005, by section 414 of the Building Act 2004 (2004 No 72).
Section 76(3): amended, on 1 August 2003, by section 33(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 76(3A): repealed, on 1 August 2003, by section 33(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 76(3B): repealed, on 1 August 2003, by section 33(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 76(4)(e): replaced, on 1 August 2003, by section 33(4) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 76(4A): replaced, on 4 September 2013, by section 12 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 76(4B): replaced, on 4 September 2013, by section 12 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 76(4C): inserted, on 4 September 2013, by section 12 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 76(4D): inserted, on 4 September 2013, by section 12 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 76(5): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 47 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 76(5): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 59(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
77 Rules about esplanade reserves on subdivision and road stopping
(1)
Subject to Part 2 and having regard to section 229 (purposes of esplanade reserves), a territorial authority may include a rule in its district plan which provides, in respect of any allotment of less than 4 hectares created when land is subdivided,—
(a)
that an esplanade reserve which is required to be set aside shall be of a width greater or less than 20 metres:
(b)
that section 230 shall not apply:
(c)
that instead of an esplanade reserve, an esplanade strip of the width specified in the rule may be created under section 232.
(2)
A territorial authority may include a rule in its district plan which provides that in respect of any allotment of 4 hectares or more created when land is subdivided, esplanade reserves or esplanade strips, of the width specified in the rule, shall be set aside or created, as the case may be, under section 230(5).
(3)
A territorial authority may include in its district plan a rule which provides—
(a)
that esplanade reserves, required to be set aside under section 345(3) of the Local Government Act 1974, shall be of a width greater or less than 20 metres:
(b)
that section 345(3) of the Local Government Act 1974 shall not apply.
(4)
Rules made under this section shall make provision for such matters as are appropriate in the circumstances of the district, and may apply—
(a)
generally; or
(b)
in a particular locality; or
(c)
in particular circumstances.
Section 77: replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 41 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 77(4): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Additional provisions for regional rules and district rules
77A Power to make rules to apply to classes of activities and specify conditions
(1)
A local authority may—
(a)
categorise activities as belonging to one of the classes of activity described in subsection (2); and
(b)
make rules in its plan or proposed plan for each class of activity that apply—
(i)
to each activity within the class; and
(ii)
for the purposes of that plan or proposed plan; and
(c)
specify conditions in a plan or proposed plan, but only if the conditions relate to the matters described in section 108 or 220.
(2)
An activity may be—
(a)
a permitted activity; or
(b)
a controlled activity; or
(c)
a restricted discretionary activity; or
(d)
a discretionary activity; or
(e)
a non-complying activity; or
(f)
a prohibited activity.
(3)
Subsection (1)(b) is subject to section 77B.
Section 77A: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 60 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
77B Duty to include certain rules in relation to controlled or restricted discretionary activities
(1)
Subsection (2) applies if a local authority makes a rule in its plan or proposed plan classifying an activity as a controlled activity.
(2)
The local authority must specify in the rule the matters over which it has reserved control in relation to the activity.
(3)
Subsection (4) applies if a local authority makes a rule in its plan or proposed plan classifying an activity as a restricted discretionary activity.
(4)
The local authority must specify in the rule the matters over which it has restricted its discretion in relation to the activity.
Section 77B: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 60 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
77C Certain activities to be treated as discretionary activities or prohibited activities
[Repealed]Section 77C: repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 61 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
77D Rules specifying activities for which consent applications must be notified or are precluded from being notified
A local authority may make a rule specifying the activities for which the consent authority—
(a)
must give public notification of an application for a resource consent:
(b)
is precluded from giving public notification of an application for a resource consent:
(c)
is precluded from giving limited notification of an application for a resource consent.
Section 77D: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 62 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
77E Local authority may make rule about financial contributions
(1)
A local authority may make a rule requiring a financial contribution for any class of activity other than a prohibited activity.
(2)
A rule requiring a financial contribution must specify in the relevant plan or proposed plan—
(a)
the purpose for which the financial contribution is required (which may include the purpose of ensuring positive effects on the environment to offset any adverse effect); and
(b)
how the level of the financial contribution will be determined; and
(c)
when the financial contribution will be required.
(3)
To avoid doubt, if a rule requiring a financial contribution is incorporated into a specified territorial authority’s district plan under section 77G, the rule does not have immediate legal effect under section 86B when an IPI incorporating the standard is notified.
(4)
In this section and section 77T, financial contribution has the same meaning as in section 108(9).
Section 77E: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 8 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
Interpretation of sections 77F to 77T and Schedule 3A
Heading: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 9 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
77F Interpretation
In this section, sections 77G to 77T, and Schedule 3A,—
national planning standards means the national planning standards published by the Ministry for the Environment in November 2019 and available on an Internet site maintained by the department, departmental agency, or interdepartmental venture (as named in Part 1, 2, or 4 of Schedule 2 of the Public Service Act 2020) that, with the authority of the Prime Minister, is responsible for administering this Act
urban environment means any area of land (regardless of size, and irrespective of territorial authority or statistical boundaries) that—
(a)
is, or is intended by the specified territorial authority to be, predominantly urban in character; and
(b)
is, or is intended by the specified territorial authority to be, part of a housing and labour market of at least 10,000 people
urban non-residential zone means any zone in an urban environment that is not a residential zone.
Section 77F: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 9 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
Section 77F national planning standards: amended, on 1 July 2026, by section 18 of the Environment (Disestablishment of Ministry for the Environment) Amendment Act 2026 (2026 No 22).
Intensification requirements in residential zones
Heading: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 9 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
77G Duty of specified territorial authorities to incorporate MDRS and give effect to policy 3 or 5 in residential zones
(1)
Every relevant residential zone of a specified territorial authority must have the MDRS incorporated into that zone.
(2)
Every residential zone in an urban environment of a specified territorial authority must give effect to policy 3 or policy 5, as the case requires, in that zone.
(3)
When changing its district plan for the first time to incorporate the MDRS and to give effect to policy 3 or policy 5, as the case requires, and to meet its obligations in section 80F, a specified territorial authority must use an IPI and the ISPP.
(4)
In carrying out its functions under this section, a specified territorial authority may create new residential zones or amend existing residential zones.
(5)
A specified territorial authority—
(a)
must include the objectives and policies set out in clause 6 of Schedule 3A:
(b)
may include objectives and policies in addition to those set out in clause 6 of Schedule 3A, to—
(i)
provide for matters of discretion to support the MDRS; and
(ii)
link to the incorporated density standards to reflect how the territorial authority has chosen to modify the MDRS in accordance with section 77H.
(6)
A specified territorial authority may make the requirements set out in Schedule 3A or policy 3 less enabling of development than provided for in that schedule or by policy 3, if authorised to do so under section 77I.
(7)
To avoid doubt, existing provisions in a district plan that allow the same or a greater level of development than the MDRS do not need to be amended or removed from the district plan.
(8)
The requirement in subsection (1) to incorporate the MDRS into a relevant residential zone applies irrespective of any inconsistent objective or policy in a regional policy statement.
Section 77G: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 9 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
77GA Application of section 77G to Auckland Council and Christchurch City Council
(1)
The application of section 77G to Auckland Council is subject to clause 6 of Schedule 3C.
(2)
The application of section 77G to Christchurch City Council is subject to clause 13 of Schedule 3C.
Section 77GA: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 18 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
77H Requirements in Schedule 3A may be modified to enable greater development
(1)
In addition to giving effect to policy 3 or policy 5, a specified territorial authority may enable a greater level of development than provided for by the MDRS by—
(a)
omitting 1 or more of the density standards set out in Part 2 of Schedule 3A:
(b)
including rules that regulate the same effect as a density standard set out in Part 2 of Schedule 3A, but that are more lenient than provided for by the MDRS.
(2)
To avoid doubt, more lenient means the rule (including a requirement, condition, or permission) permits an activity that the MDRS would restrict.
(3)
A specified territorial authority is considered to have met its obligations under section 77G(1) by acting in accordance with subsection (1) of this section.
(4)
A specified territorial authority may choose not to incorporate 1 or more density standards set out in Part 2 of Schedule 3A into its district plan, but, in that case, the authority may not (in its district plan) regulate the same effect as the density standard.
(5)
To avoid doubt, if a density standard is incorporated into a specified territorial authority’s district plan under subsection (1), the density standard does not have immediate legal effect under section 86B when an IPI incorporating the density standard is notified.
Section 77H: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 9 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
77I Qualifying matters in applying medium density residential standards and policy 3 to relevant residential zones
A specified territorial authority may make the MDRS and the relevant building height or density requirements under policy 3 less enabling of development in relation to an area within a relevant residential zone only to the extent necessary to accommodate 1 or more of the following qualifying matters that are present:
(a)
a matter of national importance that decision makers are required to recognise and provide for under section 6:
(b)
a matter required in order to give effect to a national policy statement (other than the NPS-UD) or the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement 2010:
(c)
a matter required to give effect to Te Ture Whaimana o Te Awa o Waikato—the Vision and Strategy for the Waikato River:
(d)
a matter required to give effect to the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act 2000 or the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008:
(e)
a matter required for the purpose of ensuring the safe or efficient operation of nationally significant infrastructure:
(f)
open space provided for public use, but only in relation to land that is open space:
(g)
the need to give effect to a designation or heritage order, but only in relation to land that is subject to the designation or heritage order:
(h)
a matter necessary to implement, or to ensure consistency with, iwi participation legislation:
(i)
the requirement in the NPS-UD to provide sufficient business land suitable for low density uses to meet expected demand:
(j)
any other matter that makes higher density, as provided for by the MDRS or policy 3, inappropriate in an area, but only if section 77L is satisfied.
Section 77I: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 9 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
77J Requirements in relation to evaluation report
(1)
This section applies if a territorial authority is amending its district plan (as provided for in section 77G).
(2)
The evaluation report from the specified territorial authority referred to in section 32 must, in addition to the matters in that section, consider the matters in subsections (3) and (4).
(3)
The evaluation report must, in relation to the proposed amendment to accommodate a qualifying matter,—
(a)
demonstrate why the territorial authority considers—
(i)
that the area is subject to a qualifying matter; and
(ii)
that the qualifying matter is incompatible with the level of development permitted by the MDRS (as specified in Schedule 3A) or as provided for by policy 3 for that area; and
(b)
assess the impact that limiting development capacity, building height, or density (as relevant) will have on the provision of development capacity; and
(c)
assess the costs and broader impacts of imposing those limits.
(4)
The evaluation report must include, in relation to the provisions implementing the MDRS,—
(a)
a description of how the provisions of the district plan allow the same or a greater level of development than the MDRS:
(b)
a description of how modifications to the MDRS as applied to the relevant residential zones are limited to only those modifications necessary to accommodate qualifying matters and, in particular, how they apply to any spatial layers relating to overlays, precincts, specific controls, and development areas, including—
(i)
any operative district plan spatial layers; and
(ii)
any new spatial layers proposed for the district plan.
(5)
The requirements set out in subsection (3)(a) apply only in the area for which the territorial authority is proposing to make an allowance for a qualifying matter.
(6)
The evaluation report may for the purposes of subsection (4) describe any modifications to the requirements of section 32 necessary to achieve the development objectives of the MDRS.
Section 77J: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 9 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
77K Alternative process for existing qualifying matters
(1)
A specified territorial authority may, when considering existing qualifying matters, instead of undertaking the evaluation process described in section 77J, do all the following things:
(a)
identify by location (for example, by mapping) where an existing qualifying matter applies:
(b)
specify the alternative density standards proposed for those areas identified under paragraph (a):
(c)
identify in the report prepared under section 32 why the territorial authority considers that 1 or more existing qualifying matters apply to those areas identified under paragraph (a):
(d)
describe in general terms for a typical site in those areas identified under paragraph (a) the level of development that would be prevented by accommodating the qualifying matter, in comparison with the level of development that would have been permitted by the MDRS and policy 3:
(e)
notify the existing qualifying matters in the IPI.
(2)
To avoid doubt, existing qualifying matters included in the IPI—
(a)
do not have immediate legal effect on notification of the IPI; but
(b)
continue to have effect as part of the operative plan.
(3)
In this section, an existing qualifying matter is a qualifying matter referred to in section 77I(a) to (i) that is operative in the relevant district plan when the IPI is notified.
Section 77K: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 9 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
77L Further requirement about application of section 77I(j)
A matter is not a qualifying matter under section 77I(j) in relation to an area unless the evaluation report referred to in section 32 also—
(a)
identifies the specific characteristic that makes the level of development provided by the MDRS (as specified in Schedule 3A or as provided for by policy 3) inappropriate in the area; and
(b)
justifies why that characteristic makes that level of development inappropriate in light of the national significance of urban development and the objectives of the NPS-UD; and
(c)
includes a site-specific analysis that—
(i)
identifies the site to which the matter relates; and
(ii)
evaluates the specific characteristic on a site-specific basis to determine the geographic area where intensification needs to be compatible with the specific matter; and
(iii)
evaluates an appropriate range of options to achieve the greatest heights and densities permitted by the MDRS (as specified in Schedule 3A) or as provided for by policy 3 while managing the specific characteristics.
Section 77L: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 9 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
77M Effect of incorporation of MDRS in district plan on new applications for resource consents and on some existing designations
(1)
This section applies in relation to the consideration by a consent authority of an application made under section 88 for a resource consent (a new application)—
(a)
for an activity to which the MDRS are proposed to apply in an area in a relevant residential zone; and
(b)
that is lodged on or after the date on which a specified territorial authority notifies its IPI incorporating the MDRS in its district plan in accordance with section 80F(1) or (2), as applicable.
(2)
The consent authority considering the new application must consider the plan or proposed plan and apply section 104(1)(b)(vi) in the following way:
(a)
the provisions of the district plan or any proposed district plan (other than the IPI) cease to have effect in relation to the consideration of the new application; and
(b)
the objectives and policies set out in clause 6 of Schedule 3A and proposed in the IPI to be included in the district plan in accordance with section 77G(5)(a) apply in determining that new application.
(3)
Subsection (2)(a) applies to the extent that the provisions referred to are inconsistent with the objectives and policies—
(a)
set out in clause 6 of Schedule 3A; and
(b)
proposed in the IPI to be included in the district plan in accordance with section 77G(5)(a).
(4)
This section does not apply in relation to any area or site that—
(a)
is a qualifying matter area (within the meaning of section 86BA(7)); or
(b)
is in a new residential zone notified in the IPI.
(5)
Subsection (6) applies if a designation for which the Minister of Education is the requiring authority—
(a)
is included in the specified territorial authority’s district plan; and
(b)
the designation applies to land that—
(i)
is in a relevant residential zone; or
(ii)
adjoins a relevant residential zone.
(6)
Works undertaken under a designation of the kind referred to in subsection (5) may rely on the provisions of the relevant residential zone that incorporate the density standards in Part 2 of Schedule 3A if those provisions are more lenient than conditions included in the designation.
(7)
Any objectives or policies of a regional policy statement or proposed regional policy statement do not apply to the consent authority’s consideration of the new application to the extent that they are inconsistent with the objectives and policies in clause 6 of Schedule 3A as notified in the IPI.
(8)
This section does not affect the operation of subpart 7 of Part 5.
(9)
To avoid doubt, the MDRS are irrelevant to the consideration of a new application unless and until the MDRS are notified in the relevant IPI.
Section 77M: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 9 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
Intensification requirements in non-residential zones
Heading: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 9 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
77N Duty of specified territorial authorities to give effect to policy 3 or policy 5 in non-residential zones
(1)
When changing its district plan for the first time to give effect to policy 3 or policy 5, and to meet its obligations under section 80F, a specified territorial authority must use an IPI and the ISPP.
(2)
In carrying out its functions under subsection (1), the territorial authority must ensure that the provisions in its district plan for each urban non-residential zone within the authority’s urban environment give effect to the changes required by policy 3 or policy 5, as the case requires.
(3)
In carrying out its functions under subsection (1), a specified territorial authority—
(a)
may create new urban non-residential zones or amend existing urban non-residential zones:
(b)
may modify the requirements set out in policy 3 to be less enabling of development than provided for by policy 3, if authorised to do so under section 77O.
Section 77N: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 9 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
77O Qualifying matters in application of intensification policies to urban non-residential areas
A specified territorial authority may modify the requirements of policy 3 in an urban non-residential zone to be less enabling of development than provided in those policies only to the extent necessary to accommodate 1 or more of the following qualifying matters that are present:
(a)
a matter of national importance that decision makers are required to recognise and provide for under section 6:
(b)
a matter required in order to give effect to a national policy statement (other than the NPS-UD) or the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement 2010:
(c)
a matter required to give effect to Te Ture Whaimana o Te Awa o Waikato—the Vision and Strategy for the Waikato River:
(d)
a matter required to give effect to the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act 2000 or the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008:
(e)
a matter required for the purpose of ensuring the safe or efficient operation of nationally significant infrastructure:
(f)
open space provided for public use, but only in relation to land that is open space:
(g)
the need to give effect to a designation or heritage order, but only in relation to land that is subject to the designation or heritage order:
(h)
a matter necessary to implement, or to ensure consistency with, iwi participation legislation:
(i)
the requirement in the NPS-UD to provide sufficient business land suitable for low density uses to meet expected demand:
(j)
any other matter that makes higher density development as provided for by policy 3, as the case requires, inappropriate in an area, but only if section 77R is satisfied.
Section 77O: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 9 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
77P Requirements governing application of section 77O
(1)
This section applies if a specified territorial authority is amending its district plan (as required by section 77N) and proposes to accommodate a qualifying matter.
(2)
The evaluation report from the specified territorial authority referred to in section 32 must, in addition to the matters in that section, consider the matters in subsection (3).
(3)
The evaluation report must, in relation to the proposed amendment to accommodate a qualifying matter,—
(a)
in the area for which the territorial authority is proposing to make an allowance for a qualifying matter, demonstrate why the territorial authority considers—
(i)
that the area is subject to a qualifying matter; and
(ii)
that the qualifying matter is incompatible with the level of development provided for by policy 3 for that area; and
(b)
assess the impact that limiting development capacity, building height, or density (as relevant) will have on the provision of development capacity; and
(c)
assess the costs and broader impacts of imposing those limits.
Section 77P: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 9 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
77Q Alternative process for existing qualifying matters
(1)
A specified territorial authority may, when considering existing qualifying matters, instead of undertaking the evaluation process described in section 77P, do all the following things:
(a)
identify by location (for example, by mapping) where an existing qualifying matter applies:
(b)
specify the alternative density standards proposed for the area or areas identified under paragraph (a):
(c)
identify in the report prepared under section 32 why the territorial authority considers that 1 or more existing qualifying matters apply to the area or areas identified under paragraph (a):
(d)
describe in general terms for typical sites in those areas identified under paragraph (a) the level of development that would be prevented by accommodating the qualifying matter, in comparison with the level of development that would have been enabled by policy 3:
(e)
notify the existing qualifying matters in the IPI.
(2)
To avoid doubt, existing qualifying matters included in the IPI—
(a)
do not have immediate legal effect on notification of the IPI; but
(b)
continue to have effect as part of the operative plan.
(3)
In this section, an existing qualifying matter is a qualifying matter referred to in section 77O(a) to (i) that is operative in the relevant district plan when the IPI is notified.
Section 77Q: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 9 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
77R Further requirements about application of section 77O(j)
A matter is not a qualifying matter under section 77O(j) in relation to an area unless the evaluation report referred to in section 32 also—
(a)
identifies the specific characteristic that makes the level of urban development required within the relevant paragraph of policy 3 inappropriate; and
(b)
justifies why that characteristic makes that level of urban development inappropriate in light of the national significance of urban development and the objectives of the NPS-UD; and
(c)
includes a site-specific analysis that—
(i)
identifies the site to which the matter relates; and
(ii)
evaluates the specific characteristic on a site-specific basis to determine the geographic area where intensification needs to be compatible with the specific matter; and
(iii)
evaluates an appropriate range of options to achieve the greatest heights and densities provided for by policy 3 while managing the specific characteristics.
Section 77R: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 9 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
Amendment of NPS-UD
Heading: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 9 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
77S Amendment of NPS-UD
(1)
Policy 3 in the NPS-UD is amended by,—
(a)
in paragraph (c), after “building heights of”, inserting “at”; and
(b)
replacing paragraph (d) with:
“(d)
within and adjacent to neighbourhood centre zones, local centre zones, and town centre zones (or equivalent), building heights and density of urban form commensurate with the level of commercial activity and community services.”
(2)
The Minister for the Environment, after consulting the Minister of Housing, may amend the NPS-UD to make any changes that the Minister for the Environment is satisfied are required as a result of the enactment of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 to—
(a)
remove an inconsistency or a potential inconsistency between the NPS-UD and that Act; or
(b)
amend or replace the definition of planning decision in the NPS-UD; or
(c)
otherwise clarify the interrelationship between the NPS-UD and that Act.
Section 77S: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 9 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
Financial contributions
Heading: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 9 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
77T Review of financial contributions provisions
Each specified territorial authority may, if it considers it appropriate to do so, include financial contributions provisions, or change its financial contributions provisions (as applicable) in the district plan, and, if it does so, may notify them in the IPI required to be notified in accordance with section 80F.
Section 77T: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 9 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
Certain provisions of NPSIB 2023 suspended for 3-year period
Heading: inserted, on 25 October 2024, by section 20 of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
78 Time-limited modifications to NPSIB 2023
(1)
In this section,—
3-year period means the period that—
(a)
commences on the date on which the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 comes into force; and
(b)
expires on the date that is 3 years after that date
commencement means the date on which the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 comes into force
NPSIB SNA means a significant natural area as defined in clause 1.6 of the NPSIB 2023.
(2)
The following provisions of the NPSIB 2023 do not apply during the 3-year period:
(a)
clause 2.2, Policy 6 (which requires a consistent approach in identifying significant indigenous vegetation and significant habitats of indigenous fauna as NPSIB SNAs):
(b)
clause 3.8(1), (6), and (8) (which requires a territorial authority to conduct assessments to identify areas of significant indigenous vegetation and significant habitats of indigenous fauna that qualify as NPSIB SNAs):
(c)
clause 3.9(1) (which requires a territorial authority to notify a plan or plan change to include areas identified as qualifying as NPSIB SNAs):
(d)
clause 3.9(3) (which requires that a local authority must, when doing its 10-yearly plan review, assess its district in accordance with clause 3.8(1) and (2) to determine whether changes are needed).
(3)
Clause 4.1(1) of the NPSIB 2023 (which requires a local authority to give effect to the NPSIB 2023 as soon as reasonably practicable)—
(a)
does not apply during the 3-year period in relation to clause 3.8(5) of the NPSIB 2023 and the provisions of the NPSIB 2023 specified in subsection (2); but
(b)
continues to apply in relation to the other provisions of the NPSIB 2023.
(4)
This section does not affect—
(a)
any function or requirement under other provisions of this Act relating to indigenous biological diversity, areas of significant indigenous vegetation, or areas of significant habitats of indigenous fauna; or
(b)
any obligations of local authorities and other decision makers under this Act to give effect to provisions in policy statements and plans relating to indigenous biological diversity.
(5)
However, if, during the 3-year period, a new area of significant indigenous vegetation or significant habitat of indigenous fauna is included in a proposed policy statement, proposed plan, or change,—
(a)
the new area is not an NPSIB SNA regardless of how it is described in that document; and
(b)
the NPSIB 2023 does not apply to the new area.
(6)
This section does not affect—
(a)
any NPSIB SNA included in a policy statement, proposed policy statement, plan, proposed plan, or change before commencement (see also clause 40 of Schedule 12); or
(b)
any of the following matters that commenced but were not completed before commencement (see also clause 40 of Schedule 12):
(i)
a proposed policy statement, proposed plan, or change (a planning process) that has been notified under Schedule 1; and
(ii)
the identification, modification, or removal of an area to give effect to decisions on that planning process.
(7)
This section is repealed on the close of the date of expiry of the 3-year period.
Section 78: inserted, on 25 October 2024, by section 20 of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
Miscellaneous provisions[Repealed]
Heading: repealed, on 19 April 2017, by section 61 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
78 Withdrawal of proposed policy statements and plans
[Repealed]Section 78: repealed, on 7 July 1993, by section 42 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
78A Combined regional and district documents
[Repealed]Section 78A: repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 63 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Review
Heading: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 62 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
79 Review of policy statements and plans
(1)
A local authority must commence a review of a provision of any of the following documents it has, if the provision has not been a subject of a proposed policy statement or plan, a review, or a change by the local authority during the previous 10 years:
(a)
a regional policy statement:
(b)
a regional plan:
(c)
a district plan.
(2)
(3)
(4)
Without limiting subsection (1), a local authority may, at any time, commence a full review of any of the following documents it has:
(a)
a regional policy statement:
(b)
a regional plan:
(c)
a district plan.
(5)
In carrying out a review under subsection (4), the local authority must review all the sections of, and all the changes to, the policy statement or plan regardless of when the sections or changes became operative.
(6)
(7)
If, after reviewing the statement or plan under subsection (4), the local authority considers that it does not require alteration, the local authority must still publicly notify the statement or plan—
(a)
as if it were a proposed policy statement or plan; and
(8)
A provision of a policy statement or plan, or the policy statement or plan, as the case may be, does not cease to be operative because the provision, statement, or plan is due for review or is being reviewed under this section.
(9)
The obligations on a local authority under this section are in addition to its duty to monitor under section 35.
(10)
On and after the commencement of this subsection, subsections (1) and (4) cease to apply until 31 December 2027.
Section 79: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 64 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 79(2): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 63(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 79(3)(b): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 63(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 79(6): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 63(3) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 79(7)(b): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 63(4) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 79(10): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 19 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
79A Local authority not required to commence full plan review after Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 receives Royal assent
[Repealed]Section 79A: repealed, on 23 December 2023, by section 6 of the Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023 (2023 No 68).
79AA Application of temporary provisions in respect of section 79
[Repealed]Section 79AA: repealed, on 1 October 2024, by section 79AA(5).
79A Circumstance when further review required
[Repealed]Section 79A: repealed, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
79B Consequence of review under section 79A
[Repealed]Section 79B: repealed, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Combined documents
Heading: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 64 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
80 Combined regional and district documents
(1)
Local authorities may prepare, implement, and administer the combined regional and district documents as set out in subsections (2) to (6).
(2)
A local authority may prepare, implement, and administer a document that meets the requirements of 2 or more of the following:
(a)
a regional policy statement:
(b)
a regional plan, including a regional coastal plan:
(c)
a district plan.
(3)
Two or more territorial authorities may prepare, implement, and administer a combined district plan for the whole or any part of their combined districts.
(4)
Two or more regional councils may prepare, implement, and administer a document that meets the requirements of the following:
(a)
a regional plan, including a regional coastal plan, for the whole or any part of their combined regions:
(b)
a regional policy statement, for the whole or any part of their combined regions:
(c)
a regional plan, including a regional coastal plan, and a regional policy statement, for the whole or any part of their combined regions.
(5)
One or more regional councils or territorial authorities may prepare, implement, and administer a combined regional and district plan for the whole or any part of their respective regions or districts.
(6)
A regional council and all the territorial authorities within the region may prepare, implement, and administer a document that meets the requirements of the following:
(a)
a regional policy statement for the region; and
(b)
a regional plan, including a regional coastal plan, for the region; and
(c)
either—
(i)
a district plan for each of the territorial authorities; or
(ii)
a combined district plan for their combined districts.
(6A)
In preparing or amending a combined document, the relevant local authorities must apply the requirements of this Part, as relevant for the documents comprising the combined document.
(6B)
The relevant local authorities may also, in preparing the provisions of a regional plan or a district plan, as the case may be, for a combined document that includes a regional policy statement,—
(a)
give effect to a proposed regional policy statement; and
(b)
have regard to an operative regional policy statement.
(7)
Without limiting subsections (1) to (6B), local authorities must consider the preparation of the appropriate combined document under this section whenever significant cross-boundary issues relating to the use, development, or protection of natural and physical resources arise or are likely to arise.
(8)
A combined document prepared under this section must clearly identify—
(a)
the provisions of the document that are the regional policy statement, the regional plan, the regional coastal plan, or the district plan, as the case may be; and
(b)
the objectives, policies, and methods set out or described in the document that have the effect of being provisions of the regional policy statement; and
(c)
which local authority is responsible for observing, and enforcing the observance of, each provision of the document.
(9)
A combined document prepared under this section—
(a)
must be prepared in accordance with Schedule 1; and
(b)
when approved by a local authority is deemed, for the purposes of this Act, to be a plan or regional policy statement separately prepared and approved by that authority for its region or district, as the case may be.
(10)
Subsection (9)(b) applies whether or not the combined document is approved by any of the other local authorities concerned.
(11)
Clauses 30 and 30A of Schedule 7 of the Local Government Act 2002 apply to the appointment and conduct of any joint committee set up for the purposes of preparing, implementing, or administering a combined document under this section.
Section 80: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 66 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 80(6A): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 65(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 80(6B): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 65(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 80(7): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 65(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 80(11): amended, on 8 August 2014, by section 78 of the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 55).
Subpart 4—Freshwater planning process
Subpart 4: replaced, on 1 July 2020, by section 22 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
80A Freshwater planning process
(1)
The purpose of this subpart is to require all freshwater planning instruments prepared by a regional council to undergo the freshwater planning process.
(2)
A freshwater planning instrument means—
(a)
any part of a proposed regional plan or regional policy statement that relates to objectives that give effect to the national policy statement for freshwater management:
(b)
any provisions of a proposed regional plan or regional policy statement in relation to which the regional council has decided to use the freshwater planning process under subsection (6B)(b):
(c)
any regional policy statement (including any change or variation to the statement) in relation to which the council has decided to use the freshwater planning process under subsection (6B)(c):
(d)
any change or variation to a proposed regional plan or regional policy statement if the change or variation—
(i)
relates to objectives that give effect to the national policy statement for freshwater management; or
(ii)
relates to a provision described in paragraph (b).
(3)
A regional council must prepare a freshwater planning instrument in accordance with this subpart and Part 4 of Schedule 1.
(4)
A regional council must—
(a)
publicly notify the freshwater planning instrument; and
(b)
if the purpose of the freshwater planning instrument is to give effect to the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020, comply with subsection (4A); and
(c)
no later than 6 months after it has publicly notified the freshwater planning instrument, submit the documents required by clause 37(1) of Schedule 1 (the required documents) to the Chief Freshwater Commissioner; and
(d)
at least 20 working days before submitting the required documents, provide to the Chief Freshwater Commissioner in writing—
(i)
its notice of intention to submit those documents; and
(ii)
the regional council and local tangata whenua nominations for appointment to the freshwater hearings panel required by clause 59(1)(b) and (c) of Schedule 1.
(4A)
If the purpose of the freshwater planning instrument is to give effect to the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020, a regional council must not publicly notify the freshwater planning instrument earlier than the sooner of the following dates:
(a)
the date on which a new national policy statement for freshwater management (replacing the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020) is published under section 54:
(b)
31 December 2027.
(4B)
However, see clause 42 of Schedule 12, which allows for an exemption from subsection (4A).
(5)
The following is an outline of the rest of the freshwater planning process set out in Part 4 of Schedule 1:
(a)
the Chief Freshwater Commissioner must convene a freshwater hearings panel to conduct the public hearing of submissions on the freshwater planning instrument:
(b)
the freshwater hearings panel must conduct the public hearing of submissions in accordance with its powers and the procedures set out in Part 4 of Schedule 1:
(c)
after the public hearing of submissions is concluded, the freshwater hearings panel must make recommendations to the regional council on the freshwater planning instrument:
(d)
the regional council may accept or reject any recommendation. However,—
(i)
the regional council must provide reasons for rejecting a recommendation; and
(ii)
a person who made a submission on the freshwater planning instrument may make an appeal in accordance with subpart 2 of Part 4 of Schedule 1.
(6)
For the purpose of this subpart the following provisions of Schedule 1 apply:
(c)
if a request is made by a person under clause 21(1) in relation to a freshwater planning instrument, Part 2 of Schedule 1 applies to the request.
(6A)
A proposed regional plan or regional policy statement (or any part of it) relates to freshwater if—
(a)
it relates (in whole or in part) to an objective of the regional plan or regional policy statement; and
(b)
the objective relates to the performance of a function in section 30(1)(c), (e), (f), (fa), (g), or (ga).
(6B)
A regional council—
(a)
must use the freshwater planning process when preparing any part of a regional plan or regional policy statement that relates to objectives that give effect to the national policy statement for freshwater management; and
(b)
may use the freshwater planning process when preparing other provisions of a regional plan or regional policy statement that relate to freshwater; and
(c)
may use the freshwater planning process when preparing a regional policy statement or change or variation to the statement if the council is satisfied that doing so is necessary to achieve integrated management of the natural and physical resources of the whole region.
(7)
This section does not affect the Minister’s ability to call in a matter that the Minister considers is or is part of a proposal of national significance under section 142.
(8)
In subsection (2), a proposed regional plan does not include a proposed regional coastal plan or a change or variation to that plan.
(9)
Section 37(1)(a) does not apply to any time period specified in this subpart or Part 4 of Schedule 1.
(10)
In subsection (4), publicly notify, in relation to a freshwater planning instrument, means to publicly notify the instrument in accordance with clause 5 of Schedule 1.
(11)
Subsection (5) is by way of explanation only and does not limit or affect the other provisions of this Act.
Section 80A: replaced, on 1 July 2020, by section 22 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 80A(2)(a): replaced, on 24 August 2023, by section 805(4) of the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (2023 No 46).
Section 80A(2)(b): replaced, on 24 August 2023, by section 805(4) of the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (2023 No 46).
Section 80A(2)(c): replaced, on 24 August 2023, by section 805(4) of the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (2023 No 46).
Section 80A(2)(d): inserted, on 24 August 2023, by section 805(4) of the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (2023 No 46).
Section 80A(3): replaced, on 24 August 2023, by section 805(4) of the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (2023 No 46).
Section 80A(4)(b): amended, on 21 August 2025, by section 20(1) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 80A(4)(b): amended, on 25 October 2024, by section 21(1) of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
Section 80A(4A): inserted, on 25 October 2024, by section 21(2) of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
Section 80A(4A)(b): replaced, on 21 August 2025, by section 20(2) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 80A(4B): inserted, on 25 October 2024, by section 21(2) of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
Section 80A(6A): inserted, on 24 August 2023, by section 805(4) of the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (2023 No 46).
Section 80A(6B): inserted, on 24 August 2023, by section 805(4) of the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (2023 No 46).
Subpart 5—Streamlined planning process
Subpart 5: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 66 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
80B Purpose, scope, application of Schedule 1, and definitions
(1)
This subpart and Part 5 of Schedule 1 provide a process, through a direction of the responsible Minister, for the preparation of a planning instrument in order to achieve an expeditious planning process that is proportionate to the complexity and significance of the planning issues being considered.
(2)
Under this subpart, Schedule 1 applies as follows:
(a)
clauses 1A to 3C, 6, 6A, 16, and 20A apply; and
(b)
clauses 4, 9, 13, 17 to 20, and 21 to 27 (other than clauses 25(2)(a)(i) and (ii) and 26(b)), and 28(2) to (6) apply; and
(ba)
clauses 16A and 16B apply, but only in relation to an Auckland housing planning instrument (see clause 10 of Schedule 3C); but
(3)
In this subpart and Part 5 of Schedule 1,—
Auckland housing planning instrument has the meaning given in clause 1 of Schedule 3C
independent commissioner means a person who is accredited under section 39A
listed planning instrument means—
(a)
an Auckland housing planning instrument; or
(b)
a plan change that a local authority is required, by direction from the Minister under section 25A(5), to prepare using the streamlined planning process
national direction means a direction made by—
(a)
a national planning standard; or
(b)
a national environmental standard; or
(c)
regulations made under section 360; or
(d)
a national policy statement
planning instrument—
(a)
means a policy statement or plan; and
(b)
includes a change or variation to a policy statement or plan
responsible Minister means the Minister or Ministers who give a direction in accordance with this subpart and Part 5 of Schedule 1, namely,—
(a)
the Minister of Conservation, in the case of a regional coastal plan:
(b)
both the Minister and the Minister of Conservation, in the case of a proposed planning instrument that is to encompass matters within the jurisdiction of both those Ministers:
(c)
the Minister, in every other case
SPP panel means an independent hearings panel of 1 or more independent commissioners established under clause 83 of Schedule 1.
(4)
See also Part 1 of Schedule 3C, which provides a process for Auckland Council to prepare an Auckland housing planning instrument using the streamlined planning process.
Section 80B: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 66 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 80B(2)(b): amended, on 21 August 2025, by section 21(1) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 80B(2)(b): amended, on 21 August 2025, by section 21(4) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 80B(2)(ba): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 21(2) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 80B(3) Auckland housing planning instrument: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 21(3) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 80B(3) independent commissioner: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 21(3) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 80B(3) listed planning instrument: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 21(3) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 80B(3) SPP panel: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 21(3) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 80B(4): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 21(5) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
80C Application to responsible Minister for direction relating to planning instrument
(1)
If a local authority determines that, in the circumstances, it would be appropriate to use the streamlined planning process to prepare a planning instrument, it may apply in writing to the responsible Minister in accordance with clause 75 of Schedule 1 for a direction to proceed under this subpart.
(2)
However, a local authority may apply for a direction only if the planning instrument or proposed planning instrument is not a listed planning instrument or freshwater planning instrument and the local authority is satisfied that the application satisfies at least 1 of the following criteria:
(a)
the proposed planning instrument will implement a national direction:
(b)
as a matter of public policy, the preparation of a planning instrument is urgent:
(c)
the proposed planning instrument is required to meet a significant community need:
(d)
a plan or policy statement raises an issue that has resulted in unintended consequences:
(e)
the proposed planning instrument will combine several policy statements or plans to develop a combined document prepared under section 80:
(ea)
the proposed planning instrument will remove or enable the removal of heritage protection (other than that provided by a heritage order) from buildings or structures that are listed in a heritage list in a plan:
(f)
the expeditious preparation of a planning instrument is required in any circumstance comparable to, or relevant to, those set out in paragraphs (a) to (ea).
(3)
In relation to a private plan change accepted under clause 25(2)(b) of Schedule 1, a local authority must obtain the agreement of the person requesting the change before the local authority applies for a direction under this section.
(4)
If an application is made under this section, it must be submitted to the responsible Minister before the local authority gives notice—
(b)
[Repealed](c)
under clauses 25(2)(a)(i) and 26(b) of Schedule 1, in relation to a request for a private plan change.
(5)
In this section and clause 78(3B) of Schedule 1,—
building has the meaning given in section 6 of the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014
heritage list means a schedule or other part of a plan that lists any buildings or structures that are subject to heritage protection under the plan.
Section 80C: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 66 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 80C heading: amended, on 21 August 2025, by section 22(1) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 80C(2): amended, on 21 August 2025, by section 22(2) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 80C(2): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 23(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 80C(2)(ea): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 22(3) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 80C(2)(f): amended, on 21 August 2025, by section 22(4) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 80C(4)(b): repealed, on 1 July 2020, by section 23(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 80C(5): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 22(5) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
80CA Notice to responsible Minister for direction relating to listed planning instrument
If a local authority is required by direction given under section 25A(5) to prepare a listed planning instrument, it must notify the responsible Minister in accordance with clause 75A of Schedule 1 for a direction to use the streamlined planning process to prepare the instrument.
Section 80CA: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 23 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
80CB Local authority may apply to use same streamlined planning process to progress matters in different instruments
A local authority that notifies the responsible Minister for a direction to prepare a listed planning instrument using the streamlined planning process (under section 80CA or clause 5(1) of Schedule 3C) may also apply to the Minister (under section 80C) for a direction to prepare another planning instrument using that same streamlined planning process.
Section 80CB: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 23 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Subpart 5A—Intensification planning instruments and intensification streamlined planning process
Subpart 5A: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 10 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
80D What this subpart and Part 6 of Schedule 1 do
This subpart and Part 6 of Schedule 1 provide a process for the preparation of an IPI by a specified territorial authority in order to achieve an expeditious planning process.
Section 80D: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 10 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
80DA Process for Auckland Council and Christchurch City Council to withdraw IPIs
(1)
Part 1 of Schedule 3C sets out a process by which Auckland Council may withdraw its IPI.
(2)
Part 2 of Schedule 3C sets out a process for the responsible Minister to approve the withdrawal of Christchurch City Council’s IPI.
Section 80DA: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 24 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Intensification planning instruments
Heading: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 10 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
80E Meaning of intensification planning instrument
(1)
In this Act, intensification planning instrument or IPI means a change to a district plan or a variation to a proposed district plan—
(a)
that must—
(i)
incorporate the MDRS; and
(ii)
give effect to,—
(A)
in the case of a tier 1 territorial authority, policies 3 and 4 of the NPS-UD; or
(B)
in the case of a tier 2 territorial authority to which regulations made under section 80I(1) apply, policy 5 of the NPS-UD; or
(C)
in the case of a tier 3 territorial authority to which regulations made under section 80K(1) apply, policy 5 of the NPS-UD; and
(b)
that may also amend or include the following provisions:
(i)
provisions relating to financial contributions, if the specified territorial authority chooses to amend its district plan under section 77T:
(ii)
provisions to enable papakāinga housing in the district:
(iii)
related provisions, including objectives, policies, rules, standards, and zones, that support or are consequential on—
(A)
the MDRS; or
(B)
policies 3, 4, and 5 of the NPS-UD, as applicable.
(2)
In subsection (1)(b)(iii), related provisions also includes provisions that relate to any of the following, without limitation:
(a)
district-wide matters:
(b)
earthworks:
(c)
fencing:
(d)
infrastructure:
(e)
qualifying matters identified in accordance with section 77I or 77O:
(f)
storm water management (including permeability and hydraulic neutrality):
(g)
subdivision of land.
Section 80E: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 10 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
80F Specified territorial authority must notify IPI
(1)
The following territorial authorities must notify an IPI on or before 20 August 2022:
(a)
every tier 1 territorial authority:
(b)
a tier 2 territorial authority to which regulations made before 21 March 2022 under section 80I(1) apply.
(2)
The following territorial authorities must notify an IPI on or before the date specified in the applicable regulations:
(a)
a tier 2 territorial authority to which regulations made on or after 21 March 2022 under section 80I(1) apply:
(b)
a tier 3 territorial authority to which regulations made under section 80K(1) apply.
(3)
A territorial authority to which subsection (1) or (2) applies must prepare the IPI—
(a)
using the ISPP; and
(b)
in accordance with—
(i)
clause 95 of Schedule 1; and
(ii)
any requirements specified by the Minister in a direction made under section 80L.
Section 80F: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 10 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
80G Limitations on IPIs and ISPP
IPIs
(1)
A specified territorial authority must not do any of the following:
(a)
notify more than 1 IPI:
(b)
use the IPI for any purpose other than the uses specified in section 80E:
ISPP
(2)
A local authority must not use the ISPP except as permitted under section 80F(3).
Section 80G: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 10 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
Section 80G(1)(c): amended, on 21 August 2025, by section 25 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
80H IPI must show how MDRS are incorporated
(1)
When a specified territorial authority notifies its IPI in accordance with section 80F(1) or (2), it must show in the instrument, for the purposes of sections 77M, 86B, and 86BA—
(a)
(2)
The identification of a provision in an IPI as required in subsection (1)—
(a)
does not form part of the IPI; and
(b)
may be removed, without any further authority than this subsection, by the specified territorial authority once the IPI becomes operative.
Section 80H: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 10 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
Tier 2 territorial authorities
Heading: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 10 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
80I Regulations requiring tier 2 territorial authority to change district plan
(1)
The Governor-General may, by Order in Council made on the recommendation of the Minister, make regulations requiring a tier 2 territorial authority to prepare and notify an IPI.
(2)
An Order in Council made under subsection (1) on or after 21 March 2022 must specify the date by which the tier 2 territorial authority must notify the IPI.
(3)
Before recommending the making of regulations under subsection (1), the Minister must—
(a)
consult the Minister of Housing and the Minister for Māori Crown Relations—Te Arawhiti; and
(b)
be satisfied that the district of the relevant tier 2 territorial authority is experiencing an acute housing need.
(4)
The Minister, in determining whether a district is experiencing an acute housing need,—
(a)
must have regard to the median multiple in that district (that is, the median house price divided by the median gross annual household income); and
(b)
may have regard to any other information indicating that there is an acute housing need in the district.
(5)
Regulations made under this section are secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114 | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 80I: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 10 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
Tier 3 territorial authorities
Heading: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 10 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
80J Tier 3 territorial authority may request regulations requiring territorial authority to change district plan
(1)
A tier 3 territorial authority may request the Minister to recommend the making of regulations under section 80K(1) requiring that territorial authority to prepare and notify an IPI.
(2)
The Minister may approve or decline the request.
(3)
Before approving or declining the request, the Minister must—
(a)
consult the Minister of Housing and the Minister for Māori Crown Relations—Te Arawhiti; and
(b)
determine whether the district of the relevant tier 3 territorial authority is experiencing an acute housing need.
(4)
The Minister, in determining whether a district is experiencing an acute housing need,—
(a)
must have regard to the median multiple in that district (that is, the median house price divided by the median gross annual household income); and
(b)
may have regard to any other information indicating that there is an acute housing need in the district.
Section 80J: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 10 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
80K Regulations requiring tier 3 territorial authority to change district plan
(1)
The Governor-General may, by Order in Council made on the recommendation of the Minister, make regulations requiring a tier 3 territorial authority to prepare and notify an IPI.
(2)
An Order in Council made under subsection (1) must specify the date by which the tier 3 territorial authority must notify the IPI.
(3)
The Minister may recommend the making of regulations under subsection (1) only if—
(a)
the Minister has received a request from a tier 3 territorial authority under section 80J(1); and
(b)
the Minister is satisfied that the requirements specified in section 80J(3) have been met.
(4)
Regulations made under this section are secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114 | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 80K: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 10 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
Ministerial direction
Heading: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 10 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
80L Minister may make direction
(1)
The Minister may direct 1 or more specified territorial authorities in relation to the following requirements:
(a)
the number of panel members that the specified territorial authority must appoint to an independent hearings panel established under clause 96(1)(a) of Schedule 1:
(b)
the level of experience and qualifications that a person must meet before the specified territorial authority may appoint that person to an independent hearings panel:
(c)
1 or more periods of time within which the specified territorial authority must complete 1 or more stages of the ISPP:
(d)
matters on which the specified territorial authority must report to the Minister.
(2)
The direction may also include the Minister’s statement of expectations for the specified territorial authority.
(3)
In deciding the content of the direction, the Minister must have regard to section 80D.
(4)
A direction made under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | The maker must publish it in accordance with the Legislation (Publication) Regulations 2021 | LA19 s 74(1)(aa) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114 | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 80L: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 10 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
80M Amendment of direction
(1)
The Minister may initiate an amendment of a direction made under section 80L.
(2)
A specified territorial authority may request in writing that the Minister amend a direction made under section 80L that applies to that territorial authority, setting out the reasons for the request.
(3)
The Minister may amend the direction as the Minister thinks appropriate.
(4)
Unless an amendment made under this section has no more than a minor effect or is made to correct a technical error, section 80L(1), (2), and (3) applies.
(5)
An amendment made under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | The maker must publish it in accordance with the Legislation (Publication) Regulations 2021 | LA19 s 74(1)(aa) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114 | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 80M: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 10 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
80N Specified territorial authority must comply with direction
(1)
A specified territorial authority—
(a)
must comply with the terms of a direction made under section 80L (other than in respect of the Minister’s statement of expectations included in the direction); but
(b)
must have regard to that statement.
(2)
The direction applies as from time to time amended in accordance with section 80M.
Section 80N: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 10 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
Subpart 5B—Planning processes stopped until 31 December 2027
Subpart 5B: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 26 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
80O Interpretation
In this subpart,—
draft planning instrument means a proposed planning instrument before it is notified
exemption means an exemption from the requirements set out in—
(a)
section 80P (notification stopped until 31 December 2027); and
(b)
section 80Q (when proposed planning document must be withdrawn)
proposed planning instrument—
(a)
means—
(i)
a proposed policy statement as defined in section 43AA, a change to a policy statement, or a variation to either of those instruments:
(ii)
a proposed plan as defined in section 43AAC(1); but
(b)
does not include a proposed planning instrument—
(i)
that has been heard, in whole or in part, before this subpart commences; or
(ii)
for which a hearing has been set down to begin within 5 working days after this subpart commences.
Section 80O: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 26 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Prohibition on notifying proposed planning instruments
Heading: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 26 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
80P Notification stopped until 31 December 2027
(1)
Despite anything to the contrary in this Act, on and after the commencement of this subpart, and until 31 December 2027, a local authority must not notify a draft planning instrument.
(2)
Subsection (1) does not apply if—
(a)
an exemption applies under section 80U; or
(b)
the Minister grants an exemption under section 80V.
Section 80P: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 26 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Withdrawal of proposed planning instruments
Heading: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 26 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
80Q When proposed planning instruments must be withdrawn
(1)
A local authority must withdraw a proposed planning instrument as soon as possible after this subpart commences, but not later than 90 working days after the commencement of this subpart, unless—
(a)
an exemption applies under section 80U; or
(b)
the local authority has applied for an exemption under section 80V; or
(c)
the Minister directs against a withdrawal under section 80T.
(2)
If the local authority has applied for an exemption under section 80V, but has not received notice of the Minister’s decision, the local authority need not withdraw the proposed planning instrument until a decision to decline the application is received from the Minister.
(3)
To avoid doubt, if an exemption applies only to part of a proposed planning instrument, the remaining parts of that instrument must be withdrawn in accordance with subsection (1).
Section 80Q: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 26 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
80R Public notice of withdrawal
A local authority must give public notice that a proposed planning instrument has been withdrawn under section 80Q and of the date of that withdrawal.
Section 80R: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 26 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
80S When hearing must be cancelled
If a date later than 5 working days after the commencement of this subpart has been set to begin hearing a proposed planning instrument, the hearing must be cancelled unless—
(a)
an exemption applies under section 80U; or
(b)
the local authority has applied for, and the Minister has granted, an exemption under section 80V; or
(c)
the Minister directs against a withdrawal under section 80T.
Section 80S: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 26 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
80T When Minister may intervene to direct against withdrawal
(1)
Subsection (2) applies if the Minister considers that completing the process for a proposed planning instrument would assist in giving effect to any rights and obligations arising under—
(a)
a Treaty of Waitangi settlement Act or deed of settlement:
(2)
The Minister may, before a local authority withdraws all or part of a proposed planning instrument under section 80Q, direct the local authority in writing not to withdraw the proposed planning instrument.
Section 80T: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 26 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Exemptions
Heading: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 26 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
80U Automatic exemptions
(1)
On and after the commencement of this subpart and until 31 December 2027, the draft planning instruments and proposed planning instruments referred to in subsection (2) are exempt from—
(a)
the prohibition against notification (see section 80P):
(b)
the requirement to withdraw the instrument (see section 80Q).
(2)
Subsection (1) applies to the following:
(a)
a proposed planning instrument or a draft planning instrument, including a listed planning instrument as defined in section 80B, using the streamlined planning process (see Part 5 of Schedule 1):
(b)
a proposed planning instrument or draft planning instrument using the intensification streamlined planning process (see Part 6 of Schedule 1):
(c)
a draft planning instrument that implements the requirements of a national policy statement published after this subpart commences, if the national policy statement requires that it be implemented—
(i)
before 31 December 2027; and
(ii)
wholly or in part by a draft planning instrument:
(d)
a proposed planning instrument or draft planning instrument using the freshwater planning process to give effect to the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 (see section 80A, Part 4 of Schedule 1, and clause 42 of Schedule 12):
(e)
a proposed planning instrument or draft planning instrument—
(i)
as directed by the Minister under section 25A or 25B; or
(ii)
that is called in by the Minister under Part 6AA as a proposal of national significance:
(f)
a proposed planning instrument or draft planning instrument that relates to natural hazards:
(g)
a proposed planning instrument or draft planning instrument used by the Minister of Conservation to change or vary the regional coastal plan for the Kermadec and Subantarctic Islands:
(h)
a proposed planning instrument or draft planning instrument that gives effect to any obligation in or under—
(i)
a Treaty of Waitangi settlement Act or deed of settlement:
(3)
A plan change requested under clause 21 of Schedule 1 is not a proposed planning instrument subject to withdrawal under section 80Q(1), unless the request has been adopted by the local authority and notified.
(4)
To avoid doubt, sections 80P and 80Q apply to a draft planning instrument or a proposed planning instrument using the freshwater planning process under section 80A and Part 4 of Schedule 1 if that instrument is not implementing the national policy statement for freshwater management under section 80A(6B)(b) or (c).
Section 80U: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 26 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
80V Application by local authority for exemption
(1)
A local authority may apply in writing to the Minister for an exemption from—
(a)
the prohibition against notifying a draft planning instrument (see section 80P); or
(b)
the requirement to withdraw a proposed planning instrument (see section 80Q).
(2)
An application under this section must—
(a)
provide information in sufficient detail to enable the Minister to assess whether and how the application meets the criteria set out in section 80W; and
(b)
if relevant, state any other reason why the local authority considers it is appropriate that the work be progressed.
(3)
The local authority must also provide, with its application,—
(a)
an up-to-date copy of the proposed planning instrument (or a link to an Internet site containing the instrument); or
(b)
if the local authority is seeking to publicly notify a draft planning instrument, a detailed summary of the draft planning instrument.
(4)
If the application relates to parts only of a proposed planning instrument or draft planning instrument, the application must clearly identify the parts of the instrument for which exemption is applied.
(5)
The Minister may request further information from the local authority or changes to the application, and the local authority may amend or replace the application.
(6)
If the Minister is satisfied that a proposed planning instrument or draft planning instrument, or a relevant part of it, meets the criteria set out in section 80W, the Minister may grant the local authority an exemption, but if the Minister is not satisfied, they may decline the application as a whole or in part.
(7)
The Minister must provide the decision in writing to the local authority, specifying any parts of the application that are granted and any that are declined, with reasons for their decision.
Section 80V: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 26 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
80W Criteria for Minister’s consideration
(1)
In determining an application for an exemption made under section 80V, the Minister must be satisfied that granting an exemption would meet 1 or more of the criteria set out in subsection (2), to the extent that the criteria are relevant in the circumstances.
(2)
The criteria are that an exemption would—
(a)
better enable the local authority to provide, operate, or maintain municipal drinking water, stormwater, or wastewater in accordance with the Water Services Act 2021:
(b)
rectify any provisions in a plan or policy statement that have had unintended consequences, are unworkable, or have led to inefficient outcomes:
(c)
respond to changes made to this Act:
(d)
better enable climate change to be managed:
(e)
support the transition of high risk land so as to better manage the risk of erosion:
(f)
better enable any relevant Treaty of Waitangi settlement Act or deed of settlement, and the Crown’s obligations under that settlement, to be upheld:
(g)
enable a response to be made to a recommendation from the Environment Court:
(h)
enable work to be progressed that, for any other reason, the Minister considers appropriate.
Section 80W: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 26 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
80X Obligation on local authority arising from Minister’s decision
(1)
If the Minister declines an application for an exemption under section 80V, the local authority must, within 10 working days after receiving the Minister’s decision, withdraw the proposed planning instrument and comply with section 80R (public notice of withdrawal).
(2)
If the Minister grants the application in part and declines it in part, the local authority must, within 10 working days after receiving the Minister’s decision, withdraw those parts of the proposed planning instrument for which an exemption is declined and comply with section 80R.
Section 80X: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 26 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
80Y Duty on local authorities to give public notice
(1)
A local authority must, not later than 90 working days after the commencement of this subpart, give public notice of the status of any proposed planning instrument.
(2)
The notice must specify the following matters:
(a)
the whole or the part of a proposed planning instrument that has been withdrawn and the date of its withdrawal:
(b)
any proposed planning instrument that, wholly or in part, will continue under an automatic exemption:
(c)
any proposed planning instrument for which an exemption has been applied under section 80V, and the result of the application, if known:
(d)
any direction given by the Minister under section 80T:
(e)
any proposed planning instrument for which the process will continue as a result of the Minister granting an exemption under section 80V.
Section 80Y: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 26 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Subpart 6—Miscellaneous matters
Subpart 6 heading: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 66 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
81 Boundary adjustments
(1)
Where the boundaries of any region or district are altered, and any area comes within the jurisdiction of a different local authority,—
(a)
the plan or proposed plan that applied to the area before the alteration of the boundaries shall continue to apply to that area and shall, in so far as it applies to the area, be deemed to be part of the plan or proposed plan of the different local authority:
(b)
any activity that may, before the alteration of the boundaries, have been undertaken under section 19 may continue to be undertaken as if the alteration of the boundaries had not taken place.
(2)
Where the boundaries of any district are altered so as to include within that district any area not previously within the boundaries of any other district, no person may use that land unless expressly allowed by a resource consent, until a district plan provides otherwise.
(3)
A territorial authority shall, as soon as practicable but within 2 years, make such changes to its district plans as it considers necessary to cover any area that comes within its jurisdiction, and, after the changes are made, this section shall cease to apply.
Section 81(1)(b): amended, on 1 August 2003, by section 95 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 81(2): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
82 Disputes
(1)
Subsection (2) applies if there is a dispute about—
(a)
whether there is an inconsistency between a water conservation order and a regional policy statement or a plan; or
(b)
whether there is an inconsistency between a regional policy statement or a regional plan and a district plan (including any rules of a plan) on a matter of regional significance; or
(c)
whether a regional policy statement or a plan gives effect to a national policy statement or New Zealand coastal policy statement or a national planning standard.
(2)
A Minister or local authority responsible for a relevant national policy statement, New Zealand coastal policy statement, a national planning standard, policy statement, plan, or order may refer a dispute to the Environment Court for a decision resolving the matter.
(3)
If a dispute about whether there is an inconsistency described in subsection (1)(a) or (b) is referred to the court, and the court considers that there is an inconsistency, the court must order the authority responsible for the policy statement or plan to remove the inconsistency by initiating a change to the policy statement or plan using the process in Schedule 1.
(4)
If a dispute about whether a regional policy statement or a plan gives effect to a national policy statement or New Zealand coastal policy statement or a national planning standard is referred to the court, and the court considers that the policy statement or plan does not give effect to the other policy statement or a national planning standard, the court must order the authority responsible for the policy statement or plan to amend it in accordance with section 55 or 58I.
(5)
However, the court does not need to make an order under subsection (3) or (4) if it considers that the inconsistency, or failure to give effect to the other policy statement or a national planning standard, is of minor significance that does not affect the general intent and purpose of the policy statement, national planning standard, plan, or water conservation order concerned.
(6)
To avoid doubt, giving effect to a policy statement includes giving effect to it by complying with a direction described in section 55(2), and giving effect to the national planning standard includes giving effect to it by complying with section 58I(2).
Section 82: replaced, on 1 August 2003, by section 36 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 82(1)(c): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 67(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 82(2): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 67(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 82(3): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 67 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 82(4): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 67 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 82(4): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 67(3) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 82(4): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 67(4) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 82(4): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 67(5) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 82(5): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 67 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 82(5): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 67(6) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 82(5): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 67(7) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 82(6): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 67 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 82(6): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 67(8) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
82A Dispute relating to review under section 79A
[Repealed]Section 82A: repealed, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
83 Procedural requirements deemed to be observed
A policy statement or plan that is held out by a local authority as being operative shall be deemed to have been prepared and approved in accordance with Schedule 1 and shall not be challenged except by an application for an enforcement order under section 316(3).
84 Local authorities to observe their own policy statements and plans
(1)
While a policy statement or a plan is operative, the regional council or territorial authority concerned, and every consent authority, shall observe and, to the extent of its authority, enforce the observance of the policy statement or plan.
(2)
No purported grant of a resource consent, and no waiver or sufferance or departure from a policy statement or plan, whether written or otherwise, shall, unless authorised by this Act, have effect in so far as it is contrary to subsection (1).
85 Environment Court may give directions in respect of land subject to controls
(1)
An interest in land shall be deemed not to be taken or injuriously affected by reason of any provision in a plan unless otherwise provided for in this Act.
(2)
Notwithstanding subsection (1), any person having an interest in land to which any provision or proposed provision of a plan or proposed plan applies, and who considers that the provision or proposed provision would render that interest in land incapable of reasonable use, may challenge that provision or proposed provision on those grounds—
(a)
in a submission made under Schedule 1 in respect of a proposed plan or change to a plan; or
(b)
in an application to change a plan made under clause 21 of Schedule 1.
(3)
Subsection (3A) applies in the following cases:
(a)
on an application to the Environment Court to change a plan under clause 21 of Schedule 1:
(b)
on an appeal to the Environment Court in relation to a provision of a proposed plan or change to a plan.
(3A)
The Environment Court, if it is satisfied that the grounds set out in subsection (3B) are met, may,—
(a)
in the case of a plan or proposed plan (other than a regional coastal plan or proposed regional coastal plan), direct the local authority to do whichever of the following the local authority considers appropriate:
(i)
modify, delete, or replace the provision in the plan or proposed plan in the manner directed by the court:
(ii)
acquire all or part of the estate or interest in the land under the Public Works Act 1981, as long as—
(A)
the person with an estate or interest in the land or part of it agrees; and
(B)
the requirements of subsection (3D) are met; and
(b)
in the case of a regional coastal plan or proposed regional coastal plan,—
(i)
report its findings to the applicant, the regional council concerned, and the Minister of Conservation; and
(ii)
include a direction to the regional council to modify, delete, or replace the provision in the manner directed by the court.
(3B)
The grounds are that the provision or proposed provision of a plan or proposed plan—
(a)
makes any land incapable of reasonable use; and
(b)
places an unfair and unreasonable burden on any person who has an interest in the land.
(3C)
Before exercising its jurisdiction under subsection (3A), the Environment Court must have regard to—
(a)
Part 3 (including the effect of section 9(3); and
(b)
the effect of subsection (1) of this section.
(3D)
The Environment Court must not give a direction under subsection (3A)(a)(ii) unless—
(a)
the person with the estate or interest in the land or part of the land concerned (or the spouse, civil union partner, or de facto partner of that person)—
(i)
had acquired the estate or interest in the land or part of it before the date on which the provision or proposed provision was first notified or otherwise included in the relevant plan or proposed plan; and
(ii)
the provision or proposed provision remained in substantially the same form; and
(b)
the person with the estate or interest in the land or part of the land consents to the giving of the direction.
(4)
Any direction given or report made under subsection (3A) has effect under this Act as if it were made or given under clause 15 of Schedule 1.
(5)
(6)
In this section,—
provision of a plan or proposed plan does not include a designation or a heritage order or a requirement for a designation or a heritage order
reasonable use, in relation to land, includes the use or potential use of the land for any activity whose actual or potential effects on any aspect of the environment or on any person (other than the applicant) would not be significant.
(7)
[Repealed]Section 85 heading: replaced, on 19 April 2017, by section 68(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 85(2)(a): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 68(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 85(2)(b): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 43(1)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 85(3): replaced, on 19 April 2017, by section 68(3) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 85(3A): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 68(3) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 85(3B): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 68(3) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 85(3C): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 68(3) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 85(3D): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 68(3) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 85(4): replaced, on 19 April 2017, by section 68(3) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 85(5): replaced, on 19 April 2017, by section 68(4) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 85(6): replaced, on 19 April 2017, by section 68(4) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 85(7): repealed, on 19 April 2017, by section 68(4) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
85AAA Removal of heritage protection for Gordon Wilson Flats and related matters
(1)
A proposed or operative Wellington City district plan must not include a rule providing heritage protection to Gordon Wilson Flats.
(2)
A proposed or operative Wellington City district plan must not include a heritage order in respect of Gordon Wilson Flats.
(3)
Section 194 does not apply in relation to any notice of requirement for a heritage order given or issued in respect of Gordon Wilson Flats.
(4)
The demolition or removal of Gordon Wilson Flats is a permitted activity.
(5)
An activity that supports or is otherwise ancillary to the demolition or removal of Gordon Wilson Flats—
(a)
is a permitted activity; and
(b)
ceases to be a permitted activity under paragraph (a) on the completion of the demolition or removal.
(6)
This section applies despite any other provision in this Act.
(7)
In this section, Gordon Wilson Flats means the building known as Gordon Wilson Flats at 320 The Terrace, Wellington (Wellington Land District Lot 1, Deposited Plan 363050).
Section 85AAA: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 27 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Plan must not allow activity that prevents protected customary rights
Heading: inserted, on 17 January 2005, by section 21 of the Resource Management (Foreshore and Seabed) Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 94).
Heading: amended, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
85A Plan or proposed plan must not include certain rules
A plan or proposed plan must not include a rule that describes an activity as a permitted activity if that activity will, or is likely to, have an adverse effect that is more than minor on a protected customary right carried out under Part 3 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011.
Section 85A: inserted, on 17 January 2005, by section 21 of the Resource Management (Foreshore and Seabed) Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 94).
Section 85A: amended, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
85AA Plan must be updated to reflect changes to aquaculture settlement area
If a notice issued under section 12 of the Maori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Act 2004 declares space in the coastal marine area to be an aquaculture settlement area or adds or removes space from an aquaculture settlement area, a regional council must—
(a)
amend any aquaculture settlement area shown on the plan to reflect any new aquaculture settlement areas or changes to existing areas made by the notice; and
(b)
make the amendment as soon as practicable after the notice is issued; and
(c)
make the amendment without using the process set out in Schedule 1.
Section 85AA: inserted, on 24 August 2023, by section 805(4) of the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (2023 No 46).
85B Process to apply if plan or proposed plan does not comply with section 85A
(1)
If a protected customary rights group considers that a rule in a plan or proposed plan does not comply with section 85A, the holder may—
(a)
make a submission to the local authority concerned under clause 6 of Schedule 1; or
(b)
request a change under clause 21 of Schedule 1; or
(c)
apply to the Environment Court in accordance with section 293A(3) for a change to a rule in the plan or proposed plan.
(2)
A local authority or the Environment Court, as the case may be, in determining whether or not a rule in a plan or proposed plan complies with section 85A, must consider the following matters:
(a)
the effects of the proposed activity on the exercise of a protected customary right; and
(b)
the area that the proposed activity would have in common with the protected customary right; and
(c)
the degree to which the proposed activity must be carried out to the exclusion of other activities; and
(d)
the degree to which the exercise of a protected customary right must be carried out to the exclusion of other activities; and
(e)
whether the protected customary right can be exercised only in a particular area.
Section 85B: inserted, on 17 January 2005, by section 21 of the Resource Management (Foreshore and Seabed) Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 94).
Section 85B(1): amended, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 85B(1)(a): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 85B(2)(a): replaced, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 85B(2)(b): amended, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 85B(2)(d): amended, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 85B(2)(e): amended, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
86 Power to acquire land
(1)
In addition to any power it may have to acquire land for any public work which it is authorised to undertake, a regional council or territorial authority may, while its plan is operative, acquire by agreement under the Public Works Act 1981 any land (including any interest in land) in its region or district, if, in accordance with the plan, the regional council or territorial authority considers it necessary or expedient to do so for any of the following purposes:
(a)
terminating or preventing any non-complying or prohibited activity in relation to that land:
(b)
facilitating activity in relation to that land that is in accordance with the objectives and policies of the plan.
(2)
Except as provided in sections 85(3A)(a)(ii), 185, and 198, nothing in any plan shall impose on any regional council or territorial authority any obligation to acquire any land.
(3)
Every person having any interest in land taken for any purpose authorised by subsection (1) shall be entitled to all compensation which that person would be entitled to if the land had been acquired for a public work under the Public Works Act 1981.
Section 86(2): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 69 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Subpart 7—Legal effect of rules
Subpart 7 heading: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 70 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Legal effect of rules[Repealed]
Heading: repealed, on 19 April 2017, by section 70 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
86A Purpose of sections 86B to 86G
(1)
The purpose of sections 86B to 86G is to specify when a rule in a proposed plan has legal effect.
(2)
Except to the extent that subsection (1) applies, sections 86B to 86G do not limit or affect the weight that a consent authority gives to objectives, policies, and other issues, reasons, or methods in plans before the plan becomes operative.
Section 86A: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 68 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 86A(1): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 71 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
86B When rules in proposed plans have legal effect
(1)
A rule in a proposed plan has legal effect only once a decision on submissions relating to the rule is made and publicly notified under clause 10(4), 102(1), or 106(1) of Schedule 1, as applicable, except if—
(a)
subsection (3) or section 86BA applies; or
(b)
the Environment Court, in accordance with section 86D, orders the rule to have legal effect from a different date (being the date specified in the court order); or
(c)
the local authority concerned resolves that the rule has legal effect only once the proposed plan becomes operative in accordance with clause 20 of Schedule 1.
(2)
However, subsection (1)(c) applies only if—
(a)
the local authority makes the decision before notifying the proposed plan under clause 5 of Schedule 1; and
(b)
the notification includes the decision; and
(c)
the decision is not subsequently rescinded (in which case the rule has legal effect from a date determined in accordance with section 86C).
(3)
A rule in a proposed plan has immediate legal effect if the rule—
(a)
protects or relates to water, air, or soil (for soil conservation); or
(b)
protects areas of significant indigenous vegetation; or
(c)
protects areas of significant habitats of indigenous fauna; or
(d)
protects historic heritage; or
(e)
provides for or relates to aquaculture activities; or
(f)
relates to natural hazards.
(4)
For the purposes of subsection (2)(c), a decision is rescinded if—
(a)
the local authority publicly notifies that the decision is rescinded; and
(b)
the public notice includes a statement of the decision to which it relates and the date on which the recision was made.
(4A)
However, a rule described in subsection (3)(a), (b), or (c) does not have immediate legal effect if, and to the extent that, it is a rule that controls fishing in a coastal marine area.
(5)
For the purposes of subsection (3) and section 86BA, immediate legal effect means legal effect on and from the date on which the proposed plan containing the rule is publicly notified under clause 5 of Schedule 1.
(6)
[Repealed]Section 86B: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 68 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 86B heading: amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 72(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 86B(1): amended, on 21 December 2021, by section 11(1) of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
Section 86B(1)(a): amended, on 21 December 2021, by section 11(2) of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
Section 86B(2)(a): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 72(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 86B(2)(b): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 72(3) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 86B(3)(e): replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 18(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 86B(3)(f): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 28(1) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 86B(4A): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 28(2) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 86B(5): amended, on 21 December 2021, by section 11(3) of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
Section 86B(6): repealed, on 1 October 2011, by section 18(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
86BA Immediate legal effect of rules in IPI prepared using ISPP
Immediate legal effect: general
(1)
A rule in a proposed plan has immediate legal effect if the rule meets all of the following criteria:
(a)
the rule is in an IPI prepared using the ISPP:
(b)
the rule authorises as a permitted activity a residential unit in a relevant residential zone in accordance with the density standards set out in Part 2 of Schedule 3A:
(c)
the rule does not apply to either of the following areas:
(i)
a new residential zone:
(ii)
a qualifying matter area.
(2)
If a rule in a district plan (rule A) is inconsistent with a rule to which subsection (1) applies (rule B),—
(a)
rule A ceases to have legal effect from the time at which rule B has immediate legal effect; and
(b)
rule A is no longer to be treated as an operative provision of the district plan.
More lenient density standards
(3)
Subsection (4) applies if a rule in a proposed plan—
(a)
meets the criteria specified in subsection (1)(a) and (c); and
(b)
would meet the criterion specified in subsection (1)(b) but for the fact that it includes a proposed density standard that—
(i)
regulates the same effect as a density standard set out in Part 2 of Schedule 3A; and
(ii)
is proposed, in accordance with section 77H(1)(b), to be more lenient than provided for by the MDRS.
(4)
If this subsection applies,—
(a)
the proposed density standard does not have immediate legal effect; but
(b)
all other density standards referred to in subsection (1)(b) have immediate legal effect and subsection (2) applies to those standards as if they were rule B.
Omitted or additional density standards
(5)
Subsection (6) applies if—
(a)
the rule referred to in subsection (1)—
(i)
omits, in accordance with section 77H(1)(a), a density standard set out in Part 2 of Schedule 3A; or
(ii)
includes an additional requirement, condition, or permission regulating an effect other than those set out in Part 2 of Schedule 3A; and
(b)
the omitted density standard, or the additional requirement, condition, or permission, regulates the same effect as a rule (including a density standard, requirement, condition, or permission) in the operative plan (the operative rule).
(6)
If this subsection applies, the operative rule continues to have legal effect until the date on which the proposed plan becomes operative.
Interpretation
(7)
In this section,
more lenient has the same meaning as in section 77H(2)
qualifying matter area means an area in respect of which the specified territorial authority has proposed, in accordance with section 77I, that a qualifying matter apply.
Section 86BA: inserted, on 21 December 2021, by section 12 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
86C When rule has legal effect if decision to delay its effect is rescinded
(1)
This section applies to a rule to which section 86B(1)(c) applies that is rescinded (within the meaning of subsection (4) of that section).
(2)
The rule has legal effect from the later of—
(a)
the day after the date on which the local authority concerned publicly notifies that the decision in relation to the rule is rescinded:
(b)
the day that a decision on submissions relating to the rule is made and publicly notified under clause 10(4) of Schedule 1.
Section 86C: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 68 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
86D Environment Court may order rule to have legal effect from date other than standard date
(1)
In this section, rule means a rule—
(a)
in a proposed plan; and
(b)
that is not a rule of a type described in section 86B(3)(a) to (f).
(2)
A local authority may apply before or after the proposed plan is publicly notified under clause 5 of Schedule 1 to the Environment Court for a rule to have legal effect from a date other than the date on which the decision on submissions relating to the rule is made and publicly notified under clause 10(4) of Schedule 1.
(3)
If the court grants the application, the order must specify the date from which the rule is to have legal effect, being a date no earlier than the later of—
(a)
the date that the proposed plan is publicly notified; and
(b)
the date of the court order.
Section 86D: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 68 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 86D(1)(a): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 73(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 86D(1)(b): amended, on 21 August 2025, by section 29 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 86D(1)(b): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 73(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
86E Local authorities must identify rules having early or delayed legal effect
(1)
A local authority must clearly identify any rule in a proposed plan that has legal effect from a date other than the date on which the decision on submissions relating to the rule is made and publicly notified under clause 10(4) of Schedule 1—
(a)
(b)
as soon as practicable after the date is determined, if the rule concerned is the subject of an application under section 86D and the application is not determined before the proposed plan is notified.
(2)
[Repealed](3)
The identification of a rule in a proposed plan under subsection (1)—
(a)
does not form part of the proposed plan; and
(b)
may be removed, without any further authority than this subsection, by the local authority once the plan becomes operative in accordance with clause 20 of Schedule 1.
Section 86E: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 68 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 86E(1)(a): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 74(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 86E(2): repealed, on 19 April 2017, by section 74(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 86E(3): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 74(3) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 86E(3): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 74(4) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 86E(3)(a): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 74(3) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 86E(3)(b): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 74(3) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
86F When rules in proposed plans must be treated as operative
(1)
A rule in a proposed plan must be treated as operative (and any previous rule as inoperative) if the time for making submissions or lodging appeals on the rule has expired and, in relation to the rule,—
(a)
no submissions in opposition have been made or appeals have been lodged; or
(b)
all submissions in opposition and appeals have been determined; or
(c)
all submissions in opposition have been withdrawn and all appeals withdrawn or dismissed.
(2)
However, until the decisions have been given under clause 10(4) of Schedule 1 on all submissions, subsection (1) does not apply to the rules in a proposed plan that was given limited notification.
Section 86F: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 68 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 86F(2): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 75 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
86G Rule that has not taken legal effect or become operative excluded from references to rule in this Act and regulations made under this Act
(1)
A reference in this Act or in any regulations made under it to a rule in a proposed plan does not include a reference to a rule in the proposed plan that—
(a)
has not taken legal effect in accordance with section 86B; or
(b)
has not become operative under section 86F.
(2)
Subsection (1) applies subject to any express provision to the contrary in this Act.
Section 86G: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 68 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 86G(1): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 76(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 86G(1): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 76(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
86H Rules that control fishing do not apply to Māori customary non-commercial fishing rights in specified legislation
(1)
A rule that controls fishing does not apply to customary non-commercial fishing provided for in—
(a)
regulations made under any of sections 186, 297, and 298 of the Fisheries Act 1996 for the purpose of giving effect to section 10 of the Treaty of Waitangi (Fisheries Claims) Settlement Act 1992; or
(b)
regulations made under an Act that requires regulations to be made or to be treated as made under the Fisheries Act 1996 for the purpose of giving effect to section 10 of the Treaty of Waitangi (Fisheries Claims) Settlement Act 1992; or
(c)
(d)
regulations made under an Act for the purpose of giving effect to a Treaty settlement between the Crown and tangata whenua in respect of their customary non-commercial fishing rights.
(2)
In this section, a rule that controls fishing means—
(a)
a rule that controls fishing within the meaning of section 2B; or
(b)
a national environmental standard that classifies fishing as a prohibited or permitted activity.
Section 86H: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 30 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Part 6 Resource consents
87AA This Part subject to Part 6A
This Part applies subject to Part 6A.
Section 87AA: inserted, on 26 March 2002, by section 7 of the Resource Management (Aquaculture Moratorium) Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 5).
87AAB Meaning of boundary activity and related terms
(1)
An activity is a boundary activity if—
(a)
the activity requires a resource consent because of the application of 1 or more boundary rules, but no other district rules, to the activity; and
(b)
no infringed boundary is a public boundary.
(2)
In this section,—
boundary rule means a district rule, or part of a district rule, to the extent that it relates to—
(a)
the distance between a structure and 1 or more boundaries of an allotment; or
(b)
the dimensions of a structure in relation to its distance from 1 or more boundaries of an allotment
infringed boundary, in relation to a boundary activity,—
(a)
means a boundary to which an infringed boundary rule applies:
(b)
if there is an infringement to a boundary rule when measured from the corner point of an allotment (regardless of where the infringement is to be measured from under the district plan), means every allotment boundary that intersects with the point of that corner:
(c)
if there is an infringement to a boundary rule that relates to a boundary that forms part of a private way, means the allotment boundary that is on the opposite side of the private way (regardless of where the infringement is to be measured from under the district plan)
public boundary means a boundary between an allotment and any road, river, lake, coast, esplanade reserve, esplanade strip, other reserve, or land owned by the local authority or by the Crown.
Section 87AAB: inserted, on 18 October 2017, by section 134 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
87AAC Meaning of fast-track application
(1)
An application is a fast-track application if the application—
(a)
is for a resource consent for a controlled activity (but no other activity) that requires consent under a district plan (other than a subdivision of land); and
(b)
includes an address for service that is an electronic address.
(2)
An application described in subsection (1) ceases to be a fast-track application if—
(a)
a consent authority gives public or limited notification of the application; or
(b)
a hearing is to be held for the application; or
(c)
at the time the application is lodged, the applicant notifies the consent authority that the applicant wishes to opt out of the fast track process.
(3)
To avoid doubt, if an application ceases to be a fast-track application under subsection (2)(a) or (b),—
(a)
the application is not incomplete by reason only that it does not include the information referred to in section 88(2)(c); but
(b)
a consent authority may, under section 92, request the applicant to provide any of the information referred to in section 88(2)(c).
(4)
To avoid doubt, when an application ceases to be a fast-track application,—
(a)
the application becomes subject to the standard processing requirements (including any time periods for doing anything) under this Act that would have applied if the application had not been a fast-track application; and
(b)
those time periods are deemed to have been running from the time they would have begun if this section had not applied and are not reset as from the time the application ceases to be fast-track.
Section 87AAC: inserted, on 18 October 2017, by section 134 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 87AAC(1): replaced, on 1 July 2020, by section 24 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
87AAD Overview of application of this Part to boundary activities and fast-track applications
(1)
If an activity is a boundary activity,—
(a)
the activity may be a permitted activity if the requirements of section 87BA are satisfied:
(b)
there are restrictions on who may be notified of an application for a resource consent for the activity (see sections 95A(4) and (5) and 95B(7)):
(c)
the right of appeal under section 120 against the whole or any part of a decision of a consent authority is excluded unless the decision relates to a resource consent for a non-complying activity.
(2)
If an application is a fast-track application,—
(a)
a consent authority must, within the time limit specified in section 95 for fast-track applications, decide whether to give public or limited notification of the application; and
(b)
notice of a decision on the application must be given within the time limit specified in section 115(4A); and
(c)
except as provided for in paragraphs (a) and (b), this Act applies to the application in the same way as it applies to any other application for a resource consent.
(3)
This overview is by way of explanation only. If any provision of this Act conflicts with this overview, that provision prevails.
Section 87AAD: inserted, on 18 October 2017, by section 134 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
87AAE Other fast-track consenting process
Despite the repeal of the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023, Schedule 10 of that Act continues in force subject to the modifications set out in Schedule 1 of the Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023.
Section 87AAE: inserted, on 23 December 2023, by section 6 of the Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023 (2023 No 68).
87 Types of resource consents
In this Act, the term resource consent means any of the following:
(a)
a consent to do something that otherwise would contravene section 9 or section 13 (in this Act called a land use consent):
(b)
a consent to do something that otherwise would contravene section 11 (in this Act called a subdivision consent):
(c)
a consent to do something in a coastal marine area that otherwise would contravene any of sections 12, 14, 15, 15A, and 15B (in this Act called a coastal permit):
(d)
a consent to do something (other than in a coastal marine area) that otherwise would contravene section 14 (in this Act called a water permit):
(e)
a consent to do something (other than in a coastal marine area) that otherwise would contravene section 15 (in this Act called a discharge permit).
Section 87(c): amended, on 20 August 1998, by section 17 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 87(c): amended, on 20 August 1998, by section 11 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 105).
87A Classes of activities
(1)
If an activity is described in this Act, regulations, a plan, or a proposed plan as a permitted activity, a resource consent is not required for the activity if it complies with the requirements, conditions, and permissions, if any, specified in the Act, regulations, plan, or proposed plan.
(2)
If an activity is described in this Act, regulations, a plan, or a proposed plan as a controlled activity, a resource consent is required for the activity and—
(a)
the consent authority must grant a resource consent except if—
(i)
section 106 or 106A applies; or
(ii)
section 55(2) of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 applies; and
(b)
the consent authority’s power to impose conditions on the resource consent is restricted to the matters over which control is reserved (whether in its plan or proposed plan, a national environmental standard, or otherwise); and
(c)
the activity must comply with the requirements, conditions, and permissions, if any, specified in the Act, regulations, plan, or proposed plan.
(3)
If an activity is described in this Act, regulations, a plan, or a proposed plan as a restricted discretionary activity, a resource consent is required for the activity and—
(a)
the consent authority’s power to decline a consent, or to grant a consent and to impose conditions on the consent, is restricted to the matters over which discretion is restricted (whether in its plan or proposed plan, a national environmental standard, or otherwise); and
(b)
if granted, the activity must comply with the requirements, conditions, and permissions, if any, specified in the Act, regulations, plan, or proposed plan.
(4)
If an activity is described in this Act, regulations, a plan, or a proposed plan as a discretionary activity, a resource consent is required for the activity and—
(a)
the consent authority may decline the consent or grant the consent with or without conditions; and
(b)
if granted, the activity must comply with the requirements, conditions, and permissions, if any, specified in the Act, regulations, plan, or proposed plan.
(5)
If an activity is described in this Act, regulations (including a national environmental standard), a plan, or a proposed plan as a non-complying activity, a resource consent is required for the activity and the consent authority may—
(a)
decline the consent; or
(b)
grant the consent, with or without conditions, but only if the consent authority is satisfied that the requirements of section 104D are met and the activity must comply with the requirements, conditions, and permissions, if any, specified in the Act, regulations, plan, or proposed plan.
(6)
If an activity is described in this Act, regulations (including a national environmental standard), or a plan as a prohibited activity,—
(a)
no application for a resource consent may be made for the activity; and
(b)
the consent authority must not grant a consent for it.
(7)
However, subsection (6) does not apply to a concurrent application lodged under subpart 4 of Part 7A.
(8)
In this section, regulations includes—
(a)
any national environmental standard; and
(b)
any stormwater environmental performance standard; and
(c)
any wastewater environmental performance standard; and
(d)
any infrastructure design solution.
Section 87A: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 69 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 87A(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 77(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 87A(2): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 77(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 87A(2)(a): replaced, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 87A(2)(a)(i): amended, on 21 August 2025, by section 31 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 87A(3): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 77(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 87A(4): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 77(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 87A(6): amended, on 1 October 2011, by section 19(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 87A(7): inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 19(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 87A(8): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 77(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
87B Certain activities to be treated as discretionary activities or prohibited activities
(1)
An application for a resource consent for an activity must, with the necessary modifications, be treated as an application for a resource consent for a discretionary activity if—
(a)
Part 3 requires a resource consent to be obtained for the activity and there is no plan or proposed plan, or no relevant rule in a plan or proposed plan; or
(b)
a plan or proposed plan requires a resource consent to be obtained for the activity, but does not classify the activity as controlled, restricted discretionary, discretionary, or non-complying under section 77A; or
(c)
a rule in a proposed plan describes the activity as a prohibited activity and the rule has not become operative.
(2)
Prospecting, exploring, or mining for Crown owned minerals in the internal waters (as defined in section 4 of the Territorial Sea, Contiguous Zone, and Exclusive Economic Zone Act 1977) of the Coromandel Peninsula must be treated as a prohibited activity.
(3)
Subsection (2) does not apply to prospecting, exploring, or mining activities set out in section 61(1A) of the Crown Minerals Act 1991.
(4)
Any mining whose main purpose is to mine mercury must be treated as a prohibited activity.
Section 87B: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 69 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 87B(4): inserted, on 24 October 2019, by section 129 of the Statutes Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 56).
87BA Boundary activities approved by neighbours on infringed boundaries are permitted activities
(1)
A boundary activity is a permitted activity if—
(a)
the person proposing to undertake the activity provides to the consent authority—
(i)
a description of the activity; and
(ii)
a plan (drawn to scale) of the site at which the activity is to occur, showing the height, shape, and location on the site of the proposed activity; and
(iii)
the full name and address of each owner of the site; and
(iv)
the full name and address of each owner of an allotment with an infringed boundary; and
(b)
each owner of an allotment with an infringed boundary—
(i)
gives written approval for the activity; and
(ii)
signs the plan referred to in paragraph (a)(ii); and
(c)
the consent authority notifies the person proposing to undertake the activity that the activity is a permitted activity.
(2)
If a person proposing to undertake an activity provides information to a consent authority under this section, the consent authority must,—
(a)
if subsection (1)(a) and (b) are satisfied, give a notice under subsection (1)(c); or
(b)
if subsection (1)(a) and (b) are not satisfied, notify the person of that fact and return the information to the person.
(3)
The consent authority must take the appropriate action under subsection (2) within 10 working days after the date on which it receives the information it needs to make a decision under subsection (2)(a) or (b).
(4)
A notice given under this section must be in writing.
(5)
If a person has submitted an application for a resource consent for a boundary activity that is a permitted activity under this section, the application need not be further processed, considered, or decided and must be returned to the applicant.
(6)
A notice given under subsection (1)(c) lapses 5 years after the date of the notice unless the activity permitted by the notice is given effect to.
Section 87BA: inserted, on 18 October 2017, by section 135 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
87BB Activities meeting certain requirements are permitted activities
(1)
An activity is a permitted activity if—
(a)
the activity would be a permitted activity except for a marginal or temporary non-compliance with requirements, conditions, and permissions specified in this Act, regulations (including any national environmental standard), a plan, or a proposed plan; and
(b)
any adverse environmental effects of the activity are no different in character, intensity, or scale than they would be in the absence of the marginal or temporary non-compliance referred to in paragraph (a); and
(c)
any adverse effects of the activity on a person are less than minor; and
(d)
the consent authority, in its discretion, decides to notify the person proposing to undertake the activity that the activity is a permitted activity.
(2)
A consent authority may give a notice under subsection (1)(d)—
(a)
after receiving an application for a resource consent for the activity; or
(b)
on its own initiative.
(3)
The notice must be in writing and must include—
(a)
a description of the activity; and
(b)
details of the site at which the activity is to occur; and
(c)
the consent authority’s reasons for considering that the activity meets the criteria in subsection (1)(a) to (c), and the information relied on by the consent authority in making that decision.
(4)
If a person has submitted an application for a resource consent for an activity that is a permitted activity under this section, the application need not be further processed, considered, or decided and must be returned to the applicant.
(5)
A notice given under subsection (1)(d) lapses 5 years after the date of the notice unless the activity permitted by the notice is given effect to.
Section 87BB: inserted, on 18 October 2017, by section 135 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Streamlining decision-making on resource consents
Heading: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 69 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
87C Sections 87D to 87I apply to resource consent applications
(1)
Sections 87D to 87I apply when an applicant wants one of the following applications to be determined by the Environment Court instead of by a consent authority:
(a)
an application for a resource consent that has been notified:
(b)
an application to change or cancel a condition of a resource consent that has been notified.
(2)
If the application is called in under section 142(2), sections 87D to 87I cease to apply to it.
Section 87C: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 69 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
87D Request for application to go directly to Environment Court
(1)
The applicant must request the relevant consent authority to allow the application to be determined by the Environment Court instead of by the consent authority.
(2)
The applicant must make the request in the period—
(a)
starting on the day on which the application is made; and
(b)
ending 5 working days after the date on which the period for submissions on the application closes.
(3)
The applicant must make the request electronically or in writing on the prescribed form.
Section 87D: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 69 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
87E Consent authority’s decision on request
(1)
If the consent authority determines under section 88(3) that the application is incomplete, it must return the request with the application without making a decision on the request. Section 88(4) and (5) apply to the application.
(2)
If the consent authority receives the request after it has determined that the application will not be notified, it must return the request.
(3)
If the consent authority receives the request before it has determined whether the application will be notified, it must defer its decision on the request until after it has decided whether to notify the application and then apply either subsection (4) or (5).
(4)
If the consent authority decides not to notify the application, it must return the request.
(5)
If the consent authority decides to notify the application, it must give the applicant its decision on the request within 15 working days after the date of the decision on notification.
(6)
In any other case, the consent authority must give the applicant its decision on the request within 15 working days after receiving the request.
(6A)
Despite the discretion to grant a request under subsection (5) or (6), if regulations have been made under section 360(1)(hm),—
(a)
the consent authority must grant the request if the value of the investment in the proposal is likely to meet or exceed a threshold amount prescribed by those regulations; but
(b)
that obligation to grant the request does not apply if the consent authority determines, having regard to any matters prescribed by those regulations, that exceptional circumstances exist.
(7)
No submitter has a right to be heard by the consent authority on a request.
(8)
If the consent authority returns or declines the request, it must give the applicant its reasons, in writing or electronically, at the same time as it gives the applicant its decision.
(9)
If the consent authority declines the request under subsections (5) to (6A) the applicant may object to the consent authority under section 357A(1)(e).
Section 87E: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 69 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 87E(6A): inserted, on 4 September 2013, by section 13(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 87E(9): amended, on 4 September 2013, by section 13(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
87F Consent authority’s subsequent processing
(1)
If the consent authority does not grant the applicant’s request under section 87D, the consent authority must continue to process the application.
(2)
If the consent authority grants the applicant’s request under section 87D, the consent authority must continue to process the application and must comply with subsections (3) to (7).
(3)
The consent authority must prepare a report on the application within the longer of the following periods:
(a)
the period that ends 20 working days after the date on which the period for submissions on the application closes:
(b)
the period that ends 20 working days after the date on which the authority decides to grant the request.
(4)
In the report, the consent authority must—
(a)
address issues that are set out in sections 104 to 112 to the extent that they are relevant to the application; and
(b)
suggest conditions that it considers should be imposed if the Environment Court grants the application; and
(c)
provide a summary of submissions received.
(5)
As soon as is reasonably practicable after the report is prepared, the consent authority must provide a copy to—
(a)
the applicant; and
(b)
every person who made a submission on the application.
(6)
The consent authority must ensure that it provides reasonable assistance to the Environment Court in relation to any matters raised in the authority’s report.
(7)
In providing that assistance, the consent authority—
(a)
is a party to the proceedings; and
(b)
must be available to attend hearings to—
(i)
discuss or clarify any matter in its report:
(ii)
give evidence about its report:
(iii)
discuss submissions received and address issues raised by the submissions:
(iv)
provide any other relevant information requested by the court.
Section 87F: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 69 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 87F(2): amended, on 4 September 2013, by section 14(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 87F(4): amended, on 4 September 2013, by section 14(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 87F(4)(b): amended, on 4 September 2013, by section 14(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 87F(4)(c): inserted, on 4 September 2013, by section 14(4) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 87F(6): inserted, on 4 September 2013, by section 14(5) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 87F(7): inserted, on 4 September 2013, by section 14(5) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
87G Environment Court determines application
(1)
Subsection (2) applies to an applicant who—
(a)
receives a report provided under section 87F(5); and
(b)
continues to want the application to be determined by the Environment Court instead of by a consent authority.
(2)
The application is referred to the Environment Court by the applicant,—
(a)
within 15 working days after receiving the report, lodging with the Environment Court a notice of motion in the prescribed form applying for the grant of the resource consent (or the change or cancellation of the condition) and specifying the grounds upon which the application for the grant of the resource consent (or the change or cancellation of the condition) is made, and a supporting affidavit as to the matters giving rise to that application; and
(b)
as soon as is reasonably practicable after lodging the notice of motion, serving a copy of the notice of motion and affidavit on—
(i)
the consent authority that granted the applicant’s request under section 87D; and
(ii)
every person who made a submission to the authority on the application; and
(c)
telling the Registrar of the Environment Court by written notice when the copies have been served.
(3)
A consent authority served under subsection (2)(b)(i) must, without delay, provide the Environment Court with—
(a)
the application to which the notice of motion relates; and
(b)
the authority’s report on the application; and
(c)
all the submissions on the application that the authority received; and
(d)
all the information and reports on the application that the authority was supplied with.
(4)
Section 274 applies to the notice of motion, and any person who has made a submission to the consent authority on the application and wishes to be heard on the matter by the Environment Court must give notice to the court in accordance with that section.
(6)
If considering a matter that is an application for a resource consent, the court must apply sections 104 to 112 and 138A as if it were a consent authority.
(7)
If considering a matter that is an application for a change to or cancellation of conditions of a resource consent, the court must apply sections 104 to 112 as if—
(a)
it were a consent authority and the application were an application for resource consent for a discretionary activity; and
(b)
every reference to a resource consent and to the effects of the activity were, respectively, a reference to the change or cancellation of a condition and the effects of the change or cancellation.
(8)
However, in the case of an application for a coastal permit for aquaculture activities, for the purposes of section 107F(3)(b) or (c), the consent authority must obtain from the Environment Court any additional information, reports, or submissions not previously forwarded or sent under that section and forward or send the information, report, and submissions to the chief executive of the Ministry of Fisheries.
Section 87G: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 69 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 87G(2): replaced, on 4 September 2013, by section 15(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 87G(2)(a): amended, on 3 March 2015, by section 90 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 87G(4): amended, on 4 September 2013, by section 15(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 87G(5): amended, on 4 September 2013, by section 15(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 87G(8): inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 20 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
87H Residual powers of consent authority
The consent authority that would have determined the application had the Environment Court not done so under section 87G has all the functions, duties, and powers in relation to a resource consent granted by the court as if it had granted the consent itself.
Section 87H: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 69 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
87I When consent authority must determine application
(1)
This section applies when—
(a)
an applicant receives a report under section 87F(5); and
(b)
either—
(i)
the applicant advises the authority that the applicant does not intend to lodge a notice of motion with the Environment Court under section 87G(2); or
(ii)
the applicant does not lodge a notice of motion with the Environment Court under section 87G(2).
(c)
[Repealed](2)
The application must be determined by the consent authority.
Section 87I: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 69 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 87I(1)(b)(ii): amended, on 3 March 2015, by section 91(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 87I(1)(c): repealed, on 3 March 2015, by section 91(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Application for resource consent
88 Making an application
(1)
A person may apply to the relevant consent authority for a resource consent.
(1A)
A person may make a joint application for a resource consent and an exchange of recreation reserve land under section 15AA of the Reserves Act 1977 if the relevant consent authority—
(a)
is also the administering body in which the recreation reserve land is vested; and
(b)
agrees that the applications may be made jointly.
(2)
An application must—
(a)
be made in the prescribed form and manner; and
(b)
include the information relating to the activity, including an assessment of the activity’s effects on the environment, that is required by Schedule 4.
(c)
[Repealed](2AA)
An applicant must ensure that information required by subsection (2)(b) is provided at a level of detail that is proportionate to the scale and significance of the effects that the activity may have on the environment.
(2AB)
A consent authority may accept an application that does not fully comply with subsection (2)(b) if the authority is satisfied that the information provided by the applicant is proportionate to the scale and significance of the effects that the activity may have on the environment.
(2A)
An application for a coastal permit to undertake an aquaculture activity must include a copy for the Ministry of Fisheries.
(3)
A consent authority may, within 10 working days after an application was first lodged, determine that the application is incomplete if the application does not—
(a)
include the information prescribed by regulations; or
(b)
include the information required by subsection (2)(b).
(3A)
The consent authority must immediately return an incomplete application to the applicant, with written reasons for the determination.
(4)
If, after an application has been returned as incomplete, that application is lodged again with the consent authority, that application is to be treated as a new application.
(5)
Sections 357 to 358 apply to a determination that an application is incomplete.
(6)
If a joint application is made under subsection (1A), the application to exchange recreation reserve land must be—
(a)
processed, with the resource consent application, in accordance with sections 88 to 88F, 91(1) and (2), 91A to 92B, 95, 95A(2), and 96 to 103B; then
(b)
decided under section 15AA of the Reserves Act 1977.
(7)
If a person applies for a resource consent relating to an area where an applicant group seeks customary marine title,—
(a)
the person must comply with section 62A of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (which requires the person to notify applicant groups, provide a list of the groups notified, and record their views); and
(b)
the application must be treated as incomplete if this is not done.
(8)
In this section, applicant group has the meaning given to it by section 9(1) of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011.
Section 88: replaced, on 1 August 2003, by section 37 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 88(1): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 88(1A): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 188(5) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 88(2): replaced, on 3 March 2015, by section 92(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 88(2)(b): replaced, on 1 July 2020, by section 25(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 88(2)(c): repealed, on 1 July 2020, by section 25(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 88(2AA): inserted, on 20 October 2025, by section 32 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 88(2AB): inserted, on 20 October 2025, by section 32 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 88(2A): inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 21 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 88(3): replaced, on 3 March 2015, by section 92(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 88(3)(b): replaced, on 18 October 2017, by section 136(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 88(3)(b): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 25(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 88(3A): inserted, on 3 March 2015, by section 92(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 88(4): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 88(5): amended, on 10 August 2005, by section 50 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 88(6): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 188(6) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 88(7): inserted, on 24 August 2023, by section 805(4) of the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (2023 No 46).
Section 88(8): inserted, on 24 August 2023, by section 805(4) of the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (2023 No 46).
88A Description of type of activity to remain the same
(1)
Subsection (1A) applies if—
(a)
an application for a resource consent has been made under section 88 or 145; and
(b)
the type of activity (being controlled, restricted, discretionary, or non-complying) for which the application was made, or that the application was treated as being made under section 87B, is altered after the application was first lodged as a result of—
(i)
a proposed plan being notified; or
(ii)
a decision being made under clause 10(1) of Schedule 1; or
(iii)
otherwise.
(1A)
The application continues to be processed, considered, and decided as an application for the type of activity that it was for, or was treated as being for, at the time the application was first lodged.
(2)
Notwithstanding subsection (1), any plan or proposed plan which exists when the application is considered must be had regard to in accordance with section 104(1)(b).
(3)
[Repealed]Section 88A: inserted, on 17 December 1997, by section 18 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 88A(1): replaced, on 1 August 2003, by section 38(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 88A(1)(a): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 70(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 88A(1)(b): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 70(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 88A(1)(b)(ii): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 70(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 88A(1A): inserted, on 1 August 2003, by section 38(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 88A(2): amended, on 1 August 2003, by section 38(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 88A(3): repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 70(3) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
88B Time limits from which time periods are excluded in relation to applications
(1)
This section provides for the deferral of certain time limits relating to applications.
(2)
The first column of the table lists the provisions specifying time limits from which certain time periods must be excluded.
(3)
The second column lists the provisions describing time periods that must be excluded from the corresponding time limits.
| Provisions specifying time limits | Provisions describing time periods to be excluded | |
|---|---|---|
| Section 95 (which relates to the time limit for notification) | ||
| Section 87F(3) (which relates to the time limit for a consent authority report on an application to be directly referred to the Environment Court) | ||
| Section 101(2) (which relates to the time limit for commencement of a hearing of a non-notified application) | ||
| Section 103A (which relates to the time limit for completion of a hearing of a notified application) | ||
| Section 115(3) (which relates to the time limit for notification of the decision on a non-notified application for which no hearing is held) | ||
| Section 115(4) (which relates to the time limit for notification of the decision on a notified application for which no hearing is held) |
(4)
See also section 103(4) and (5) of the Urban Development Act 2020.
Section 88B: replaced, on 3 March 2015, by section 93 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 88B(3): amended, on 30 September 2020, by section 26(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 88B(3): amended, on 30 September 2020, by section 26(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 88B(3): amended, on 30 September 2020, by section 26(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 88B(3): amended, on 30 September 2020, by section 26(4) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 88B(4): inserted, on 7 August 2020, by section 300 of the Urban Development Act 2020 (2020 No 42).
88BA Certain consents must be processed and decided no later than 1 year after lodgement
(1)
The time period within which a consent authority must process and decide an application for a resource consent for a specified energy activity or wood processing activity (the time period) is 1 year after the date the application is lodged.
(2)
An extension of the time period for a further period not exceeding 1 year—
(a)
must be granted by the consent authority if—
(i)
the extension is requested by the applicant; or
(ii)
the application is for the establishment of a hydro-electricity activity or geothermal activity and the extension is requested under subsection (4); and
(b)
may be granted by the consent authority no more than once in relation to any other activity if the extension is requested under subsection (4).
(3)
When deciding a request for an extension to which subsection (2)(b) applies, the consent authority must—
(a)
consider all requests of that kind received before the expiry of the time period; and
(b)
if the time period has been extended under subsection (2)(a), consider all requests for extension from the applicant received before the expiry of the extended time period.
(4)
The following groups may request an extension of the time period for the purpose of recognising or providing for a Treaty settlement or other arrangement:
(a)
iwi authorities:
(b)
post-settlement governance entities:
(c)
ngā hapū o Ngāti Porou as defined in section 10 of the Ngā Rohe Moana o Ngā Hāpu o Ngāti Porou Act 2019:
(d)
iwi or hapū who are party to a Mana Whakahono a Rohe or joint management agreement that applies in the region:
(e)
customary marine title groups (within the meaning of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011):
(f)
protected customary rights groups (within the meaning of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011):
(g)
applicant groups (within the meaning of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011).
(5)
A request for extension must be made to the consent authority before the expiry of the time period or extended time period and may be made more than once.
(6)
If the time period is extended, the total time within which a consenting authority must process and decide an application under this section must not exceed 2 years after the date the application is lodged.
(7)
The processing and deciding of an application must be paused by the consent authority at the applicant’s request.
(8)
The time during which processing and deciding of an application is paused under subsection (7) does not count towards the time period or extended time period.
(9)
This section applies despite sections 88B, 88C, and 88E to 88I.
Section 88BA: inserted, on 20 October 2025, by section 33 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
88C Excluded time periods relating to provision of further information
Request for further information
(1)
Subsection (2) applies when—
(a)
an authority has requested an applicant, under section 92(1), to provide further information on the applicant’s application; and
(b)
the request is the first request made by the authority to the applicant under that provision; and
(c)
the request is made before the authority decides whether to notify the application.
(2)
The period that must be excluded from every applicable time limit under section 88B is the period—
(a)
starting with the date of the request under section 92(1); and
(b)
ending as follows:
(i)
if the applicant provides the information within 15 working days, the date on which the applicant provides the information:
(ii)
if the applicant agrees within 15 working days to provide the information and provides the information, the date on which the applicant provides the information:
(iii)
if the applicant agrees within 15 working days to provide the information and does not provide the information, the date set under section 92A(2)(a):
(iv)
if the applicant does not respond to the request within 15 working days, the date on which the period of 15 working days ends:
(v)
if the applicant refuses within 15 working days to provide the information, the date on which the applicant refuses to provide the information.
Commissioning of report—applicant agrees
(3)
Subsection (4) applies when—
(a)
an authority has notified an applicant, under section 92(2)(b), of its wish to commission a report; and
(b)
the applicant agrees, under section 92B(1), to the commissioning of the report.
(4)
The period that must be excluded from every applicable time limit under section 88B is the period—
(a)
starting with the date of the notification under section 92(2)(b); and
(b)
ending with the date on which the authority receives the report.
Commissioning of report—applicant disagrees
(5)
Subsection (6) applies when—
(a)
an authority has notified an applicant, under section 92(2)(b), of its wish to commission a report; and
(b)
the applicant does not agree, under section 92B(1), to the commissioning of the report.
(6)
The period that must be excluded from every applicable time limit under section 88B is the period—
(a)
starting with the date of the notification under section 92(2)(b); and
(b)
ending with the earlier of the following:
(i)
the date on which the period of 15 working days ends; and
(ii)
the date on which the authority receives the applicant’s refusal, under section 92B(1), to agree to the commissioning of the report.
Section 88C: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 71 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 88C(1) heading: inserted, on 3 March 2015, by section 94(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 88C(1)(b): replaced, on 3 March 2015, by section 94(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 88C(1)(c): inserted, on 3 March 2015, by section 94(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 88C(2): amended, on 3 March 2015, by section 94(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 88C(3) heading: inserted, on 3 March 2015, by section 94(4) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 88C(4): amended, on 3 March 2015, by section 94(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 88C(5) heading: inserted, on 3 March 2015, by section 94(5) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 88C(6): amended, on 3 March 2015, by section 94(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
88D Excluded time periods relating to direct referral
Request for direct referral declined and no objection
(1)
Subsection (2) applies when—
(a)
an applicant makes a request under section 87D(1); and
(b)
the consent authority declines the request under section 87E(5) to (6A); and
(c)
the applicant does not object under section 357A(1)(e).
(2)
The period that must be excluded from every applicable time limit under section 88B is the period—
(a)
starting with the date on which the consent authority receives the request; and
(b)
ending with the date on which the 15 working days referred to in section 357C(1) end.
Request for direct referral declined and objection dismissed
(3)
Subsection (4) applies when—
(a)
an applicant makes a request under section 87D(1); and
(b)
the consent authority declines the request under section 87E(5) to (6A); and
(c)
the consent authority dismisses the applicant’s objection under section 357D.
(4)
The period that must be excluded from every applicable time limit under section 88B is the period—
(a)
starting with the date on which the consent authority receives the request; and
(b)
ending with the date on which the consent authority notifies the applicant of its decision to dismiss the objection.
Request for direct referral granted or objection upheld
(5)
Subsection (6) applies when—
(a)
an applicant makes a request under section 87D(1); and
(b)
either—
(i)
the consent authority grants the request under section 87E(5) to (6A); or
(ii)
the consent authority declines the request under section 87E(5) to (6A), but upholds the applicant’s objection under section 357D.
(6)
The period that must be excluded from every applicable time limit under section 88B is the period—
(a)
starting with the date on which the consent authority receives the request; and
(b)
ending with the earlier of the following:
(i)
the date on which the 15 working days referred to in section 87G(2)(a) end; and
(ii)
the date on which the applicant advises the consent authority that the applicant does not intend to lodge a notice of motion with the Environment Court under section 87G(2).
Section 88D: replaced, on 3 March 2015, by section 95 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
88E Excluded time periods relating to other matters
Deferral pending application for additional consents
(1)
Subsection (2) applies when a consent authority determines, under section 91(1), not to proceed with the notification or hearing of an application for a resource consent.
(2)
The period that must be excluded from every applicable time limit under section 88B is the period—
(a)
starting with the date of the notification of the determination to the applicant under section 91(2); and
(b)
ending with—
(i)
the date of the receipt of applications for the resource consents that the authority considers, under section 91(1)(b), should be applied for; or
(ii)
the date of an Environment Court order revoking the authority’s determination.
Approval sought from affected persons or groups
(3)
Subsection (4) applies when an applicant tries, for the purposes of section 95E(3), 95F, or 95G, to obtain approval for an activity from any person or group that may otherwise be considered an affected person, affected protected customary rights group, or affected customary marine title group in relation to the activity.
(4)
The period that must be excluded from every applicable time limit under section 88B is the time taken by the applicant in trying to obtain the approvals, whether or not they are obtained.
Referral to mediation
(5)
Subsection (6) applies when a consent authority refers persons to mediation under section 99A.
(6)
The period that must be excluded from every applicable time limit under section 88B is the period—
(a)
starting with the date of the reference; and
(b)
ending with the earlier of the following:
(i)
the date on which one of the persons referred to mediation gives the other persons referred and the mediator a written notice withdrawing the person’s consent to the mediation; and
(ii)
the date on which the mediator reports the outcome of the mediation to the authority.
Suspension of processing of notified application
(7)
Subsection (8) applies when the processing of an application is suspended under section 91A.
(8)
The period that must be excluded from every applicable time limit under section 88B is the period—
(a)
starting with the date on which the suspension started:
(b)
ending with the date on which the suspension ceased.
Section 88E: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 71 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 88E(1) heading: inserted, on 3 March 2015, by section 96(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 88E(2): amended, on 3 March 2015, by section 96(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 88E(3) heading: inserted, on 3 March 2015, by section 96(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 88E(3): replaced, on 3 March 2015, by section 96(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 88E(4): amended, on 3 March 2015, by section 96(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 88E(5) heading: inserted, on 3 March 2015, by section 96(4) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 88E(6): amended, on 3 March 2015, by section 96(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 88E(7) heading: inserted, on 3 March 2015, by section 96(5) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 88E(7) heading: amended, on 30 September 2020, by section 27 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 88E(7): inserted, on 3 March 2015, by section 96(5) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 88E(8): inserted, on 3 March 2015, by section 96(5) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
88F Excluded time periods relating to pre-request aquaculture agreements
(1)
Subsection (2) applies when—
(a)
an application has been made for a coastal permit to undertake aquaculture activities in the coastal marine area; and
(b)
the applicant requests the consent authority to defer determining the application so that the applicant can negotiate a pre-request aquaculture agreement under section 186ZM of the Fisheries Act 1996; and
(c)
it is the first request made by the applicant for that purpose.
(2)
The period that must be excluded from every applicable time limit under section 88B is the period—
(a)
starting with the date on which the request is made; and
(b)
ending with the earlier of the following:
(i)
the 80th working day after the date on which the request is made:
(ii)
the date on which the applicant notifies the consent authority that the applicant wishes the consent authority to continue determining the application that the request related to.
Section 88F: inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 22 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 88F heading: replaced, on 3 March 2015, by section 97(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 88F(2): amended, on 3 March 2015, by section 97(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
88G Exclusion of period when processing of non-notified application suspended
(1)
Subsection (2) applies when a non-notified application is suspended under section 91D.
(2)
The period that must be excluded from every applicable time limit under section 88B is the period—
(a)
starting from the date on which the suspension started; and
(b)
ending on the date on which the suspension ceased.
Section 88G: inserted, on 30 September 2020, by section 28 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
88H Excluded time periods relating to non-payment of administrative charges
(1)
Subsection (2) applies if—
(a)
an application for a resource consent is lodged with a consent authority; and
(b)
a charge fixed under section 36 is payable when the application is lodged or when the application is notified by the consent authority under section 95; and
(c)
the applicant does not pay the charge when it is payable.
(2)
The consent authority may exclude from every applicable time limit in section 95, the period—
(a)
starting from the date on which payment is due; and
(b)
ending on the date on which payment is made.
Section 88H: inserted, on 30 September 2020, by section 28 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
88I Excluded time periods under Urban Development Act 2020
The period described in section 103(4) of the Urban Development Act 2020 is excluded from any time limits under this Act relating to a consent application received by a local authority.
Section 88I: inserted, on 7 August 2020, by section 300 of the Urban Development Act 2020 (2020 No 42).
89 Applications to territorial authorities for resource consents where land is in coastal marine area
(1)
Where an application for a subdivision consent is made to a territorial authority and any part, or all, of the land proposed to be subdivided is in the coastal marine area, the territorial authority shall decide the application as if the whole of that land were part of the district, and the provisions of this Act shall apply accordingly.
(2)
Where—
(a)
an application is made to a territorial authority for a resource consent for an activity which an applicant intends to undertake within the district of that authority once the proposed location of the activity has been reclaimed; and
(b)
on the date the application is made the proposed location of the activity is still within the coastal marine area,—
then the authority may hear and decide the application as if the application related to an activity within its district, and the provisions of this Act shall apply accordingly.
(3)
Section 116(2) shall apply to every resource consent that is granted in accordance with subsection (2).
Section 89 heading: amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 45 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 89(1): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 45(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 89(1): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 45(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
89A Applications affecting navigation to be referred to Maritime New Zealand
(1)
This section applies to the following applications:
(a)
an application for a coastal permit to do any of the following in the coastal marine area:
(i)
reclaim land:
(ii)
build a structure:
(iii)
do or maintain works for the improvement, management, protection, or utilisation of a harbour:
(b)
an application for a coastal permit to remove boulders, mud, sand, shell, shingle, silt, stone, or other similar material from the coastal marine area:
(c)
an application for a land use consent to enter onto or pass across the surface of water in a navigable lake or river:
(d)
an application for a land use consent to use the bed of a navigable lake or river.
(2)
The local authority must send a copy of the application to Maritime New Zealand.
(3)
Maritime New Zealand must report to the local authority on any navigation-related matters that Maritime New Zealand considers relevant to the application, including any conditions that it considers should be included in the consent for navigation-related purposes.
(4)
If Maritime New Zealand wants to report, it must do so within 15 working days after receiving a copy of the application. If it fails to report within that time limit, the local authority may take the failure as an indication that Maritime New Zealand has nothing to report.
(5)
The local authority must—
(a)
ensure that a copy of Maritime New Zealand’s report is provided to—
(i)
the applicant; and
(ii)
every person who has made a submission on the application:
(b)
take the report into account in its consideration of the application.
Section 89A: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 72 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
90 Distribution of application to other authorities
[Repealed]Section 90: repealed, on 1 August 2003, by section 40 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
91 Deferral pending application for additional consents
(1)
A consent authority may determine not to proceed with the notification or hearing of an application for a resource consent if it considers on reasonable grounds that—
(a)
other resource consents under this Act will also be required in respect of the proposal to which the application relates; and
(b)
it is appropriate, for the purpose of better understanding the nature of the proposal, that applications for any 1 or more of those other resource consents be made before proceeding further.
(2)
Where a consent authority makes a determination under subsection (1), it shall forthwith notify the applicant of the determination.
(3)
The applicant may apply to the Environment Court for an order directing that any determination under this section be revoked.
Section 91(3): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
91A Applicant may have processing of notified application suspended
(1)
A consent authority must suspend the processing of a notified application when a request is received in accordance with this section.
(2)
The applicant may request the consent authority to suspend the processing of an application at any time in the period—
(a)
starting when the application is notified; and
(b)
ending when—
(i)
the hearing is completed, if a hearing is held for the application; or
(ii)
the consent authority gives notice to the applicant of its decision on the application, if a hearing is not held for the application.
(3)
However, a request must not be made if—
(a)
the applicant has lodged a notice of motion with the Environment Court under section 87G(2)(a); or
(b)
the Minister has made a direction under section 142(2) in relation to the application; or
(c)
a total of 130 or more working days have been excluded from time limits under section 88B in relation to the application (which, under section 88E(8), includes time during which the application has been suspended).
(4)
The request must be made by written or electronic notice.
(5)
If processing is suspended under this section, the consent authority must give written or electronic notice to the applicant specifying the date on which the suspension started.
Section 91A: inserted, on 3 March 2015, by section 98 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 91A heading: amended, on 30 September 2020, by section 29 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
91B When suspension of processing of notified application ceases
(1)
A consent authority must cease to suspend the processing of a notified application when—
(a)
a request is received in accordance with this section; or
(b)
the applicant lodges a notice of motion with the Environment Court under section 87G(2)(a); or
(c)
the Minister makes a direction under section 142(2) in relation to the application; or
(d)
the consent authority decides under section 91C to continue to process the application.
(2)
The applicant may request the consent authority to cease to suspend the processing of a notified application if it is currently suspended.
(3)
The request must be made by written or electronic notice.
(4)
If a suspension is ceased under this section, the consent authority must give written or electronic notice to the applicant specifying the date on which the suspension ceased.
Section 91B: inserted, on 3 March 2015, by section 98 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 91B heading: amended, on 30 September 2020, by section 30(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 91B(1): amended, on 30 September 2020, by section 30(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 91B(2): amended, on 30 September 2020, by section 30(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
91C Notified application may be returned if suspended after certain period
(1)
Subsection (2) applies if—
(a)
a total of 130 or more working days have been excluded from time limits under section 88B in relation to a notified application (which, under section 88E(8), includes time during which the application has been suspended); and
(b)
the application is suspended at the time.
(2)
The consent authority must decide to—
(a)
return the application to the applicant; or
(b)
continue to process the application.
(3)
If the consent authority decides to return the application,—
(a)
it must be returned together with a written explanation as to why it is being returned; but
(b)
the applicant may object to the consent authority under section 357(3A).
(4)
If, after an application has been returned, the application is lodged again with the consent authority, the application is to be treated as a new application.
Section 91C: inserted, on 3 March 2015, by section 98 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 91C heading: amended, on 30 September 2020, by section 31(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 91C(1)(a): amended, on 30 September 2020, by section 31(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
91D Applicant may have processing of non-notified application suspended
(1)
A consent authority must suspend the processing of a non-notified application when a request is received in accordance with this section.
(2)
The applicant may request the consent authority to suspend the processing of a non-notified application at any time in the period—
(a)
starting on the date on which the application is first lodged with the authority; and
(b)
ending when—
(i)
the hearing is completed, if a hearing is held for the application; or
(ii)
the consent authority gives notice to the applicant of its decision on the application, if a hearing is not held for the application; or
(iii)
the application is notified.
(3)
However, a request must not be made if—
(a)
the applicant has lodged a notice of motion with the Environment Court under section 87G(2)(a); or
(b)
the Minister has made a direction under section 142(2) in relation to the application; or
(c)
a total of 20 working days have been excluded from time limits under section 88B as a result of any previous request under this section in relation to the application.
(4)
The request must be made by written or electronic notice.
(5)
If processing is suspended under this section, the consent authority must give written or electronic notice to the applicant specifying the date on which the suspension started.
Section 91D: inserted, on 30 September 2020, by section 32 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
91E When suspension of processing of non-notified application ceases
(1)
A consent authority must cease to suspend the processing of a non-notified application when—
(a)
a request is received in accordance with this section; or
(b)
the applicant lodges a notice of motion with the Environment Court under section 87G(2)(a); or
(c)
the Minister makes a direction under section 142(2) in relation to the application; or
(d)
the consent authority decides under section 91F to continue to process the application.
(2)
The applicant may request the consent authority to cease to suspend the processing of a non-notified application if it is currently suspended.
(3)
The request must be made by written or electronic notice.
(4)
If a suspension is ceased under this section, the consent authority must give written or electronic notice to the applicant specifying the date on which the suspension ceased.
Section 91E: inserted, on 30 September 2020, by section 32 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
91F Non-notified application may be returned after certain period
(1)
Subsection (2) applies if the processing of the non-notified application has been suspended for a total of 20 working days in response to 1 or more requests under section 91D.
(2)
The consent authority must decide to—
(a)
return the application to the applicant; or
(b)
continue to process the application.
(3)
If the consent authority decides to return the application,—
(a)
it must be returned together with a written explanation as to why it is being returned; but
(b)
the applicant may object to the consent authority under section 357(3A).
(4)
If, after an application has been returned, the application is lodged again with the consent authority, the application is to be treated as a new application.
Section 91F: inserted, on 30 September 2020, by section 32 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Further information
92 Further information, or agreement, may be requested
(1)
A consent authority may, at any reasonable time before the hearing of an application for a resource consent or before the decision to grant or refuse the application (if there is no hearing), by written notice, request the applicant for the consent to provide further information relating to the application.
(2)
At any reasonable time before a hearing or, if no hearing is to be held, before the decision is made, a consent authority may commission any person to prepare a report on any matter relating to an application, including information provided by the applicant in the application or under this section, if all the following apply:
(a)
the activity for which the resource consent is sought may, in the authority’s opinion, have a significant adverse environmental effect; and
(b)
the applicant is notified before the authority commissions the report; and
(c)
the applicant does not refuse, under section 92B(1), to agree to the commissioning of the report.
(2A)
However, a consent authority must not request further information nor commission a report on clause 1.3(5) or 2.1 of the NPSFM 2020 (which relates to the hierarchy of obligations in the NPSFM 2020).
(2B)
Before requesting further information, a consent authority must consider whether—
(a)
it needs the information for the purpose of section 104; and
(b)
any information that it seeks is proportionate to the scale and significance of the effects that the activity may have on the environment.
(3)
The consent authority must notify the applicant, in writing, of its reasons for—
(a)
requesting further information under subsection (1); or
(b)
wanting to commission a report under subsection (2).
(3A)
The information or report must be available at the office of the consent authority no later than 10 working days before the hearing of an application. This subsection does not apply if—
(a)
the applicant refuses, under section 92A, to provide the further information; or
(b)
the applicant refuses, under section 92B, to agree to the commissioning of the report.
(3B)
The consent authority must, as soon as is reasonably practicable after receiving the information or report, give written or electronic notice to every person who made a submission on the application that the information or report is available at the authority’s office.
(4)
This section does not apply to reports prepared under section 42A.
(5)
[Repealed]Section 92: replaced, on 1 August 2003, by section 41 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 92 heading: replaced, on 10 August 2005, by section 52(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 92(1): amended, on 10 August 2005, by section 52(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 92(2): replaced, on 10 August 2005, by section 52(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 92(2A): inserted, on 25 October 2024, by section 22 of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
Section 92(2B): inserted, on 20 October 2025, by section 34 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 92(3): replaced, on 10 August 2005, by section 52(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 92(3A): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 52(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 92(3B): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 73(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 92(5): repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 73(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
92A Responses to request
(1)
An applicant who receives a request under section 92(1) must, within 15 working days of the date of the request, take one of the following options:
(a)
provide the information; or
(b)
tell the consent authority in a written notice that the applicant agrees to provide the information; or
(c)
tell the consent authority in a written notice that the applicant refuses to provide the information.
(2)
A consent authority that receives a written notice under subsection (1)(b) must—
(a)
set a reasonable time within which the applicant must provide the information; and
(b)
tell the applicant in a written notice the date by which the applicant must provide the information.
(3)
The consent authority may consider the application under section 104 even if the applicant—
(a)
does not respond to the request; or
(b)
agrees to provide the information under subsection (1)(b) but does not do so; or
(c)
refuses to provide the information under subsection (1)(c).
(4)
[Repealed](5)
[Repealed](6)
[Repealed]Section 92A: inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 53 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 92A(3): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 74 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 92A(3): amended, on 20 October 2025, by section 35 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 92A(4): repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 74 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 92A(5): repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 74 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 92A(6): repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 74 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
92AA Consequences of applicant’s failure to respond to requests, etc
(1)
A consent authority may determine an application for a resource consent is incomplete if—
(a)
the applicant was required to provide one of the following responses:
(i)
to provide further information in response to a request under section 92(1)—
(A)
within 15 working days under section 92A(1)(a); or
(B)
within the time set by the consent authority under section 92A(2); or
(ii)
to tell the consent authority in a written notice whether the applicant agrees to the commissioning of a report within 15 working days under section 92B(1) (after receiving notification under section 92(2)(b)); or
(iii)
to pay an additional charge to the consent authority required under section 36(5) and specified in a written notice by an agreed date; or
(iv)
to give the consent authority written approval for a proposed activity under section 95E(3)(a) by an agreed date; and
(b)
3 months after the expiry of the applicable time frame specified in paragraph (a), the applicant has not provided the required response; and
(c)
the consent authority has notified the applicant, by a method specified in section 352(1), of its intention to return the application.
(2)
After determining an application as incomplete under this section, the consent authority may return the application to the applicant with written reasons for the determination.
(3)
If, after an application has been returned as incomplete under this section, that application is lodged again with the consent authority, that application is to be treated as a new application.
(4)
In this section, agreed date means a date agreed between the applicant and the consent authority.
Section 92AA: inserted, on 20 October 2025, by section 36 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
92B Responses to notification
(1)
An applicant who receives a notification under section 92(2)(b) must, within 15 working days of the date of the notification, tell the consent authority in a written notice whether the applicant agrees to the commissioning of the report.
(2)
The consent authority may consider the application under section 104 even if the applicant—
(a)
does not respond in accordance with subsection (1); or
(b)
refuses to agree to the commissioning of the report.
(3)
[Repealed](4)
[Repealed](5)
[Repealed]Section 92B: inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 53 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 92B(2): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 75 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 92B(2): amended, on 21 August 2025, by section 37 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 92B(3): repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 75 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 92B(4): repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 75 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 92B(5): repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 75 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Notification of applications[Repealed]
Heading: repealed, on 1 August 2003, by section 41 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
93 When public notification of consent applications is required
[Repealed]Section 93: repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 76 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
94 When public notification of consent applications is not required
[Repealed]Section 94: repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 76 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
94A Forming opinion as to whether adverse effects are minor or more than minor
[Repealed]Section 94A: repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 76 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
94B Forming opinion as to who may be adversely affected
[Repealed]Section 94B: repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 76 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
94C Public notification if applicant requests or if special circumstances exist
[Repealed]Section 94C: repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 76 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
94D When public notification and service requirements may be varied
[Repealed]Section 94D: repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 76 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Public notification and limited notification of applications
Heading: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 76 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
95 Time limit for public notification or limited notification
(1)
A consent authority must, within the time limit specified in subsection (2),—
(a)
decide, in accordance with sections 95A and 95B, whether to give public or limited notification of an application for a resource consent; and
(b)
notify the application if it decides to do so.
(2)
The time limit is,—
(a)
in the case of a fast-track application, 10 working days after the day the application is first lodged; and
(b)
in the case of any other application, 20 working days after the day the application is first lodged.
Section 95: replaced, on 18 October 2017, by section 137 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
95A Public notification of consent applications
(1)
A consent authority must follow the steps set out in this section, in the order given, to determine whether to publicly notify an application for a resource consent.
Step 1: mandatory public notification in certain circumstances
(2)
Determine whether the application meets any of the criteria set out in subsection (3) and,—
(a)
if the answer is yes, publicly notify the application; and
(b)
if the answer is no, go to step 2.
(3)
The criteria for step 1 are as follows:
(a)
the applicant has requested that the application be publicly notified:
(b)
public notification is required under section 95C:
(c)
the application is made jointly with an application to exchange recreation reserve land under section 15AA of the Reserves Act 1977.
Step 2: if not required by step 1, public notification precluded in certain circumstances
(4)
Determine whether the application meets either of the criteria set out in subsection (5) and,—
(a)
if the answer is yes, go to step 4 (step 3 does not apply); and
(b)
if the answer is no, go to step 3.
(5)
The criteria for step 2 are as follows:
(a)
the application is for a resource consent for 1 or more activities and public notification is precluded for each activity by 1 or more of the following:
(i)
a rule:
(ii)
a national environmental standard:
(iii)
an infrastructure design solution:
(iv)
a stormwater environmental performance standard:
(v)
a wastewater environmental performance standard:
(b)
the application is for a resource consent for 1 or more of the following, but no other, activities:
(i)
a controlled activity:
(ii)
[Repealed](iii)
a restricted discretionary, discretionary, or non-complying activity, but only if the activity is a boundary activity.
(iv)
[Repealed](6)
[Repealed]Step 3: if not precluded by step 2, public notification required in certain circumstances
(7)
Determine whether the application meets either of the criteria set out in subsection (8) and,—
(a)
if the answer is yes, publicly notify the application; and
(b)
if the answer is no, go to step 4.
(8)
The criteria for step 3 are as follows:
(a)
the application is for a resource consent for 1 or more activities, and any of those activities is subject to a rule or national environmental standard that requires public notification:
(b)
the consent authority decides, in accordance with section 95D, that the activity will have or is likely to have adverse effects on the environment that are more than minor.
Step 4: public notification in special circumstances
(9)
Determine whether special circumstances exist in relation to the application that warrant the application being publicly notified and,—
(a)
if the answer is yes, publicly notify the application; and
(b)
if the answer is no, do not publicly notify the application, but determine whether to give limited notification of the application under section 95B.
Section 95A: replaced, on 18 October 2017, by section 137 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 95A(5)(a): replaced, on 27 August 2025, by section 78 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 95A(5)(b)(ii): repealed, on 30 September 2020, by section 33(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 95A(5)(b)(iv): repealed, on 30 September 2020, by section 33(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 95A(6): repealed, on 30 September 2020, by section 33(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
95B Limited notification of consent applications
(1)
A consent authority must follow the steps set out in this section, in the order given, to determine whether to give limited notification of an application for a resource consent, if the application is not publicly notified under section 95A.
Step 1: certain affected groups and affected persons must be notified
(2)
Determine whether there are any—
(a)
affected protected customary rights groups; or
(b)
affected customary marine title groups (in the case of an application for a resource consent for an accommodated activity).
(3)
Determine—
(a)
whether the proposed activity is on or adjacent to, or may affect, land that is the subject of a statutory acknowledgement made in accordance with an Act specified in Schedule 11; and
(b)
whether the person to whom the statutory acknowledgement is made is an affected person under section 95E.
(4)
Notify the application to each affected group identified under subsection (2) and each affected person identified under subsection (3).
Step 2: if not required by step 1, limited notification precluded in certain circumstances
(5)
Determine whether the application meets either of the criteria set out in subsection (6) and,—
(a)
if the answer is yes, go to step 4 (step 3 does not apply); and
(b)
if the answer is no, go to step 3.
(6)
The criteria for step 2 are as follows:
(a)
the application is for a resource consent for 1 or more activities and public notification is precluded for each activity by 1 or more of the following:
(i)
a rule:
(ii)
a national environmental standard:
(iii)
an infrastructure design solution:
(iv)
a stormwater environmental performance standard:
(v)
a wastewater environmental performance standard:
(b)
the application is for a controlled activity (but no other activities) that requires a resource consent under a district plan (other than a subdivision of land).
Step 3: if not precluded by step 2, certain other affected persons must be notified
(7)
In the case of a boundary activity, determine in accordance with section 95E whether an owner of an allotment with an infringed boundary is an affected person.
(8)
In the case of any other activity, determine whether a person is an affected person in accordance with section 95E.
(9)
Notify each affected person identified under subsections (7) and (8) of the application.
Step 4: further notification in special circumstances
(10)
Determine whether special circumstances exist in relation to the application that warrant notification of the application to any other persons not already determined to be eligible for limited notification under this section (excluding persons assessed under section 95E as not being affected persons), and,—
(a)
if the answer is yes, notify those persons; and
(b)
if the answer is no, do not notify anyone else.
Section 95B: replaced, on 18 October 2017, by section 137 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 95B(6)(a): replaced, on 27 August 2025, by section 79 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 95B(6)(b): replaced, on 1 July 2020, by section 34(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 95B(7): replaced, on 1 July 2020, by section 34(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
95C Public notification of consent application after request for further information or report
(1)
A consent authority must publicly notify an application for a resource consent (see section 95A(2) and (3)) if—
(a)
it has not already decided whether to give public or limited notification of the application; and
(b)
subsection (2) or (3) applies.
(2)
This subsection applies if the consent authority requests further information on the application under section 92(1), but the applicant—
(a)
does not provide the information before the deadline concerned; or
(b)
refuses to provide the information.
(3)
This subsection applies if the consent authority notifies the applicant under section 92(2)(b) that it wants to commission a report, but the applicant—
(a)
does not respond before the deadline concerned; or
(b)
refuses to agree to the commissioning of the report.
(4)
This section applies despite any rule or national environmental standard that precludes public or limited notification of the application.
Section 95C: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 76 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 95C(1): amended, on 18 October 2017, by section 138 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
95D Consent authority decides if adverse effects likely to be more than minor
A consent authority that is deciding, for the purpose of section 95A(8)(b), whether an activity will have or is likely to have adverse effects on the environment that are more than minor—
(a)
must disregard any effects on persons who own or occupy—
(i)
the land in, on, or over which the activity will occur; or
(ii)
any land adjacent to that land; and
(b)
may disregard an adverse effect of the activity if a rule or national environmental standard permits an activity with that effect; and
(c)
in the case of a restricted discretionary activity, must disregard an adverse effect of the activity that does not relate to a matter for which a rule or national environmental standard restricts discretion; and
(d)
must disregard trade competition and the effects of trade competition; and
(e)
must disregard any effect on a person who has given written approval to the relevant application.
Section 95D: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 76 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 95D: amended, on 18 October 2017, by section 139(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 95D(c): amended, on 18 October 2017, by section 139(2)(a) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 95D(c): amended, on 18 October 2017, by section 139(2)(b) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
95E Consent authority decides if person is affected person
(1)
For the purpose of giving limited notification of an application for a resource consent for an activity to a person under section 95B(4) and (9) (as applicable), a person is an affected person if the consent authority decides that the activity’s adverse effects on the person are minor or more than minor (but are not less than minor).
(2)
The consent authority, in assessing an activity’s adverse effects on a person for the purpose of this section,—
(a)
may disregard an adverse effect of the activity on the person if a rule or a national environmental standard permits an activity with that effect; and
(b)
must, if the activity is a controlled activity or a restricted discretionary activity, disregard an adverse effect of the activity on the person if the effect does not relate to a matter for which a rule or a national environmental standard reserves control or restricts discretion; and
(c)
must have regard to every relevant statutory acknowledgement made in accordance with an Act specified in Schedule 11.
(3)
A person is not an affected person in relation to an application for a resource consent for an activity if—
(a)
the person has given, and not withdrawn, approval for the proposed activity in a written notice received by the consent authority before the authority has decided whether there are any affected persons; or
(b)
the consent authority is satisfied that it is unreasonable in the circumstances for the applicant to seek the person’s written approval.
(4)
Subsection (3) prevails over subsection (1).
Section 95E: replaced, on 18 October 2017, by section 140 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
95F Meaning of affected protected customary rights group
A protected customary rights group is an affected protected customary rights group, in relation to an activity in the protected customary rights area relevant to that group, if—
(a)
the activity may have adverse effects on a protected customary right carried out in accordance with the requirements of Part 3 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011; and
(b)
the protected customary rights group has not given written approval for the activity or has withdrawn approval for the activity in a written notice received by the consent authority before the authority has made a decision under this section.
Section 95F: replaced, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 95F heading: amended, on 18 October 2017, by section 141(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 95F: amended, on 18 October 2017, by section 141(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
95G Meaning of affected customary marine title group
A customary marine title group is an affected customary marine title group, in relation to an accommodated activity in the customary marine title area relevant to that group, if—
(a)
the activity may have adverse effects on the exercise of the rights applying to a customary marine title group under subpart 3 of Part 3 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011; and
(b)
the customary marine title group has not given written approval for the activity in a written notice received by the consent authority before the authority has made a decision under this section.
Section 95G: inserted, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 95G heading: amended, on 18 October 2017, by section 142(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 95G: amended, on 18 October 2017, by section 142(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Submissions on applications
96 Making submissions
(1)
If an application for a resource consent is publicly notified, a person described in subsection (2) may make a submission about it to the consent authority.
(2)
Any person may make a submission, but the person’s right to make a submission is limited by section 308B if the person is a person A as defined in section 308A and the applicant is a person B as defined in section 308A.
(3)
If an application for a resource consent is the subject of limited notification, a person described in subsection (4) may make a submission about it to the consent authority.
(4)
A person served with notice of the application may make a submission, but the person’s right to make a submission is limited by section 308B if the person is a person A as defined in section 308A and the applicant is a person B as defined in section 308A.
(5)
A submission must be in the prescribed form.
(6)
A submission must be served—
(a)
on the consent authority within the time allowed by section 97; and
(b)
on the applicant as soon as is reasonably practicable after service on the consent authority.
(7)
A submission may state whether—
(a)
it supports the application; or
(b)
it opposes the application; or
(c)
it is neutral.
Section 96: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 77 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
97 Time limit for submissions
(1)
This section specifies the closing date for serving submissions on a consent authority that has notified an application.
(2)
If public notification was given, the closing date is the 20th working day after the date of public notification.
(3)
If limited notification was given, the closing date is the 20th working day after the date of limited notification.
(4)
However, if limited notification was given, the consent authority may adopt as an earlier closing date the day on which the consent authority has received from all affected persons a submission, written approval for the application, or written notice that the person will not make a submission.
Section 97: replaced, on 3 March 2015, by section 100 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
98 Advice of submissions to applicant
As soon as reasonably practicable after the closing date for submissions, the consent authority shall provide the applicant with a list of all submissions received by it.
Pre-hearing meetings and mediation
Heading: amended, on 10 August 2005, by section 57(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
99 Pre-hearing meetings
(1)
A consent authority may invite or require a person who has made an application for a resource consent and some or all of the persons who have made submissions on the application to attend a meeting with the following:
(a)
each other or one another; and
(b)
the authority; and
(c)
anyone else whose presence at the meeting the authority considers appropriate.
(2)
The authority may invite or require persons to attend a meeting—
(a)
either—
(i)
at the request of 1 or more of the persons; or
(ii)
on its own initiative; and
(b)
only for the purpose of—
(i)
clarifying a matter or issue; or
(ii)
facilitating resolution of a matter or issue.
(3)
The authority may require persons to attend a meeting only with the consent of the person who made the application.
(4)
A person who is a member, delegate, or officer of the authority, and who has the power to make the decision on the application that is the subject of the meeting, may attend and participate if—
(a)
the authority is satisfied that its member, delegate, or officer should be able to attend and participate; and
(b)
all the persons at the meeting agree.
(5)
The chairperson of the meeting must, before the hearing, prepare a report that—
(a)
does not include anything communicated or made available at the meeting on a without prejudice basis; and
(b)
for the parties who attended the meeting,—
(i)
sets out the issues that were agreed; and
(ii)
sets out the issues that are outstanding; and
(c)
for all the parties,—
(i)
may set out the nature of the evidence that the parties are to call at the hearing; and
(ii)
may set out the order in which the parties are to call the evidence at the hearing; and
(iii)
may set out a proposed timetable for the hearing.
(6)
The chairperson of the meeting must, before the hearing, send the report to the authority and all the parties so that they have it at least 5 working days before the hearing.
(7)
The consent authority must have regard to the report in making its decision on the application.
(8)
If a person required to attend a meeting fails to do so, and does not give a reasonable excuse, the consent authority may decline—
(a)
to process the person’s application; or
(b)
to consider the person’s submission.
(9)
If the consent authority declines, under subsection (8)(a), to process the person’s application,—
(a)
the person may not appeal under section 120 against the decision; and
(b)
the person may object under section 357A against the decision.
(10)
If the consent authority declines, under subsection (8)(b), to consider the person’s submission, the person—
(a)
may not appeal under section 120 against—
(i)
the decision to decline to consider the submission; or
(ii)
the decision on the application; and
(b)
may not become under section 274 a party to proceedings; and
(c)
may object under section 357A against the decision to decline to consider the submission.
Section 99: replaced, on 10 August 2005, by section 57(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
99A Mediation
(1)
A consent authority may refer to mediation a person who has made an application for a resource consent and some or all of the persons who have made submissions on the application.
(2)
The authority may exercise the power in subsection (1)—
(a)
either—
(i)
at the request of one of the persons; or
(ii)
on its own initiative; and
(b)
only with the consent of all the persons being referred; and
(c)
only for the purpose of mediating between the persons on a matter or issue.
(3)
Mediation under this section must be conducted by—
(a)
a person to whom the authority delegates, under section 34A, the power to mediate; or
(b)
a person whom the authority appoints to mediate, if the authority is the person who has made an application for a resource consent.
(4)
The person who conducts the mediation must report the outcome of the mediation to the consent authority.
Section 99A: inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 58 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Hearings
100 Obligation to hold a hearing
A hearing need not be held in accordance with this Act in respect of an application for a resource consent unless—
(a)
the consent authority considers that a hearing is necessary; or
(b)
either the applicant or a person who made a submission in respect of that application has requested to be heard and has not subsequently advised that he or she does not wish to be heard.
Section 100: amended, on 1 August 2003, by section 95 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
100A Hearing by commissioner if requested by applicant or submitter
(1)
This section applies in relation to an application for a resource consent if—
(a)
the application is notified; and
(b)
in accordance with section 100, a hearing of the application is to be held.
(2)
The applicant, or a person who makes a submission on the application, may request in writing that a local authority delegate its functions, powers, and duties required to hear and decide the application in accordance with subsection (4).
(3)
The request must be made no later than 5 working days after the closing date for submissions on the application.
(4)
If the local authority receives a request under subsection (2), it must delegate, under section 34A(1), its functions, powers, and duties required to hear and decide the application to 1 or more hearings commissioners who are not members of the local authority.
Section 100A: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 78 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
101 Hearing date and notice
(1)
If a hearing of an application for a resource consent is to be held, the consent authority shall fix a commencement date and time, and the place, of the hearing.
(2)
If the application was not notified, the date for the commencement of the hearing must be within 35 working days after the date the application was first lodged with the consent authority.
(2A)
[Repealed](3)
The consent authority shall give at least 10 working days’ notice of the commencement date and time, and the place, of a hearing of an application for a resource consent to—
(a)
the applicant; and
(b)
every person who made a submission on the application stating his or her wish to be heard and who has not subsequently advised that he or she does not wish to be heard.
(4)
Where a joint hearing is to be held under section 102 the consent authorities concerned shall ensure that every applicant and every person who made a submission is aware of the joint hearing.
Section 101(2): replaced, on 3 March 2015, by section 101 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 101(2A): repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 79 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 101(4): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 51(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
102 Joint hearings by 2 or more consent authorities
(1)
Where applications for resource consents in relation to the same proposal have been made to 2 or more consent authorities, and those consent authorities have decided to hear the applications, the consent authorities shall jointly hear and consider those applications unless—
(a)
all the consent authorities agree that the applications are sufficiently unrelated that a joint hearing is unnecessary; and
(b)
the applicant agrees that a joint hearing need not be held.
(2)
When a joint hearing is to be held, the regional council for the area concerned shall be responsible for notifying the hearing, setting the procedure, and providing administrative services, unless the consent authorities involved in the hearing agree that another authority should be so responsible.
(3)
Where 2 or more consent authorities jointly hear applications for resource consents, they shall jointly decide those applications unless—
(a)
any application is for a restricted coastal activity; or
(b)
any of the consent authorities consider on reasonable grounds that it is not appropriate to do so.
(4)
Where 2 or more consent authorities jointly decide applications for a resource consent in accordance with subsection (3), they shall identify in their decision on those applications—
(a)
their respective responsibilities for the administration of any consents granted, including monitoring and enforcement; and
(b)
the manner in which administrative charges will be allocated between the consent authorities,—
and any consent shall be issued by the relevant consent authority accordingly.
(4A)
Where 2 or more consent authorities separately decide applications, and all the consent authorities have agreed to grant a resource consent, they shall ensure any conditions to be imposed are not inconsistent with each other.
(5)
In any appeal under section 120 against a joint decision under subsection (4), the respondent shall be the consent authority whose consent is the subject of the appeal.
(6)
This section shall also apply to any other matter the consent authorities are empowered to decide or recommend on under this Act in relation to the same proposal.
(7)
If a consent authority delegates its functions, powers, and duties in relation to a matter to 1 or more hearings commissioners in accordance with section 100A, and a joint hearing under this section includes the matter, then those commissioners must represent the consent authority in the joint hearing in relation to the matter.
Section 102(4A): inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 52(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 102(6): inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 52(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 102(7): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 80 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
103 Combined hearings in respect of 2 or more applications
(1)
Where 2 or more applications for resource consents in relation to the same proposal have been made to a consent authority, and that consent authority has decided to hear the applications, the consent authority shall hear and decide those applications together unless—
(a)
the consent authority is of the opinion that the applications are sufficiently unrelated so that it is unnecessary to hear and decide the applications together; and
(b)
the applicant agrees that a combined hearing need not be held.
(2)
This section shall also apply to any other matter the consent authority is empowered to decide or recommend on under this Act in relation to the same proposal.
(3)
If a consent authority delegates its functions, powers, and duties in relation to a matter to 1 or more hearings commissioners in accordance with section 100A, and the matter is to be heard and decided together with other matters under this section, then all of the matters must be heard and decided by those commissioners.
Section 103(2): inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 53 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 103(3): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 81 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
103A Time limit for completion of hearing of notified application
(1)
This section applies to a hearing of an application for a resource consent that was notified.
(2)
If public notification was given, the hearing must be completed no later than 75 working days after the closing date for submissions on the application.
(3)
If limited notification was given, the hearing must be completed no later than 45 working days after the closing date for submissions on the application.
Section 103A: replaced, on 3 March 2015, by section 102 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
103B Requirement to provide report and other evidence before hearing
(1)
This section applies to a hearing of an application for a resource consent that was notified.
(2)
The consent authority must provide the following (the authority’s evidence) to the applicant, and to every person who made a submission and stated a wish to be heard at the hearing, at least 15 working days before the hearing:
(a)
a copy of any written report prepared under section 42A(1); and
(b)
briefs of any other evidence to be called by the authority.
(3)
The applicant must provide briefs of evidence (the applicant’s evidence) to the consent authority at least 10 working days before the hearing.
(4)
A person who has made a submission and who is intending to call expert evidence must provide briefs of the evidence (the submitter’s evidence) to the consent authority and the applicant at least 5 working days before the hearing.
(5)
The consent authority must make the following available at its office to the persons specified:
(a)
the authority’s evidence, to any person who made a submission and did not state a wish to be heard:
(b)
the applicant’s evidence, to any person who made a submission:
(c)
any submitter’s evidence, to any other person who made a submission.
(6)
The consent authority must give written or electronic notice that evidence is available at its office to each person to whom the evidence is made available.
(7)
This section overrides sections 41B and 42A(3) to (5).
Section 103B: inserted, on 3 March 2015, by section 102 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Decisions
104 Consideration of applications
(1)
When considering an application for a resource consent and any submissions received, the consent authority must, subject to Part 2 and section 77M, have regard to–
(a)
any actual and potential effects on the environment of allowing the activity; and
(ab)
any measure proposed or agreed to by the applicant for the purpose of ensuring positive effects on the environment to offset or compensate for any adverse effects on the environment that will or may result from allowing the activity; and
(b)
any relevant provisions of—
(i)
a national environmental standard:
(ia)
a wastewater environmental performance standard:
(ib)
a stormwater environmental performance standard:
(ic)
an infrastructure design solution:
(ii)
other regulations:
(iii)
a national policy statement:
(iv)
a New Zealand coastal policy statement:
(v)
a regional policy statement or proposed regional policy statement:
(vi)
a plan or proposed plan; and
(c)
any other matter the consent authority considers relevant and reasonably necessary to determine the application.
(2)
When forming an opinion for the purposes of subsection (1)(a), a consent authority may disregard an adverse effect of the activity on the environment if a national environmental standard or the plan permits an activity with that effect.
(2A)
When considering an application affected by section 124 or 165ZH(1)(c), the consent authority must have regard to the value of the investment of the existing consent holder.
(2B)
When considering a resource consent application for an activity in an area within the scope of a planning document prepared by a customary marine title group under section 85 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011, a consent authority must have regard to any resource management matters set out in that planning document.
(2C)
Subsection (2B) applies until such time as the regional council, in the case of a consent authority that is a regional council, has completed its obligations in relation to its regional planning documents under section 93 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011.
(2D)
When considering a resource consent application that relates to a wastewater network, as defined in section 5 of the Water Services Act 2021,—
(a)
a consent authority must not grant the consent contrary to—
(i)
a wastewater environmental performance standard made under section 138 of that Act; or
(ii)
an infrastructure design solution; and
(b)
a consent authority must include, as a condition of granting the consent, requirements that are no more or less restrictive than is necessary to give effect to—
(i)
the wastewater environmental performance standard; or
(ii)
the infrastructure design solution.
(2DA)
However, subsection (2D)—
(a)
does not apply if an exception under a wastewater environmental performance standard or an infrastructure design solution applies; and
(b)
except as expressly otherwise provided in this Act, does not prevent a consent authority from including, as a condition of granting a resource consent, a requirement that relates to any activity, effect, or other matter that a wastewater environmental standard or an infrastructure design solution does not regulate or manage.
(2E)
When considering a resource consent application that relates to a stormwater network, as defined in section 5 of the Water Services Act 2021, a consent authority—
(a)
must not grant the consent contrary to—
(i)
a stormwater environmental performance standard made under section 139A of that Act; or
(ii)
an infrastructure design solution; and
(b)
must include, as a condition of granting the consent, requirements that are no more or less restrictive than is necessary to give effect to—
(i)
the stormwater environmental performance standard; or
(ii)
the infrastructure design solution.
(2EAAA)
However, subsection (2E)—
(a)
does not apply if an exception under a stormwater environmental performance standard or an infrastructure design solution applies; and
(b)
except as expressly otherwise provided in this Act, does not prevent a consent authority from including, as a condition of granting a resource consent, a requirement that relates to any activity, effect, or other matter that a stormwater environmental standard or an infrastructure design solution does not regulate or manage.
(2EA)
When considering a resource consent application, a consent authority may have regard to any previous or current abatement notices, enforcement orders, infringement notices, or convictions under this Act received by the applicant, if the applicant is not a natural person or, if the applicant is a natural person, received by the applicant within the previous 7 years.
(2F)
When considering an application and any submissions received, a consent authority must not have regard to clause 1.3(5) or 2.1 of the NPSFM 2020 (which relates to the hierarchy of obligations in the NPSFM 2020).
(2G)
Subsection (2F) applies despite subsection (1)(b)(iii) and any other provision of this Act.
(3)
A consent authority must not,—
(a)
when considering an application, have regard to—
(i)
trade competition or the effects of trade competition; or
(ii)
any effect on a person who has given written approval to the application:
(b)
[Repealed](c)
grant a resource consent contrary to—
(i)
section 107, 107A, or 217:
(ii)
an Order in Council in force under section 152:
(iii)
any regulations:
(iv)
wāhi tapu conditions included in a customary marine title order or agreement:
(v)
section 55(2) of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011:
(d)
grant a resource consent if the application should have been notified and was not.
(3A)
See also section 103(3) of the Urban Development Act 2020 (which relates to resource consents in project areas in transitional periods for specified development projects (as those terms are defined in section 9 of that Act)).
(4)
A consent authority considering an application must ignore subsection (3)(a)(ii) if the person withdraws the approval in a written notice received by the consent authority before the date of the hearing, if there is one, or, if there is not, before the application is determined.
(5)
A consent authority may grant a resource consent on the basis that the activity is a controlled activity, a restricted discretionary activity, a discretionary activity, or a non-complying activity, regardless of what type of activity the application was expressed to be for.
(6)
A consent authority may decline an application for a resource consent on the grounds that it has inadequate information to determine the application.
(6A)
A consent authority may decline an application for a resource consent if the applicant has a record of significant non-compliance with a requirement of this Act—
(a)
that is ongoing or repeated; and
(b)
that, if the applicant is not a natural person, has been or is the subject of an enforcement order or a conviction under this Act or, if the applicant is a natural person, has been or is the subject of an enforcement order or a conviction under this Act within the previous 7 years.
(7)
In making an assessment on the adequacy of the information, the consent authority must have regard to whether any request made of the applicant for further information or reports resulted in further information or any report being available.
Section 104: replaced, on 1 August 2003, by section 44 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 104(1): amended, on 21 December 2021, by section 13 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
Section 104(1)(ab): inserted, on 18 October 2017, by section 143 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 104(1)(b): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 83(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 104(1)(b)(ia): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 80(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 104(1)(b)(ib): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 80(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 104(1)(b)(ic): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 80(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 104(2): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 83(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 104(2A): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 59 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 104(2A): amended, on 1 October 2011, by section 23(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 104(2B): inserted, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 104(2B): amended, on 4 September 2013, by section 17 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 104(2C): inserted, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 104(2D): replaced, on 27 August 2025, by section 80(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 104(2DA): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 80(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 104(2E): replaced, on 27 August 2025, by section 80(3) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 104(2EAAA): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 80(3) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 104(2EA): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 38(1) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 104(2F): inserted, on 25 October 2024, by section 23 of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
Section 104(2G): inserted, on 25 October 2024, by section 23 of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
Section 104(3): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 83(3) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 104(3)(a): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 83(4) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 104(3)(b): repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 83(4) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 104(3)(c): replaced, on 17 January 2005, by section 24 of the Resource Management (Foreshore and Seabed) Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 94).
Section 104(3)(c)(i): replaced, on 28 September 2008, by section 6 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 95).
Section 104(3)(c)(i): amended, on 1 October 2011, by section 23(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 104(3)(c)(iv): replaced, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 104(3)(c)(v): inserted, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 104(3)(d): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 104(3A): inserted, on 7 August 2020, by section 300 of the Urban Development Act 2020 (2020 No 42).
Section 104(4): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 83(5) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 104(6): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 83(6) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 104(6A): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 38(2) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 104(7): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 83(6) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
104A Determination of applications for controlled activities
After considering an application for a resource consent for a controlled activity, a consent authority—
(a)
must grant the resource consent, unless it has insufficient information to determine whether or not the activity is a controlled activity; and
(b)
may impose conditions on the consent under section 108 only for those matters—
(i)
over which control is reserved in national environmental standards, wastewater environmental performance standards, stormwater environmental performance standards, infrastructure design solutions, or other regulations; or
(ii)
over which it has reserved its control in its plan or proposed plan.
Section 104A: inserted, on 1 August 2003, by section 44 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 104A(a): replaced, on 10 August 2005, by section 60 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 104A(b): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 84 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 104A(b)(i): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 81 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
104B Determination of applications for discretionary or non-complying activities
After considering an application for a resource consent for a discretionary activity or non-complying activity, a consent authority—
(a)
may grant or refuse the application; and
(b)
if it grants the application, may impose conditions under section 108.
Section 104B: inserted, on 1 August 2003, by section 44 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
104C Determination of applications for restricted discretionary activities
(1)
When considering an application for a resource consent for a restricted discretionary activity, a consent authority must consider only those matters over which—
(a)
a discretion is restricted in national environmental standards, wastewater environmental performance standards, stormwater environmental performance standards, infrastructure design solutions, or other regulations:
(b)
it has restricted the exercise of its discretion in its plan or proposed plan.
(2)
The consent authority may grant or refuse the application.
(3)
However, if it grants the application, the consent authority may impose conditions under section 108 only for those matters over which—
(a)
a discretion is restricted in national environmental standards, wastewater environmental performance standards, stormwater environmental performance standards, infrastructure design solutions, or other regulations:
(b)
it has restricted the exercise of its discretion in its plan or proposed plan.
Section 104C: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 85 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 104C(1)(a): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 82 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 104C(3)(a): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 82 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
104D Particular restrictions for non-complying activities
(1)
Despite any decision made for the purpose of notification in relation to adverse effects, a consent authority may grant a resource consent for a non-complying activity only if it is satisfied that either—
(a)
the adverse effects of the activity on the environment (other than any effect to which section 104(3)(a)(ii) applies) will be minor; or
(b)
the application is for an activity that will not be contrary to the objectives and policies of—
(i)
the relevant plan, if there is a plan but no proposed plan in respect of the activity; or
(ii)
the relevant proposed plan, if there is a proposed plan but no relevant plan in respect of the activity; or
(iii)
both the relevant plan and the relevant proposed plan, if there is both a plan and a proposed plan in respect of the activity.
(2)
To avoid doubt, section 104(2) applies to the determination of an application for a non-complying activity.
Section 104D: inserted, on 1 August 2003, by section 44 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 104D(1): amended, on 18 October 2017, by section 144 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 104D(1): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 104D(1)(a): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
104DA Circumstances in which consent authority may grant resource consent contrary to standards and solutions
(1)
Despite the provisions listed in subsection (2), a consent authority may grant a resource consent contrary to a stormwater environmental performance standard, a wastewater environmental performance standard, or an infrastructure design solution for the purpose of giving effect to—
(a)
Te Ture Whaimana o Te Awa o Waikato—the Vision and Strategy for the Waikato River; or
(b)
a provision that is included in a regional policy statement or a proposed regional policy statement to give effect to Te Ture Whaimana o Te Awa o Waikato—the Vision and Strategy for the Waikato River; or
(c)
a provision that—
(i)
is included in a plan or proposed plan to give effect to Te Ture Whaimana o Te Awa o Waikato—the Vision and Strategy for the Waikato River; and
(ii)
is more stringent than the environmental performance standard or infrastructure design solution.
(2)
The provisions are—
(a)
(c)
(d)
(f)
Section 104DA: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 83 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Decisions on applications relating to discharge of greenhouse gases[Repealed]
Heading: repealed, on 4 September 2013, by section 18 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
104E Applications relating to discharge of greenhouse gases
[Repealed]Section 104E: repealed, on 30 November 2022, by section 35 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
104F Implementation of national environmental standards
[Repealed]Section 104F: repealed, on 30 November 2022, by section 36 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
104G Consideration of activities affecting drinking water supply source water
When considering an application for a resource consent, the consent authority must have regard to—
(a)
the actual or potential effect of the proposed activity on the source of a drinking water supply that is registered under section 55 of the Water Services Act 2021; and
(b)
any risks that the proposed activity may pose to the source of a drinking water supply that are identified in a source water risk management plan prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Water Services Act 2021.
Section 104G: inserted, on 15 November 2021, by section 206(1) of the Water Services Act 2021 (2021 No 36).
105 Matters relevant to certain applications
(1)
If an application is for a discharge permit or coastal permit to do something that would contravene section 15 or section 15B, the consent authority must, in addition to the matters in section 104(1), have regard to—
(a)
the nature of the discharge and the sensitivity of the receiving environment to adverse effects; and
(b)
the applicant’s reasons for the proposed choice; and
(c)
any possible alternative methods of discharge, including discharge into any other receiving environment.
(2)
If an application is for a resource consent for a reclamation, the consent authority must, in addition to the matters in section 104(1), consider whether an esplanade reserve or esplanade strip is appropriate and, if so, impose a condition under section 108(2)(g) on the resource consent.
(3)
However, subsections (1) and (2) do not apply if an application is for an activity—
(a)
that is regulated by a wastewater environmental performance standard or a stormwater environmental performance standard and the application complies with the relevant environmental performance standard; or
(b)
that is regulated by an infrastructure design solution and the application complies with the infrastructure design solution.
Section 105: replaced, on 1 August 2003, by section 44 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 105(3): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 84 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
106 Consent authority may refuse subdivision consent in certain circumstances
(1)
A consent authority may refuse to grant a subdivision consent, or may grant a subdivision consent subject to conditions, if it considers that—
(a)
there is a significant risk from natural hazards; or
(b)
[Repealed](c)
sufficient provision has not been made for legal and physical access to each allotment to be created by the subdivision.
(1A)
For the purpose of subsection (1)(a), an assessment of the risk from natural hazards requires a combined assessment of all of the following taken together:
(a)
the likelihood of natural hazards occurring (whether individually or in combination):
(b)
the material damage to land in respect of which the consent is sought, other land, or structures that would result from natural hazards:
(c)
any likely subsequent use of the land in respect of which the consent is sought that would accelerate, worsen, or result in material damage of the kind referred to in paragraph (b).
(2)
Conditions under subsection (1) must be—
(a)
for the purposes of avoiding, remedying, or mitigating the effects referred to in subsection (1); and
(b)
of a type that could be imposed under section 108.
Section 106: replaced, on 1 August 2003, by section 44 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 106(1): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 106(1)(a): replaced, on 18 October 2017, by section 145(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 106(1)(b): repealed, on 18 October 2017, by section 145(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 106(1A): replaced, on 21 August 2025, by section 39 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
106A Consent authority may refuse land use consent in certain circumstances
(1)
A consent authority may refuse to grant a land use consent, or may grant the consent subject to conditions, if it considers that there is a significant risk from natural hazards.
(2)
For the purposes of subsection (1), an assessment of the risk from natural hazards requires a combined assessment of all of the following taken together:
(a)
the likelihood of natural hazards occurring (whether individually or in combination):
(b)
the material damage to land in respect of which the consent is sought, other land, or structures that would result from natural hazards:
(c)
whether the proposed use of the land would accelerate, worsen, or result in material damage of the kind referred to in paragraph (b):
(d)
whether the proposed use of the land would result in adverse effects on the health or safety of people.
(3)
Conditions imposed under subsection (1) must be—
(a)
for the purposes of avoiding or mitigating the effects referred to in subsection (1); and
(b)
of a type that could be imposed under section 108.
(4)
This section does not apply to land use consents if the use of the land for which the consent is sought is—
(a)
construction, upgrade, maintenance, or operation of infrastructure; or
(b)
primary production activities, as described in the national planning standards.
Section 106A: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 40 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
107 Restriction on grant of certain discharge permits
(1)
Except as provided in subsection (2) or (2A), a consent authority shall not grant a discharge permit or a coastal permit to do something that would otherwise contravene section 15 or section 15A allowing—
(a)
the discharge of a contaminant or water into water; or
(b)
a discharge of a contaminant onto or into land in circumstances which may result in that contaminant (or any other contaminant emanating as a result of natural processes from that contaminant) entering water; or
(ba)
the dumping in the coastal marine area from any ship, aircraft, or offshore installation of any waste or other matter that is a contaminant,—
if, after reasonable mixing, the contaminant or water discharged (either by itself or in combination with the same, similar, or other contaminants or water), is likely to give rise to all or any of the following effects in the receiving waters:
(c)
the production of any conspicuous oil or grease films, scums or foams, or floatable or suspended materials:
(d)
any conspicuous change in the colour or visual clarity:
(e)
any emission of objectionable odour:
(f)
the rendering of fresh water unsuitable for consumption by farm animals:
(g)
any significant adverse effects on aquatic life.
(2)
A consent authority may grant a discharge permit or a coastal permit to do something that would otherwise contravene section 15 or section 15A that may allow any of the effects described in subsection (1) if it is satisfied—
(a)
that exceptional circumstances justify the granting of the permit; or
(b)
that the discharge is of a temporary nature; or
(c)
that the discharge is associated with necessary maintenance work—
and that it is consistent with the purpose of this Act to do so.
(2A)
A consent authority may grant a discharge permit or a coastal permit to do something that would otherwise contravene section 15 or 15A that may allow the effects described in subsection (1)(g) if the consent authority—
(a)
is satisfied that, at the time of granting, there are already effects described in subsection (1)(g) in the receiving waters; and
(b)
imposes conditions on the permit; and
(c)
is satisfied that those conditions will contribute to a reduction of the effects described in subsection (1)(g) over the duration of the permit.
(3)
In addition to any other conditions imposed under this Act, a discharge permit or coastal permit may include conditions requiring the holder of the permit to undertake such works in such stages throughout the term of the permit as will ensure that upon the expiry of the permit the holder can meet the requirements of subsection (1) and of any relevant regional rules.
(4)
However, this section does not apply if an application is for an activity—
(a)
that is regulated by a wastewater environmental performance standard or a stormwater environmental performance standard and the application complies with the relevant environmental performance standard; or
(b)
that is regulated by an infrastructure design solution and the application complies with the design solution.
Section 107(1): amended, on 25 October 2024, by section 24(1) of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
Section 107(1): amended, on 20 August 1998, by section 14(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 105).
Section 107(1): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 57(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 107(1)(b): replaced, on 20 August 1998, by section 14(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 105).
Section 107(1)(ba): inserted, on 20 August 1998, by section 14(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 105).
Section 107(2): replaced, on 17 December 1997, by section 23(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 107(2): amended, on 20 August 1998, by section 14(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 105).
Section 107(2A): inserted, on 25 October 2024, by section 24(2) of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
Section 107(3): replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 57(4) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 107(4): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 85 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
107A Restrictions on grant of resource consents
[Repealed]Section 107A: repealed, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
107B Provision for certain infrastructure works and related operations
[Repealed]Section 107B: repealed, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
107C Circumstances when written approval for resource consent required from holder of customary rights order
[Repealed]Section 107C: repealed, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
107D Process to apply if grant of resource consent has effect of cancelling customary rights order
[Repealed]Section 107D: repealed, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Decisions on applications relating to non-aquaculture activities[Repealed]
Heading: repealed, on 1 October 2011, by section 24 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
107E Decision on application to undertake non-aquaculture activity in aquaculture management area
[Repealed]Section 107E: repealed, on 1 October 2011, by section 25 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
107F Applications to undertake aquaculture activities
(1)
This section applies to an application for a coastal permit authorising aquaculture activities to be undertaken in the coastal marine area, other than an application referred to in subsection (2), including an application under subpart 4 of Part 7A.
(2)
This section does not apply to an application that relates to—
(a)
an area—
(i)
that is or was subject to a lease, licence, marine farming permit, or spat catching permit that was deemed under section 10, 20, or 21 of the Aquaculture Reform (Repeals and Transitional Provisions) Act 2004 to be a coastal permit granted under this Act; and
(ii)
where, since the date on which the lease, licence, marine farming permit, or spat catching permit was deemed to be a coastal permit, aquaculture activities have been continuously authorised under that permit or another permit granted under this Act; or
(b)
an area that is or was subject to the coastal permit referred to in section 20A of the Aquaculture Reform (Repeals and Transitional Provisions) Act 2004 and where, since the date the coastal permit was deemed to be granted, aquaculture activities have been continuously authorised under that permit or another permit granted under this Act; or
(c)
an area in a gazetted aquaculture area within the meaning of section 35 of the Aquaculture Reform (Repeals and Transitional Provisions) Act 2004.
(3)
The consent authority must take the following actions:
(a)
unless the application is returned under section 88(3A), forward a copy of the application as soon as is reasonably practicable to the chief executive of the Ministry of Fisheries:
(b)
if information or a report is obtained in relation to the application under section 41C, 42A, 92, or 149, forward that information or report as soon as is reasonably practicable to the chief executive:
(c)
if the application is notified, as soon as is reasonably practicable after the closing date for submissions, send to the chief executive a copy of the submissions received.
(4)
For the purposes of subsection (3)(c), in the case of a concurrent application made under subpart 4 of Part 7A that is lodged with the EPA, the copy of submissions required to be sent by the EPA to the chief executive is a copy of only those submissions that relate to the concurrent application and not those that relate to its plan change request.
Section 107F: inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 26 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 107F(3)(a): amended, on 3 March 2015, by section 103 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
107G Review of draft conditions of consent
(1)
An applicant for a resource consent—
(a)
may request the consent authority to provide them with any draft conditions of the resource consent; and
(b)
must make the request before whichever of the following the consent authority does first:
(i)
the authority issues its decision on the application; or
(ii)
the authority provides a report under section 42A in accordance with section 42A(3); but
(c)
may make the request only once.
(2)
If a request is made, a consent authority—
(a)
must provide the draft conditions to the applicant and, if the application was notified, to submitters; and
(b)
may suspend the time frame that applies to the processing of the application to allow the applicant and any submitters to consider the draft conditions.
(3)
Subsection (2)(b)—
(a)
does not prevent a consent authority from continuing to process the application while the time frame is suspended; and
(b)
may be applied only once during an application process.
(4)
An applicant and any submitters must provide their comments on the draft conditions to the consent authority within a reasonable time specified by the consent authority.
(5)
A consent authority may take those comments into account only to the extent they cover technical or minor matters.
(6)
A consent authority may provide draft conditions to the persons specified in subsection (2)(a)—
(a)
more than once; and
(b)
whether or not the applicant requests the draft conditions under subsection (1); and
(c)
whether or not the time frame that applies to the processing of the application is suspended under subsection (2)(b).
Section 107G: inserted, on 20 October 2025, by section 41 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
108 Conditions of resource consents
(1)
Except as expressly provided in this section and subject to section 108AA and any wastewater environmental performance standards, any stormwater environmental performance standards, any infrastructure design solutions, and any regulations, a resource consent may be granted on any condition that the consent authority considers appropriate, including any condition of a kind referred to in subsection (2).
(2)
A resource consent may include any 1 or more of the following conditions:
(a)
subject to subsection (10), a condition requiring that a financial contribution be made:
(b)
a condition requiring provision of a bond (and describing the terms of that bond) in accordance with section 108A:
(c)
a condition requiring that services or works, including (but without limitation) the protection, planting, or replanting of any tree or other vegetation or the protection, restoration, or enhancement of any natural or physical resource, be provided:
(d)
in respect of any resource consent (other than a subdivision consent), a condition requiring that a covenant be entered into, in favour of the consent authority, in respect of the performance of any condition of the resource consent (being a condition which relates to the use of land to which the consent relates):
(da)
a condition to mitigate any risk that the resource consent may not be complied with having regard to any previous non-compliance by the applicant that is the subject of an abatement order, enforcement order, infringement notice, or conviction under this Act referred to in section 104(2EA):
(e)
subject to subsection (8), in respect of a discharge permit or a coastal permit to do something that would otherwise contravene section 15 (relating to the discharge of contaminants) or section 15B, a condition requiring the holder to adopt the best practicable option to prevent or minimise any actual or likely adverse effect on the environment of the discharge and other discharges (if any) made by the person from the same site or source:
(f)
in respect of a subdivision consent, any condition described in section 220 (notwithstanding any limitation on the imposition of conditions provided for by section 87A(2)(b) or (3)(a)):
(g)
in respect of any resource consent for reclamation granted by the relevant consent authority, a condition requiring an esplanade reserve or esplanade strip of any specified width to be set aside or created under Part 10:
(h)
in respect of any coastal permit to occupy any part of the common marine and coastal area, a condition—
(i)
detailing the extent of the exclusion of other persons:
(ii)
specifying any coastal occupation charge.
(3)
A consent authority may include as a condition of a resource consent a requirement that the holder of a resource consent supply to the consent authority information relating to the exercise of the resource consent.
(4)
Without limiting subsection (3), a condition made under that subsection may require the holder of the resource consent to do 1 or more of the following:
(a)
to make and record measurements:
(b)
to take and supply samples:
(c)
to carry out analyses, surveys, investigations, inspections, or other specified tests:
(d)
to carry out measurements, samples, analyses, surveys, investigations, inspections, or other specified tests in a specified manner:
(e)
to provide information to the consent authority at a specified time or times:
(f)
to provide information to the consent authority in a specified manner:
(g)
to comply with the condition at the holder of the resource consent’s expense.
(5)
Any conditions of a kind referred to in subsection (3) that were made before the commencement of this subsection, and any action taken or decision made as a result of such a condition, are hereby declared to be, and to have always been, as valid as they would have been if subsections (3) and (4) had been included in this Act when the conditions were made, or the action was taken, or the decision was made.
(6)
[Repealed](7)
Any condition under subsection (2)(d) may, among other things, provide that the covenant may be varied or cancelled or renewed at any time by agreement between the consent holder and the consent authority.
(8)
Before deciding to grant a discharge permit or a coastal permit to do something that would otherwise contravene section 15 (relating to the discharge of contaminants) or 15B subject to a condition described in subsection (2)(e), the consent authority shall be satisfied that, in the particular circumstances and having regard to—
(a)
the nature of the discharge and the receiving environment; and
(b)
other alternatives, including any condition requiring the observance of minimum standards of quality of the receiving environment—
the inclusion of that condition is the most efficient and effective means of preventing or minimising any actual or likely adverse effect on the environment.
(9)
In this section, financial contribution means a contribution of—
(a)
money; or
(b)
land, including an esplanade reserve or esplanade strip (other than in relation to a subdivision consent), but excluding Maori land within the meaning of Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993 unless that Act provides otherwise; or
(c)
a combination of money and land.
(10)
A consent authority must not include a condition in a resource consent requiring a financial contribution unless—
(a)
the condition is imposed in accordance with the purposes specified in the plan or proposed plan (including the purpose of ensuring positive effects on the environment to offset any adverse effect); and
(b)
the level of contribution is determined in the manner described in the plan or proposed plan.
Section 108(1): replaced, on 17 December 1997, by section 24(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 108(1): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 86 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 108(1): amended, on 18 October 2017, by section 146 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 108(2): replaced, on 17 December 1997, by section 24(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 108(2)(b): replaced, on 1 August 2003, by section 45(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 108(2)(da): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 42 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 108(2)(f): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 108(2)(h): amended, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 108(3): replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 58(6) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 108(4): replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 58(6) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 108(5): replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 58(6) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 108(6): repealed, on 1 August 2003, by section 45(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 108(7): amended, on 17 December 1997, by section 24(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 108(8): amended, on 20 August 1998, by section 24(4)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 108(8): amended, on 17 December 1997, by section 24(4)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 108(9): replaced, on 17 December 1997, by section 24(5) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 108(10): inserted, on 17 December 1997, by section 24(5) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 108(10)(a): amended, on 1 August 2003, by section 45(4) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 108(10)(b): amended, on 1 August 2003, by section 45(5) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
108AA Requirements for conditions of resource consents
(1)
A consent authority must not include a condition in a resource consent for an activity unless—
(a)
the applicant for the resource consent agrees to the condition; or
(b)
the condition is directly connected to 1 or more of the following:
(i)
an adverse effect of the activity on the environment:
(ii)
an applicable district or regional rule, or a national environmental standard:
(iii)
a wastewater environmental performance standard made under section 138 of the Water Services Act 2021:
(iv)
a stormwater environmental performance standard made under section 139A of the Water Services Act 2021:
(v)
an infrastructure design solution; or
(c)
the condition relates to administrative matters that are essential for the efficient implementation of the relevant resource consent.
(2)
Subsection (1) does not limit this Act or regulations made under it.
(3)
This section does not limit section 77A (power to make rules to apply to classes of activities and specify conditions), 106 (consent authority may refuse subdivision consent in certain circumstances), 106A (consent authority may refuse land use consent in certain circumstances), or 220 (condition of subdivision consents).
(4)
For the purpose of this section, a district or regional rule or a national environmental standard is applicable if the application of that rule or standard to the activity is the reason, or one of the reasons, that a resource consent is required for the activity.
(5)
Nothing in this section affects section 108(2)(a) (which enables a resource consent to include a condition requiring a financial contribution).
Section 108AA: inserted, on 18 October 2017, by section 147 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 108AA(1)(b): replaced, on 15 November 2021, by section 206(1) of the Water Services Act 2021 (2021 No 36).
Section 108AA(1)(b)(iv): inserted, on 17 February 2024, by section 12(1) of the Water Services Acts Repeal Act 2024 (2024 No 2).
Section 108AA(1)(b)(v): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 87 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 108AA(3): amended, on 21 August 2025, by section 43 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
108A Bonds
(1)
A bond required under section 108(2)(b) may be given for the performance of any 1 or more conditions the consent authority considers appropriate and may continue after the expiry of the resource consent to secure the ongoing performance of conditions relating to long-term effects, including—
(a)
a condition relating to the alteration or removal of structures:
(b)
a condition relating to remedial, restoration, or maintenance work:
(c)
a condition providing for ongoing monitoring of long-term effects.
(2)
A condition describing the terms of the bond to be entered into under section 108(2)(b) may—
(a)
require that the bond be given before the resource consent is exercised or at any other time:
(b)
require that section 109(1) apply to the bond:
(c)
provide that the liability of the holder of the resource consent be not limited to the amount of the bond:
(d)
require the bond to be given to secure performance of conditions of the consent including conditions relating to any adverse effects on the environment that become apparent during or after the expiry of the consent:
(e)
require the holder of the resource consent to provide such security as the consent authority thinks fit for the performance of any condition of the bond:
(f)
require the holder of the resource consent to provide a guarantor (acceptable to the consent authority) to bind itself to pay for the carrying out of a condition in the event of a default by the holder or the occurrence of an adverse environmental effect requiring remedy:
(g)
provide that the bond may be varied or cancelled or renewed at any time by agreement between the holder and the consent authority.
(3)
If a consent authority considers that an adverse effect may continue or arise at any time after the expiration of a resource consent granted by it, the consent authority may require that a bond continue for a specified period that the consent authority thinks fit.
Section 108A: inserted, on 1 August 2003, by section 46 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
109 Special provisions in respect of bonds or covenants
(1)
Every bond given under section 108A in respect of a land use consent or subdivision consent, and any other bond to which this subsection is applied as a condition of the consent, and every covenant given under section 108(2)(d),—
(a)
shall be deemed to be an instrument creating an interest in the land within the meaning of section 51 of the Land Transfer Act 2017, and may be registered accordingly; and
(b)
when registered under the Land Transfer Act 2017, shall be a covenant running with the land and shall, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in section 103 of the Land Transfer Act 2017, bind all subsequent owners of the land.
(2)
Where any such bond or covenant has been registered under the Land Transfer Act 2017 and that bond or covenant is varied, cancelled, or expires, the Registrar-General of Land shall make an appropriate entry in the register and on any relevant instrument of title noting that the bond or covenant has been varied or cancelled or has expired, and the bond or covenant shall take effect as so varied or cease to have any effect, as the case may be.
(3)
Where any bond has been given in respect of the completion of any work, or for the purposes of ascertaining whether the work has been completed to the satisfaction of the consent authority, the consent authority may from time to time, under section 171 of the Local Government Act 2002, enter on the land where the work is required to be, or is being, or has been, carried out.
(4)
Where the holder fails, within the period prescribed by the resource consent (or within such further period as the consent authority may allow), to complete, to the satisfaction of the consent authority, any work in respect of which any bond is given (including completion of any interim monitoring required)—
(a)
the consent authority may enter on the land and complete the work and recover the cost thereof from the holder out of any money or securities deposited with the consent authority or money paid by a guarantor, so far as the money or securities will extend; and
(b)
on completion of the work to the satisfaction of the consent authority, any money or securities remaining in the hands of the consent authority after payment of the cost of the works shall be returned to the holder or the guarantor, as the case may be.
(5)
Where the cost of any work done by the consent authority under subsection (4) exceeds the amount recovered by the consent authority under that subsection, the amount of that excess shall be a debt due to the consent authority by the holder, and shall thereupon be a charge on the land.
(6)
The provisions of Part 12 shall continue to apply notwithstanding the entry into or subsequent variation or cancellation of any such bond or covenant.
Section 109(1): amended, on 1 August 2003, by section 95 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 109(1): amended, on 17 December 1997, by section 25(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 109(1)(a): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 109(1)(b): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 109(2): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 109(2): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 109(3): amended, on 1 July 2003, by section 262 of the Local Government Act 2002 (2002 No 84).
Section 109(4): amended, on 1 August 2003, by section 47 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
110 Refund of money and return of land where activity does not proceed
(1)
Subject to subsection (2), where—
(a)
a resource consent includes a condition under section 108(2)(a); and
(b)
that resource consent lapses under section 125 or is cancelled under section 126 or is surrendered under section 138; and
(c)
the activity in respect of which the resource consent was granted does not proceed,—
the consent authority shall refund or return to the consent holder, or his or her personal representative, any financial contribution paid or land set aside under section 108(2)(a).
(2)
A consent authority may retain any portion of a financial contribution or land referred to in subsection (1) of a value equivalent to the costs incurred by the consent authority in relation to the activity and its discontinuance.
Section 110(1): amended, on 17 December 1997, by section 26 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 110(1): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 59 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 110(1)(a): amended, on 17 December 1997, by section 26 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 110(1)(a): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 59 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
111 Use of financial contributions
Where a consent authority has received a cash contribution under section 108(2)(a), the authority shall deal with that money in reasonable accordance with the purposes for which the money was received.
Section 111: amended, on 1 July 2003, by section 262 of the Local Government Act 2002 (2002 No 84).
Section 111: amended, on 17 December 1997, by section 27 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 111: amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 60 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
112 Obligation to pay rent and royalties deemed condition of consent
(1)
In every coastal permit authorising the holder to—
(a)
[Repealed](b)
remove any sand, shingle, shell, or other natural material, within the meaning of section 12(4), from any such land—
there shall be implied a condition that the holder shall at all times throughout the period of the permit pay to the relevant regional council, on behalf of the Crown,—
(c)
where the permit was permitted to be granted by virtue of an authorisation granted under section 161, the rent and royalties (if any) specified in the authorisation held by the permit holder; and
(d)
any sum of money required to be paid by any regulation made under section 360(1)(c).
(2)
In every water permit granted to do something that would otherwise contravene section 14(2)(c) (relating to the taking or use of geothermal energy) there shall be implied a condition that the holder shall at all times throughout the period of the permit pay to the relevant regional council, on behalf of the Crown, any sum of money required to be paid by any regulation made under section 360(1)(c).
(3)
Where an activity specified in subsection (1) or subsection (2) is a permitted activity in a plan, there shall be implied as a condition in the plan that the person undertaking the activity shall at all times throughout the period during which the activity is undertaken pay to the relevant regional council, on behalf of the Crown, any sum of money required to be paid by regulations made under section 360(1)(c).
Section 112 heading: amended, on 17 December 1997, by section 28 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 112(1)(a): repealed, on 17 December 1997, by section 28 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 112(1)(b): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 61(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 112(2): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 112(3): inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 61(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
113 Decisions on applications to be in writing, etc
(1)
Every decision on an application for a resource consent that is notified shall be in writing and state—
(a)
the reasons for the decision; and
(aa)
the relevant statutory provisions that were considered by the consent authority; and
(ab)
any relevant provisions of the following that were considered by the consent authority:
(i)
a national environmental standard:
(ia)
a national policy statement:
(ii)
a New Zealand coastal policy statement:
(iii)
a regional policy statement:
(iv)
a proposed regional policy statement:
(v)
a plan:
(vi)
a proposed plan; and
(ac)
the principal issues that were in contention; and
(ad)
a summary of the evidence heard; and
(ae)
the main findings on the principal issues that were in contention; and
(b)
in a case where a resource consent is granted for a shorter duration than specified in the application, the reasons for deciding on the shorter duration.
(2)
Without limiting subsection (1), in a case where a resource consent is granted which, when exercised, is likely to allow any of the effects described in section 107(1)(c) to (g), the consent authority shall include in its decision the reasons for granting the consent.
(3)
A decision prepared under subsection (1) may,—
(a)
instead of repeating material, cross-refer to all or a part of—
(i)
the assessment of environmental effects provided by the applicant concerned:
(ii)
any report prepared under section 41C, 42A, or 92; or
(b)
adopt all or a part of the assessment or report, and cross-refer to the material accordingly.
(4)
Every decision on an application for a resource consent that is not notified must be in writing and state the reasons for the decision.
Section 113(1): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 86(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 113(1)(aa): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 62 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 113(1)(ab): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 62 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 113(1)(ab)(i): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 86(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 113(1)(ab)(ia): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 86(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 113(1)(ac): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 62 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 113(1)(ad): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 62 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 113(1)(ae): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 62 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 113(1)(ae): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 86(3) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 113(2): inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 62 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 113(3): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 86(4) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 113(4): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 86(4) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
114 Notification
(1)
A consent authority must ensure that a copy of a decision on an application for a resource consent and a statement of the time within which an appeal against the decision may be lodged is served on the applicant.
(2)
A consent authority must ensure that a notice of decision on an application for a resource consent and a statement of the time within which an appeal against the decision may be lodged is served on—
(a)
persons who made a submission; and
(b)
other persons and authorities that it considers appropriate.
(3)
If the consent authority serves a notice summarising a decision, it must—
(a)
make a copy of the decision available (whether physically or by electronic means) at all its offices and all public libraries in the district (if the consent authority is a territorial authority) or region (in all other cases); and
(b)
include with the notice a statement of the places where a copy of the decision is available; and
(c)
send or provide, on request, a copy of the decision within 3 working days after the request is received.
(4)
If the decision is to grant an application that section 107F applies to, the consent authority must—
(a)
send a copy of the decision, and any notice served under subsection (2), to the chief executive of the Ministry of Fisheries:
(b)
advise the applicant that—
(i)
the decision is still subject to an aquaculture decision by the chief executive of the Ministry of Fisheries under the Fisheries Act 1996 (which will be made following the determination of all appeals against the decision, if any); and
(ii)
the consent may commence only in accordance with section 116A:
(c)
if there is no appeal relating to the decision, or following completion of any such appeal,—
(i)
send a copy of the final decision to the chief executive of the Ministry of Fisheries; and
(ii)
request an aquaculture decision from the chief executive under the Fisheries Act 1996.
(5)
If a consent authority forwards, at the same time, 2 or more decisions to the chief executive of the Ministry of Fisheries under subsection (4)(c), the consent authority must indicate to the chief executive the order in which the applications to which the decisions relate were received.
(6)
Subsection (4) does not apply if the decision relates to an application for a change or cancellation of the conditions of a consent under section 127, a review of the conditions of a consent initiated under section 132, or an application referred to in section 165ZH, if—
(a)
that consent had conditions specified under section 186H(3) of the Fisheries Act 1996; and
(b)
the conditions are contained in the consent the decision relates to, and continue to be specified as not being able to be changed or cancelled until the chief executive of the Ministry of Fisheries makes a further aquaculture decision.
(7)
For the purpose of subsection (4), in the case of a concurrent application made under subpart 4 of Part 7A that is lodged with the EPA, the functions in—
(a)
paragraphs (a) and (b) of that subsection are to be performed by the EPA; and
(b)
paragraph (c) of that subsection are to be performed by the consent authority.
(8)
If a resource consent is subject to the grant of an application to exchange recreation reserve land under section 15AA of the Reserves Act 1977, the consent authority must advise the applicant that—
(a)
the resource consent is subject to a decision by the administering body on the application to exchange the recreation reserve land; and
(b)
the decision on the exchange will be made under section 15AA of the Reserves Act 1977 after the time allowed for appeals against the decision to grant the resource consent has expired and any appeals have been determined; and
(c)
the resource consent will not commence until the date determined under section 116B.
Section 114: replaced, on 1 August 2003, by section 48 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 114(4): inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 27 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 114(5): inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 27 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 114(6): inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 27 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 114(7): inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 27 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 114(8): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 188(8) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
115 Time limits for notification of decision
(1)
Notice of a decision on an application for a resource consent must be given under section 114 within the time limits in this section.
(2)
If a hearing is held, notice of the decision must be given within 15 working days after the end of the hearing.
(3)
If the application was not notified and a hearing is not held, notice of the decision must be given within 20 working days after the date the application was first lodged with the authority.
(4)
If the application was notified and a hearing is not held, notice of the decision must be given within 20 working days after the closing date for submissions on the application.
(4A)
Despite anything else in this section, if the application is a fast-track application, notice of the decision must be given within 10 working days after the date the application was first lodged with the authority.
(5)
[Repealed]Section 115: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 87 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 115(4A): inserted, on 18 October 2017, by section 148 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 115(5): repealed, on 3 March 2015, by section 104 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
116 When a resource consent commences
(1)
Except as provided in subsections (1A), (2), (4), and (5), or sections 116A and 116B, every resource consent that has been granted commences—
(a)
when the time for lodging appeals against the grant of the consent expires and no appeals have been lodged; or
(b)
when the Environment Court determines the appeals or all appellants withdraw their appeals—
unless the resource consent states a later date or a determination of the Environment Court states otherwise.
(1A)
A resource consent that has been granted—
(a)
for a non-notified application; or
(b)
for a notified application where the time for lodging submissions has expired and either—
(i)
no submissions are received; or
(ii)
all submissions received are withdrawn before a decision is made—
commences on the date on which the decision on the application is notified under section 114 or on such later date as is stated in the resource consent, unless an appeal has been lodged, in which case subsection (1) applies, or an objection has been made under section 357A, in which case subsection (1AB) applies.
(1AB)
If an objection has been made under section 357A, the resource consent commences when the objection, and any appeal under section 358, has been decided or withdrawn.
(2)
A resource consent to which section 89(2) applies shall not commence—
(a)
in the case of a subdivision consent, until the date the land to which the consent relates is vested in the consent holder under section 355(3); and
(b)
in every other case, until the proposed location of the activity has been reclaimed and a certificate has been issued under section 245(5) in respect of the reclamation.
(3)
[Repealed](4)
Where the Environment Court grants a resource consent under section 87G or 149U, the consent commences on the date of the decision or such later date as the court states in its decision.
(5)
Where a board of inquiry grants a resource consent under section 149R, the consent commences on the date of the decision or such later date as the board states in its decision.
(6)
If a resource consent is granted for an activity in a part of the common marine and coastal area where a customary marine title order or agreement is in effect, section 68(1) of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 applies.
Section 116(1): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 188(9) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 116(1): amended, on 1 October 2011, by section 28 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 116(1): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 88(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 116(1): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 116(1): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 64(1)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 116(1): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 64(1)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 116(1)(b): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 116(1A): inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 64(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 116(1A): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 88(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 116(1A): amended, on 10 August 2005, by section 63 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 116(1A): amended, on 1 August 2003, by section 50(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 116(1AB): inserted, on 1 August 2003, by section 50(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 116(1AB): amended, on 10 August 2005, by section 63 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 116(3): repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 88(3) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 116(4): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 88(4) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 116(5): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 88(4) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 116(6): inserted, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
116A When coastal permit for aquaculture activities may commence
(1)
A coastal permit to undertake aquaculture activities in the coastal marine area cannot commence other than in accordance with this section.
(2)
If the chief executive of the Ministry of Fisheries makes a determination in relation to the permit, and has notified the consent authority of that decision in accordance with section 186H of the Fisheries Act 1996, the consent authority must, as soon as is reasonably practicable,—
(a)
amend the permit, if necessary, to note any conditions specified under section 186H(3) of the Fisheries Act 1996 that may not be changed or cancelled until the chief executive of the Ministry of Fisheries makes a further aquaculture decision:
(b)
notify the applicant that the permit commences in respect of the area that is the subject of the determination, on the date of notification under this paragraph, or, if the permit specifies a later commencement date, on that date.
(3)
If the chief executive makes a reservation in relation to recreational fishing or customary fishing or commercial fishing in relation to stocks or species not subject to the quota management system and has notified the consent authority of that decision, in accordance with section 186H of the Fisheries Act 1996, the consent authority must, as soon as reasonably practicable,—
(a)
amend the permit to remove the areas affected by the reservation:
(b)
provide the applicant with a copy of the amended permit:
(c)
cancel the permit to the extent that it applies to the removed areas by written notice served on the applicant.
(4)
If the chief executive makes a reservation in relation to commercial fishing in relation to stocks or species subject to the quota management system and has notified the consent authority of that decision, in accordance with section 186H of the Fisheries Act 1996, the consent authority must, as soon as is reasonably practicable,—
(a)
amend the permit to show the areas affected by the reservation:
(b)
provide the applicant with a copy of the amended permit:
(c)
notify the applicant that the permit will not commence in the area affected by the reservation, unless—
(i)
an aquaculture agreement is registered in accordance with section 186ZH of the Fisheries Act 1996; or
(ii)
a compensation declaration has been registered under section 186ZHA of the Fisheries Act 1996.
(5)
If subsection (4) applies and the chief executive has notified the consent authority that an aquaculture agreement or compensation declaration has been registered for those stocks under section 186ZH or 186ZHA of the Fisheries Act 1996 (as the case may require), the consent authority must, as soon as reasonably practicable,—
(a)
amend the permit so that it no longer shows the areas affected by the reservation:
(b)
provide the applicant with a copy of the amended permit:
(c)
notify the applicant that the permit (as amended) commences in respect of the area previously shown subject to the reservation on the date of notification under this paragraph, unless the permit states a later date.
(6)
If subsection (5) applies, then for the purposes of section 125(1)(b) the entire permit, as amended, is to be treated as having commenced on the commencement date notified under subsection (5)(c), unless the permit states a later date.
(7)
If subsection (4) applies and the chief executive has notified the consent authority under section 186ZK of the Fisheries Act 1996 that no aquaculture agreement or compensation declaration has been registered, the consent authority must, as soon is as reasonably practicable,—
(a)
amend the permit to remove the areas affected by the reservation:
(b)
provide the applicant with a copy of the amended permit:
(c)
cancel the permit to the extent that it applies to the removed areas by written notice served on the applicant.
(8)
If the chief executive makes a reservation to which subsection (3) applies, for the entire permit area, the consent authority must cancel the permit by written notice served on the applicant.
(9)
Subsections (3) and (7) apply even if the permit was granted under section 104A.
(10)
In the case of a concurrent application made under subpart 4 of Part 7A that is lodged with and granted by the EPA, the references in this section to the consent authority are to be read as references to the consent authority that otherwise could have granted the application.
Section 116A: inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 29 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
116B When resource consent commences if subject to grant of application to exchange recreation reserve land
If a resource consent is subject to the grant of an application to exchange recreation reserve land under section 15AA of the Reserves Act 1977,—
(a)
the consent authority must notify the applicant when the procedures in sections 15 and 15AA of that Act are complete; and
(b)
the resource consent commences on—
(i)
the date of the notification under paragraph (a); or
(ii)
any later date that is specified in the notification.
Section 116B: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 188(10) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Restricted coastal activities
117 Application to carry out restricted coastal activity
(1)
An application for a coastal permit to carry out an activity that a regional coastal plan describes as a restricted coastal activity must be made to the regional council for the region concerned, except if the application is made to the EPA under section 145.
(2)
The regional council is the consent authority in relation to the application for the coastal permit.
(3)
Any provisions of this Act that apply in relation to an application for a resource consent apply in relation to the application for the coastal permit, except as provided in this section.
(4)
The consent authority must, after receiving the application, promptly provide a copy of it to the Minister of Conservation and the relevant territorial authority.
(5)
The consent authority must publicly notify the application.
(6)
Section 100A does not apply in relation to the application for the coastal permit.
(7)
The consent authority must delegate, under section 34A, its functions, powers, and duties required to hear and decide the application to 1 or more persons permitted by section 34A(1), including 1 person nominated by the Minister of Conservation.
(8)
The consent authority must ensure that a notice of its decision on the application is served on the Minister of Conservation under section 114.
Section 117: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 89 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
118 Recommendation of hearing committee
[Repealed]Section 118: repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 90 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
119 Decision on application for restricted coastal activity
[Repealed]Section 119: repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 90 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
119A Coastal permit for restricted coastal activity treated as if granted by regional council
(1)
Subsection (3) applies to a coastal permit for a restricted coastal activity granted at any time by the Minister of Conservation for a coastal marine area within the region of a regional council.
(2)
If subsection (3) applies to a coastal permit, it applies on and from the later of—
(a)
1 October 2009; or
(b)
the date that the coastal permit is granted.
(3)
The coastal permit is to be treated as if—
(a)
it were granted by the regional council; and
(b)
the regional council were the consent authority in relation to the coastal permit on and from the date it was granted.
Section 119A: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 91 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Appeals
120 Right to appeal
(1)
Any 1 or more of the following persons may appeal to the Environment Court in accordance with section 121 against the whole or any part of a decision of a consent authority on an application for a resource consent, or an application for a change of consent conditions, or on a review of consent conditions:
(a)
the applicant or consent holder:
(b)
any person who made a submission on the application or review of consent conditions:
(c)
in relation to a coastal permit for a restricted coastal activity, the Minister of Conservation.
(1A)
However, there is no right of appeal under this section against the whole or any part of a decision of a consent authority referred to in subsection (1) to the extent that the decision relates to a boundary activity, unless the boundary activity is a non-complying activity.
(1B)
A person exercising a right of appeal under subsection (1)(b) may appeal—
(a)
any matter that was raised in the person’s submission except any part of the submission that is struck out under section 41D; and
(b)
any matter that was not raised in the person’s submission.
(2)
This section is in addition to the rights provided for in sections 357A, 357AB, 357C, and 357D (which provide for objections to the consent authority).
Section 120(1): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 92(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 120(1): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 120(1)(c): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 92(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 120(1A): replaced, on 30 September 2020, by section 37(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 120(1B): replaced, on 1 July 2020, by section 37(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 120(2): inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 68(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 120(2): amended, on 18 October 2017, by section 149(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 120(2): amended, on 10 August 2005, by section 65 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
121 Procedure for appeal
(1)
Notice of an appeal under section 120 shall be in the prescribed form and shall—
(a)
state the reasons for the appeal and the relief sought; and
(b)
state any matters required by regulations; and
(c)
be lodged with the Environment Court and served on the consent authority whose decision is appealed within 15 working days of notice of the decision being received in accordance with this Act.
(2)
The appellant shall ensure that a copy of the notice of appeal is served on every person referred to in section 120 (other than the appellant) within 5 working days of the notice being lodged with the Environment Court.
(3)
[Repealed]Section 121(1)(c): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 121(2): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 121(3): repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 93 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Nature of resource consent
122 Consents not real or personal property
(1)
A resource consent is neither real nor personal property.
(2)
Except as expressly provided otherwise in the conditions of a consent,—
(a)
on the death of the holder of a consent, the consent vests in the personal representative of the holder as if the consent were personal property, and he or she may deal with the consent to the same extent as the holder would have been able to do; and
(b)
on the bankruptcy of an individual who is the holder of a consent, the consent vests in the Official Assignee as if it were personal property, and he or she may deal with the consent to the same extent as the holder would have been able to do; and
(c)
a consent shall be treated as property for the purposes of the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988.
(3)
The holder of a resource consent may grant a charge over that consent as if it were personal property, but the consent may only be transferred to the chargee, or by or on behalf of the chargee, to the same extent as it could be so transferred by the holder.
(4)
Subject to the provisions of this Act, and in particular to subsection (3), the Personal Property Securities Act 1999 applies in relation to a resource consent as if—
(a)
the resource consent were goods within the meaning of that Act; and
(b)
the resource consent were situated in the provincial district in which the activity permitted by the consent may be carried out (or, where it may be carried out in more than 1 provincial district, in those provincial districts).
(5)
Except to the extent—
(a)
that the coastal permit expressly provides otherwise; and
(b)
that is reasonably necessary to achieve the purpose of the coastal permit,—
no coastal permit shall be regarded as—
(c)
an authority for the holder to occupy a coastal marine area to the exclusion of all or any class of persons; or
(d)
conferring on the holder the same rights in relation to the use and occupation of the area against those persons as if he or she were a tenant or licensee of the land.
(6)
Except to the extent—
(a)
that the consent expressly provides otherwise; and
(b)
that is reasonably necessary to achieve the purpose of the consent,—
no coastal permit shall be regarded as an authority for the holder to remove sand, shingle, shell, or other natural material as if it were a licence or profit à prendre.
Section 122(4): replaced, on 1 May 2002, by section 191(1) of the Personal Property Securities Act 1999 (1999 No 126).
Section 122(5)(c): amended, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 122(6): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 70 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
122A Resource consent prevails over specified instruments
(1)
A resource consent that is granted before one of the following instruments is made prevails over that instrument:
(a)
a stormwater environmental performance standard under section 139A of the Water Services Act 2021:
(b)
a wastewater environmental performance standard made under section 138 of the Water Services Act 2021.
(2)
However, subsection (1) ceases to apply when—
(a)
the consent authority reviews the conditions of the resource consent under section 128(1)(bc); and
(b)
the review results in either or both of the instruments listed in subsection (1) prevailing over the resource consent.
Section 122A: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 88 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Duration of consent
123 Duration of consent
(1)
Except as provided in section 123A, 123B, 125, or 127B,—
(a)
the period for which a coastal permit for a reclamation, or a land use consent in respect of a reclamation that would otherwise contravene section 13, is granted is unlimited, unless otherwise specified in the consent:
(aa)
the period for which a resource consent for an activity that meets the requirements of a wastewater environmental performance standard or a stormwater environmental performance standard is granted is 35 years:
(ab)
the period for which a resource consent for a wastewater treatment plant that meets the requirements of an infrastructure design solution is granted is 35 years:
(b)
subject to paragraph (c), the period for which any other land use consent, or a subdivision consent, is granted is unlimited, unless otherwise specified in the consent:
(c)
the period for which any other coastal permit, or any other land use consent to do something that would otherwise contravene section 13, is granted is such period, not exceeding 35 years, as is specified in the consent and if no such period is specified, is 5 years from the date of commencement of the consent under section 116:
(d)
the period for which any other resource consent is granted is the period (not exceeding 35 years from the date of granting) specified in the consent and, if no such period is specified, is 5 years from the date of commencement of the consent under section 116.
(2)
Despite anything in subsection (1), the period of an extant wastewater consent (as defined in section 139B), may be extended as specified in section 139C.
(3)
Despite anything in subsection (1), the period of a resource consent to which section 123C applies is the period specified in that section.
Section 123(1): amended, on 21 August 2025, by section 44 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 123(1)(aa): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 89(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 123(1)(ab): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 89(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 123(2): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 89(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 123(3): inserted, on 17 December 2025, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Duration of Consents) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 77).
123A Duration of consent for aquaculture activities
(1)
A coastal permit authorising aquaculture activities to be undertaken in the coastal marine area must specify the period for which it is granted.
(2)
The period specified under subsection (1) must be not less than 20 years from the date of commencement of the consent under section 116A unless—
(a)
the applicant has requested a shorter period; or
(b)
a shorter period is required to ensure that adverse effects on the environment are adequately managed; or
(c)
a national environmental standard expressly allows a shorter period.
(3)
The period specified under subsection (1) must be not more than 35 years from the date of commencement of the consent under section 116A.
(4)
This section applies subject to section 125.
(5)
The duration of a coastal permit to which this section applies is subject to any extension that may apply under subpart 1A of Part 7A.
Section 123A: inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 31 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 123A(2)(b): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 77(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 123A(2)(c): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 77(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 123A(5): inserted, on 3 September 2024, by section 5 of the Resource Management (Extended Duration of Coastal Permits for Marine Farms) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 32).
123B Duration of consent for renewable energy and long-lived infrastructure
(1)
A resource consent authorising a renewable energy or long-lived infrastructure activity must specify the period for which it is granted.
(2)
The period specified under subsection (1) is 35 years after the date of commencement of the consent under section 116A unless—
(a)
the applicant requests a shorter period; or
(b)
a national environmental standard, a national policy statement, or a national planning standard expressly allows a shorter period; or
(c)
the consent authority decides to specify a shorter period after considering a request from a relevant group for a shorter period for the purpose of managing any adverse effects on the environment.
(3)
In making a decision under subsection (2)(c), the consent authority must consider—
(a)
the need to provide for adequate management of any adverse effects on the environment; and
(b)
the benefits of providing certainty of long-term consent duration.
(4)
This section applies subject to section 125.
(5)
To avoid doubt, this section does not apply to a land use consent under section 9.
(6)
In this section, relevant group means a group who may be or is required to be involved in processes under this Act that relate to planning documents or resource consents by virtue of any Treaty settlement, the Ngā Rohe Moana o Ngā Hapū o Ngāti Porou Act 2019, or the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011.
Section 123B: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 45 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
123C Duration of certain current and continued consents
(1)
This section applies to—
(a)
a resource consent that is current on the commencement date but due to expire before the close of 31 December 2027:
(b)
a resource consent that expired before the commencement date, but only if,—
(i)
immediately before the commencement date, the holder was eligible to operate under the consent in reliance on section 124; and
(ii)
the holder’s application for a new consent had not been determined by the consent authority before the commencement date.
(2)
A resource consent—
(a)
referred to in subsection (1)(a) is extended to the close of 31 December 2027:
(b)
referred to in subsection (1)(b) is deemed to be reinstated and extended to the close of 31 December 2027.
(3)
However, if the resource consent relates to water, the consent expires on the earlier of—
(a)
the close of 31 December 2027:
(b)
the date that is 35 years after the date the consent commenced.
(4)
Despite subsection (3), a resource consent that relates to water expires on the close of 1 October 2026 if, on the commencement of this Act, the consent was deemed to be (or otherwise to be treated as) granted under this Act.
(5)
Any conditions applying to a resource consent or that applied to a resource consent before it expired (as the case may be) continue to apply unless a change to a condition is required as a consequence of extending the consent under this section.
(6)
However, any extension, or reinstatement and extension, of a consent under this section does not affect the application of sections 125, 127, 128, and 129.
(7)
A consent authority must,—
(a)
no later than 6 months after the commencement date, update a resource consent to which this section applies to record its new expiry date; and
(b)
if applicable, continue to process and determine the application for the new consent unless it is withdrawn.
(8)
This section does not apply to any extant wastewater consent that has already been extended under section 139C or 139D.
(9)
In this section, commencement date means the date on which this section comes into force.
(10)
In subsections (3) and (4), a resource consent relates to water if it is—
(a)
a water permit within the meaning of section 87(d):
(b)
a discharge permit (within the meaning of section 87(e)) authorising—
(i)
a discharge of contaminant or water into water:
(ii)
a discharge of contaminant onto or into land, in the circumstances described in section 15(1)(b):
(c)
a land use consent under section 9 that includes associated discharges.
Section 123C: inserted, on 17 December 2025, by section 5 of the Resource Management (Duration of Consents) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 77).
124 Exercise of resource consent while applying for new consent
(1)
Subsection (3) applies when—
(a)
a resource consent is due to expire; and
(b)
the holder of the consent applies for a new consent for the same activity; and
(c)
the application is made to the appropriate consent authority; and
(d)
the application is made at least 6 months before the expiry of the existing consent.
(2)
Subsection (3) also applies when—
(a)
a resource consent is due to expire; and
(b)
the holder of the consent applies for a new consent for the same activity; and
(c)
the application is made to the appropriate consent authority; and
(d)
the application is made in the period that—
(i)
begins 6 months before the expiry of the existing consent; and
(ii)
ends 3 months before the expiry of the existing consent; and
(e)
the authority, in its discretion, allows the holder to continue to operate.
(2A)
The holder of a resource consent for an activity that is regulated by a wastewater environmental performance standard or a stormwater environmental performance standard may, if they make an application under subsection (1) or (2), continue to operate under an expired consent—
(a)
for the duration specified in the environmental performance standard; or
(b)
if the environmental performance standard does not specify a duration, until the date determined under subsection (3).
(3)
The holder may continue to operate under the existing consent until—
(a)
a new consent is granted and all appeals are determined; or
(b)
a new consent is declined and all appeals are determined.
(4)
This section does not apply to an application to which section 165ZH applies.
Section 124: replaced, on 10 August 2005, by section 66 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 124(2A): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 90 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 124(4): inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 32 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
124A When sections 124B and 124C apply and when they do not apply
(1)
Sections 124B and 124C apply to an application affected by section 124 if, when the application is made, the relevant plan has not allocated any of the natural resources used for the activity.
(2)
Sections 124B and 124C also apply to an application affected by section 124 as follows:
(a)
they apply if, when the application is made,—
(i)
the relevant plan has allocated some or all of the natural resources used for the activity to the same type of activity; and
(ii)
the relevant plan does not expressly say that sections 124A to 124C do not apply; and
(b)
they apply to the extent to which the amount of the resource sought by a person described in section 124B(1)(a) and (b) is equal to or smaller than the amount of the resource that—
(i)
is allocated to the same type of activity; and
(ii)
is left after the deduction of every amount allocated to every other existing resource consent.
(3)
Sections 124B and 124C do not apply to an application affected by section 124 if, when the application is made, the relevant plan expressly says that sections 124A to 124C do not apply.
Section 124A: inserted, on 9 August 2008, by section 67 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
124B Applications by existing holders of resource consents
(1)
This section applies when—
(a)
a person holds an existing resource consent to undertake an activity under any of sections 12, 13, 14, and 15 using a natural resource; and
(b)
the person makes an application affected by section 124; and
(c)
the consent authority receives 1 or more other applications for a resource consent that—
(i)
are to undertake an activity using some or all of the natural resource to which the existing consent relates; and
(ii)
could not be fully exercised until the expiry of the existing consent.
(2)
The application described in subsection (1)(b) is entitled to priority over every application described in subsection (1)(c).
(3)
The consent authority must determine the application described in subsection (1)(b) before it determines any application described in subsection (1)(c).
(4)
The consent authority must determine an application described in subsection (1)(b) by applying all the relevant provisions of this Act and the following criteria:
(a)
the efficiency of the person’s use of the resource; and
(b)
the use of industry good practice by the person; and
(c)
if the person has been served with an enforcement order not later cancelled under section 321, or has been convicted of an offence under section 338,—
(i)
how many enforcement orders were served or convictions entered; and
(ii)
how serious the enforcement orders or convictions were; and
(iii)
how recently the enforcement orders were served or the convictions entered.
Section 124B: inserted, on 9 August 2008, by section 67 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
124C Applications by persons who are not existing holders of resource consents
(1)
This section applies when—
(a)
a person makes an application for a resource consent to undertake an activity under any of sections 12, 13, 14, and 15 using a natural resource; and
(b)
the person does not hold an existing consent for the same activity using some or all of the same natural resource; and
(c)
a consent granted as a result of the application could not be fully exercised until the expiry of the consent described in section 124B(1)(a); and
(d)
the person makes the application more than 3 months before the expiry of the consent described in section 124B(1)(a).
(2)
The consent authority must—
(a)
hold the application without processing it; and
(b)
notify the holder of the existing consent—
(i)
that the application has been received; and
(ii)
that the holder may make an application affected by section 124.
(3)
If the holder of the existing consent notifies the consent authority in writing that the holder does not propose to make an application affected by section 124, the consent authority must process and determine the application described in subsection (1)(a).
(4)
If the holder of the existing consent does not make an application affected by section 124 more than 3 months before the expiry of the consent, the consent authority must process and determine the application described in subsection (1)(a).
(5)
If the holder of the existing consent makes an application affected by section 124 more than 3 months before the expiry of the consent, the consent authority must hold the application described in subsection (1)(a) until the determination of the holder’s application and any appeal.
(6)
If the result of the determination of the holder’s application and any appeal is that the holder’s application affected by section 124 is granted, the application described in subsection (1)(a) lapses to the extent to which the use of the resource has been granted to the holder.
Section 124C: inserted, on 9 August 2008, by section 67 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
125 Lapsing of consents
(1)
A resource consent lapses on the date specified in the consent or, if no date is specified,—
(a)
5 years after the date of commencement of the consent, if the consent does not authorise aquaculture activities to be undertaken in the coastal marine area or does not authorise a renewable energy activity; or
(b)
3 years after the date of commencement if the consent does authorise aquaculture activities to be undertaken in the coastal marine area; or
(c)
10 years after the date of commencement if the consent authorises a renewable energy activity.
(1A)
However, a consent does not lapse under subsection (1) if, before the consent lapses,—
(a)
the consent is given effect to; or
(b)
an application is made to the consent authority to extend the period after which the consent lapses, and the consent authority decides to grant an extension after taking into account—
(i)
whether substantial progress or effort has been, and continues to be, made towards giving effect to the consent; and
(ii)
whether the applicant has obtained approval from persons who may be adversely affected by the granting of an extension; and
(iii)
the effect of the extension on the policies and objectives of any plan or proposed plan; or
(c)
in the case of a consent authorising a renewable energy activity, the consent authority decides at the consent holder’s request to shorten the period after which the consent lapses under subsection (1)(c).
(1B)
Sections 357A and 357C to 358 apply to subsection (1A)(b).
(2)
For the purposes of this section, a subdivision consent is given effect to when a survey plan in respect of the subdivision has been submitted to the territorial authority under section 223, but shall thereafter lapse if the survey plan is not deposited in accordance with section 224.
(3)
This section is subject to section 150G.
Section 125 heading: amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 71 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 125(1): replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 33 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 125(1)(a): amended, on 21 August 2025, by section 46(1) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 125(1)(c): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 46(2) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 125(1A): replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 33 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 125(1A)(c): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 46(3) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 125(1B): inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 33 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 125(2): inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 71 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 125(3): inserted, on 19 March 2004, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Aquaculture Moratorium Extension) Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 5).
126 Cancellation of consent
(1)
A consent authority may cancel a resource consent by written notice served on the consent holder if the resource consent has been exercised in the past but has not been exercised during the preceding 5 years.
(2)
Subsection (1) does not apply if—
(a)
the resource consent expressly provides otherwise; or
(b)
within 3 months after service of the notice, an application is made to the consent authority to revoke the notice and the consent authority decides to revoke the notice and state a period after which a new notice may be served under subsection (1), after taking into account—
(i)
whether the applicant has obtained approval from persons who may be adversely affected by the revocation of the notice; and
(ii)
the effect of the revocation of the notice on the policies and objectives of any plan or proposed plan.
(3)
Sections 357A and 357C to 358 apply to this section.
Section 126: replaced, on 1 August 2003, by section 52 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 126(3): amended, on 10 August 2005, by section 69 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
127 Change or cancellation of consent condition on application by consent holder
(1)
The holder of a resource consent may apply to a consent authority for a change or cancellation of a condition of the consent, subject to the following:
(a)
the holder of a subdivision consent must apply under this section for a change or cancellation of the consent before the deposit of the survey plan (and must apply under section 221 for a variation or cancellation of a consent notice after the deposit of the survey plan); and
(b)
no holder of any consent may apply for a change or cancellation of a condition on the duration of the consent.
(2)
[Repealed](3)
Sections 88 to 121 apply, with all necessary modifications, as if—
(a)
the application were an application for a resource consent for a discretionary activity (but see subsection (3B)); and
(b)
the references to a resource consent and to the activity were references only to the change or cancellation of a condition and the effects of the change or cancellation respectively.
(3A)
If the resource consent is a coastal permit authorising aquaculture activities to be undertaken in the coastal marine area, no aquaculture decision is required in respect of the application if the application is for a change or cancellation of a condition of the consent and does not relate to a condition that has been specified under section 186H(3) of the Fisheries Act 1996 as a condition that may not be changed or cancelled until the chief executive of the Ministry of Fisheries makes a further aquaculture decision.
(3B)
Subsection (3)(a) does not apply if—
(a)
the application relates to an aquaculture activity; and
(b)
a provision in a national environmental standard—
(i)
applies to applications of that kind; and
(ii)
states that an application by a consent holder to change or cancel consent conditions must be treated as an application for a resource consent for a controlled or restricted discretionary activity.
(4)
For the purposes of determining who is adversely affected by the change or cancellation, the consent authority must consider, in particular, every person who—
(a)
made a submission on the original application; and
(b)
may be affected by the change or cancellation.
Section 127(1): replaced, on 10 August 2005, by section 70 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 127(2): repealed, on 10 August 2005, by section 70 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 127(3): replaced, on 1 August 2003, by section 53(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 127(3)(a): amended, on 21 August 2025, by section 47(1) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 127(3A): inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 34 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 127(3B): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 47(2) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 127(4): replaced, on 1 August 2003, by section 53(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 127(4): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
127A Interpretation of sections 127B and 127C
In sections 127B and 127C,—
commencement date means the day after Royal assent of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025
Regional Plan: Water for Otago or plan means the plan of that name dated 3 September 2022.
Section 127A: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 48 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
127B Duration of new water permits under Regional Plan: Water for Otago must not exceed 6 years
(1)
The duration of a water permit authorising the taking or use of water granted on and after the commencement date under the Regional Plan: Water for Otago must not exceed 6 years.
(2)
If the water permit replaces a deemed permit or water permit, this section applies regardless of the expiry date of the permit being replaced.
(3)
However, this section does not apply if—
(a)
the water permit replaces a deemed permit associated with hydro-electricity generation infrastructure listed in Schedule 10A.5.1 of the plan on the terms specified in Rule 10A.3.1B of the plan; and
(b)
the applicant takes practicable steps to remedy or mitigate any adverse effects on the environment arising from the activity.
(4)
This section overrides any provision in the plan that applies to the duration of a water permit authorising the taking or use of water.
(5)
In this section, deemed permit means a mining privilege that is a deemed permit under section 413.
Section 127B: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 48 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
127C Extension of certain existing water permits under Regional Plan: Water for Otago
(1)
The expiry date of a water permit authorising the taking or use of water granted under the Regional Plan: Water for Otago is extended by a period of 5 years after the date on which the permit would otherwise expire if—
(a)
the permit was granted—
(i)
on or after 18 March 2020; and
(ii)
for a duration of no more than 6 years; and
(b)
the permit is valid on the commencement date.
(2)
A water permit is valid on the commencement date if, on the commencement date, the permit—
(a)
has not expired, or has expired but the holder is continuing to operate under the permit under section 124; and
(b)
has not lapsed under section 125; and
(c)
has not been cancelled under section 126; and
(d)
has not been surrendered under section 138.
(3)
The conditions applying to each water permit that is extended under this section continue to apply, unless a change to a condition is required as a consequence of extending the duration of the permit.
(4)
Otago Regional Council must, within 2 years after the commencement date, update each water permit extended under this section to reflect the new expiry date for the permit.
Section 127C: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 48 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Review of consent conditions by consent authority
128 Circumstances when consent conditions can be reviewed
(1)
A consent authority may, in accordance with section 129, serve notice on a consent holder of its intention to review the conditions of a resource consent—
(a)
at any time or times specified for that purpose in the consent for any of the following purposes:
(i)
to deal with any adverse effect on the environment which may arise from the exercise of the consent and which it is appropriate to deal with at a later stage; or
(ii)
to require a holder of a discharge permit or a coastal permit to do something that would otherwise contravene section 15 or 15B to adopt the best practicable option to remove or reduce any adverse effect on the environment; or
(iii)
for any other purpose specified in the consent; or
(aa)
if the consent authority determines that the holder of the consent has contravened a condition of the consent; or
(b)
in the case of a coastal, water, or discharge permit, or a land use consent granted by a regional council, if—
(i)
a regional plan contains a rule that relates to maximum or minimum levels or flows or rates of use of water, or minimum standards of water quality or air quality, or ranges of temperature or pressure of geothermal water; and
(ii)
the rule has been made operative; and
(iii)
the regional council considers that it is appropriate to review the conditions of the permit or consent in order to enable the levels, flows, rates, or standards set by the rule to be met; or
(ba)
in the case of a coastal, water, or discharge permit, or a land use consent granted by a regional council, when relevant national environmental standards or national planning standards have been made; or
(bb)
in the case of a land use consent, in relation to a relevant regional rule; or
(bc)
in the case of a resource consent for an activity that is regulated by a wastewater environmental performance standard or a stormwater environmental performance standard, when the environmental performance standard has been made or amended; or
(c)
if the information made available to the consent authority by the applicant for the consent for the purposes of the application contained inaccuracies which materially influenced the decision made on the application and the effects of the exercise of the consent are such that it is necessary to apply more appropriate conditions; or
(d)
if the review is part of a review carried out under subsection (2A).
(2)
A consent authority must, in accordance with section 129, serve notice on a consent holder of its intention to review the conditions of a resource consent if required by an order made under section 339(5)(b).
(2A)
If more than 1 resource consent is affected by the rule referred to in subsection (1)(b)(i), the consent authority may review the conditions of those resource consents together for the purpose of managing the effects of the activities carried out under those resource consents.
(3)
A regional council must notify the chief executive of the Ministry of Fisheries as soon as is reasonably practicable if it intends to review a condition of a coastal permit authorising an aquaculture activity to be undertaken in the coastal marine area and the condition has been specified under section 186H(1A) of the Fisheries Act 1996 as a condition that may not be changed or cancelled until the chief executive of the Ministry of Fisheries makes a further aquaculture decision.
(4)
Section 165ZFHHA applies to any notice of review under subsection (1) of the conditions of a coastal permit that is extended by section 165ZFHC.
Section 128(1)(a): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 73(1)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 128(1)(a)(ii): amended, on 20 August 1998, by section 30 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 128(1)(a)(ii): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 73(1)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 128(1)(aa): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 49(1) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 128(1)(b): replaced, on 1 July 2020, by section 38(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 128(1)(ba): replaced, on 19 April 2017, by section 78 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 128(1)(bb): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 78 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 128(1)(bc): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 91 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 128(1)(d): inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 38(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 128(2): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 94 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 128(2A): inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 38(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 128(3): inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 35 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 128(4): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 49(2) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
129 Notice of review
(1)
A notice under section 128—
(a)
shall advise the consent holder of the conditions of the consent which are the subject of the review; and
(b)
shall state the reasons for the review; and
(c)
shall specify the information which the consent authority took into account in making its decision to review the consent, unless the notice is given under section 128(1)(a) or (ba) or (2); and
(d)
may propose, and invite the consent holder to propose within 20 working days of service of the notice, new consent conditions; and
(e)
must advise a consent holder by whom a charge is payable under section 36(1)(cb)—
(i)
of the fact that the charge is payable; and
(ii)
of the estimated amount of the charge; and
(f)
must, if section 128(2A) applies, advise that the consent authority intends to review the conditions of the resource consent together with its review of the conditions of other resource consents that are also affected by the rule referred to in section 128(1)(b)(i).
(2)
If notification of the review is required under section 130, the notification must include a summary of the notice served under section 128, and must be served within—
(a)
30 working days after the service of the notice (if the consent holder is invited to propose new conditions); or
(b)
10 working days after the service of the notice (if the consent holder is not invited to propose new conditions).
Section 129(1)(c): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 95 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 129(1)(c): amended, on 1 August 2003, by section 55(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 129(1)(d): amended, on 10 August 2005, by section 72(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 129(1)(e): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 72(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 129(1)(f): inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 39 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 129(2): replaced, on 1 August 2003, by section 55(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
130 Public notification, submissions, and hearing, etc
(1)
Sections 96 to 102 shall, with all necessary modifications, apply in respect of a review of any resource consent (other than a coastal permit granted in respect of a restricted coastal activity) as if—
(a)
the notice of review under section 129 were an application for a resource consent; and
(b)
the consent holder were the applicant for the resource consent.
(2)
Sections 96 to 102 and section 117(4), (6), (7), and (8), with all necessary modifications, apply to the review of a coastal permit granted in respect of a restricted coastal activity as if—
(a)
the notice of review under section 129 were an application for a resource consent; and
(b)
the consent holder were the applicant for a resource consent.
(3)
Sections 95 to 95G apply, with all necessary modifications, as if—
(a)
the review of consent conditions were an application for a resource consent for a discretionary activity; and
(b)
the references to a resource consent and to the activity were references only to the review of the conditions and to the effects of the change of conditions respectively.
(4)
[Repealed](5)
If a regional plan or regional coastal plan states that a rule will affect the exercise of existing resource consents under section 68(7), a consent authority—
(a)
is not required to comply with sections 95 to 95G; but
(b)
must hear submissions only from the consent holder if the consent holder requests (within 20 working days of service of the notice under section 129) to be heard.
(6)
Where a consent which would otherwise be heard under subsection (5) is a consent granted for a restricted coastal activity, the provisions of subsection (2) shall apply except that the only persons who may be heard in relation to the matter are the consent holder and the Minister of Conservation.
(7)
Notwithstanding subsections (5) and (6), if a consent authority considers special circumstances exist, it may require that a review be notified and a hearing be held even if a plan expressly states that a rule shall affect the exercise of existing consents under section 68(7).
(8)
When reviewing the conditions of a resource consent under section 128(1)(ba), the consent authority must serve on the Minister notice of the review, and the Minister may—
(a)
make a submission to the consent authority; and
(b)
request to be heard.
Section 130(2): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 96(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 130(3): replaced, on 1 August 2003, by section 56(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 130(3): amended, on 4 September 2013, by section 19 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 130(3): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 130(4): repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 130(5): replaced, on 1 August 2003, by section 56(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 130(5)(a): amended, on 4 September 2013, by section 19 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 130(5)(a): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 130(6): inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 75(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 130(6): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 96(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 130(7): inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 75(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 130(8): inserted, on 1 August 2003, by section 56(4) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
131 Matters to be considered in review
(1)
When reviewing the conditions of a resource consent, the consent authority—
(a)
shall have regard to the matters in section 104 and to whether the activity allowed by the consent will continue to be viable after the change; and
(aa)
in the case of a review under section 128(2), must have regard to any reasons that the court provided for making the order requiring the review; and
(b)
may have regard to the manner in which the consent has been used.
(2)
Before changing the conditions of a discharge permit or a coastal permit to do something that would otherwise contravene section 15 (relating to the discharge of contaminants) or 15B to include a condition requiring the holder to adopt the best practicable option to remove or reduce any adverse effect on the environment, the consent authority shall be satisfied, in the particular circumstances and having regard to—
(a)
the nature of the discharge and the receiving environment; and
(b)
the financial implications for the applicant of including that condition; and
(c)
other alternatives, including a condition requiring the observance of minimum standards of quality of the receiving environment—
that including that condition is the most efficient and effective means of removing or reducing that adverse effect.
Section 131(1): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 97(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 131(1)(aa): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 97(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 131(2): amended, on 20 August 1998, by section 31 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
132 Decisions on review of consent conditions
(1)
A consent authority may change the conditions of a resource consent (other than any condition as to the duration of the consent) on a review under section 128 if, and only if, 1 or more of the circumstances specified in that section applies.
(1A)
Sections 114(4) and 116A apply with all necessary modifications if a regional council decides to do a review and as a result of the review intends to change a condition of a coastal permit and it is required by section 128(3) to give notice of the intended review to the chief executive of the Ministry of Fisheries.
(2)
Sections 106 to 116 (which relate to conditions, decisions, and notification) and sections 120 and 121 (which relate to appeals) apply, with all necessary modifications, to a review under section 128 as if—
(a)
the review were an application for a resource consent; and
(b)
the consent holder were an applicant for a resource consent.
(3)
A consent authority may cancel a resource consent if—
(a)
it reviews the consent under section 128(1)(c); and
(b)
the application for the consent contained inaccuracies that the consent authority considers materially influenced the decision made on the application; and
(c)
there are significant adverse effects on the environment resulting from the exercise of the consent.
(4)
A consent authority may also cancel a resource consent if—
(a)
it reviews the consent under section 128(2); and
(b)
there are significant adverse effects on the environment resulting from the exercise of the consent.
Section 132(1): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 76(1)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 132(1): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 76(1)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 132(1A): inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 36 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 132(2): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 98(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 132(3): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 98(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 132(4): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 98(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
133 Powers under Part 12 not affected
Nothing in sections 127 to 132 limits the power of the Environment Court to change or cancel a resource consent by an enforcement order under Part 12.
Section 133: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
133A Minor corrections of resource consents
A consent authority that grants a resource consent may, within 20 working days of the grant, issue an amended consent that corrects minor mistakes or defects in the consent.
Section 133A: inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 73 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 133A: amended, on 4 September 2013, by section 20 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Transfer of consents
134 Land use and subdivision consents attach to land
(1)
Except as provided in subsection (2), a land use consent and a subdivision consent shall attach to the land to which each relates and accordingly may be enjoyed by the owners and occupiers of the land for the time being, unless the consent expressly provides otherwise.
(2)
Subsection (1) does not apply to any land use consent to do something that would otherwise contravene section 13.
(3)
The holder of a land use consent described in subsection (2) may transfer the whole or any part of the holder’s interest in the consent to any other person unless the consent expressly provides otherwise.
(4)
The transfer of the holder’s interest in a consent described in subsection (2) has no effect until written notice of the transfer is given to the consent authority that granted the consent.
135 Transferability of coastal permits
(1)
A holder of a coastal permit—
(a)
may transfer the whole or any part of the holder’s interest in the permit to any other person:
(b)
may not transfer the whole or any part of the holder’s interest in the permit to another site—
unless the consent or a rule in a regional coastal plan expressly provides otherwise.
(2)
The transfer of the holder’s interest in a coastal permit under subsection (1) has no effect until written notice of the transfer is given to the consent authority that granted the permit.
Section 135(1): replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 77 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
136 Transferability of water permits
(1)
A holder of a water permit granted for damming or diverting water may transfer the whole of the holder’s interest in the permit to any owner or occupier of the site in respect of which the permit is granted, but may not transfer the permit to any other person or from site to site.
(2)
A holder of a water permit granted other than for damming or diverting water may transfer the whole or any part of the holder’s interest in the permit—
(a)
to any owner or occupier of the site in respect of which the permit is granted; or
(b)
to another person on another site, or to another site, if both sites are in the same catchment (either upstream or downstream), aquifer, or geothermal field, and the transfer—
(i)
is expressly allowed by a regional plan; or
(ii)
has been approved by the consent authority that granted the permit on an application under subsection (4).
(2A)
A transfer under subsection (1) or subsection (2) may be for a limited period.
(3)
A transfer under any of subsections (1), (2)(a), and (2)(b)(i) shall have no effect until written notice of the transfer is received by the consent authority that granted the permit.
(4)
An application under subsection (2)(b)(ii)—
(a)
shall be in the prescribed form and be lodged jointly by the holder of the water permit and the person to whom the interest in the water permit will transfer; and
(b)
shall be considered in accordance with sections 39 to 42A, 88 to 115, 120, and 121 as if—
(i)
the application for a transfer were an application for a resource consent; and
(ii)
the consent holder were an applicant for a resource consent,—
except that, and in addition to the matters set out in section 104, the consent authority shall have regard to the effects of the proposed transfer, including the effect of ceasing or changing the exercise of the permit under its current conditions, and the effects of allowing the transfer.
(5)
Where the transfer of the whole or part of the holder’s interest in a water permit is notified under subsection (3), or approved under subsection (2)(b)(ii), and is not for a limited period, the original permit, or that part of the permit transferred, shall be deemed to be cancelled and the interest or part transferred shall be deemed to be a new permit—
(a)
on the same conditions as the original permit (where subsection (3) applies); or
(b)
on such conditions as the consent authority determines under subsection (4) (where that subsection applies).
Section 136(2A): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 74(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 136(4)(b): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 136(5): amended, on 10 August 2005, by section 74(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
137 Transferability of discharge permits
(1)
The holder of a discharge permit may—
(a)
transfer part or all of the holder’s interest in the permit; and
(b)
make the transfer for part or all of the remaining period of the permit.
(2)
The holder may make the transfer if it—
(a)
is for the site for which the permit is granted; and
(b)
is to—
(i)
another owner or occupier of the site for which the permit is granted; or
(ii)
a local authority.
(3)
The holder may make the transfer if it is for another site and is to any person, if a regional plan—
(a)
allows the transfer; or
(b)
allows the holder to apply to the consent authority that granted the permit to be allowed to make the transfer.
(4)
A regional plan may allow a transfer or a consent authority may allow a transfer if—
(a)
the transfer does not worsen the actual or potential effect of any discharges on the environment; and
(b)
the transfer does not result in any discharges that contravene a national environmental standard; and
(c)
if the discharge is to water, both sites are in the same catchment; and
(d)
if the discharge is to air and a national environmental standard applies to a discharge to air, both sites are in the same air-shed as defined in the standard; and
(e)
if the discharge is to air and paragraph (d) does not apply, both sites are in the same region.
(5)
An application under subsection (3)(b)—
(a)
must be in the prescribed form; and
(b)
must be lodged jointly by the holder of the permit and the person to whom it is proposed to transfer the interest in the permit; and
(c)
must be considered under sections 39 to 42A, 88 to 115, 120, and 121 as if—
(i)
the application for a transfer were an application for a resource consent; and
(ii)
the holder were an applicant for a resource consent.
(6)
The transfer has no effect until the consent authority that granted the permit receives written notice of it.
(7)
When a consent authority receives written notice of a transfer that is made for all of the remaining period of the permit,—
(a)
the original permit, or the part of it that relates to the part of the interest transferred, is cancelled; and
(b)
the interest, or the part of it transferred, is a new permit on the same conditions as the original permit.
Section 137: replaced, on 10 August 2005, by section 75 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 137(5)(c): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
138 Surrender of consent
(1)
The holder of a resource consent may surrender the consent, either in whole or part, by giving written notice to the consent authority.
(2)
A consent authority may refuse to accept the surrender of part of a resource consent where it considers that surrender of that part would—
(a)
affect the integrity of the consent; or
(b)
affect the ability of the consent holder to meet other conditions of the consent; or
(c)
lead to an adverse effect on the environment.
(3)
A person who surrenders a resource consent remains liable under this Act—
(a)
for any breach of conditions of the consent which occurred before the surrender of the consent; and
(b)
to complete any work to give effect to the consent unless the consent authority directs otherwise in its notice of acceptance of the surrender under subsection (4).
(4)
A surrender of a resource consent takes effect on receipt by the holder of a notice of acceptance of the surrender from the consent authority.
138A Special provisions relating to coastal permits for dumping and incineration
(1)
Without limiting section 104, when considering an application for a coastal permit to do something that would otherwise contravene section 15A(1), the consent authority shall, in having regard to the actual and potential effects of allowing the activity, have regard to—
(a)
the nature of any discharge of any contaminant which the dumping or incineration may involve and the sensitivity of the receiving environment to adverse effects and the applicant’s reasons for making the proposed choice; and
(b)
any possible alternative methods of disposal or combustion including any involving discharge into any other receiving environment,—
and, without limiting the powers of the consent authority under section 92, it may, at any reasonable time before the hearing (or, if there is no hearing, the determination) of the application, by written notice to the applicant, require the applicant to provide, by way of further information, an explanation of those matters.
(2)
Without limiting section 108, but subject to subsection (5), a coastal permit to which subsection (1) applies may include a condition requiring the holder to adopt the best practicable option to prevent or minimise any actual or likely adverse effect on the environment of any discharge of any contaminant which may occur in the exercise of the permit; provided that before a consent authority decides to grant a coastal permit subject to such a condition, it shall be satisfied that, in the particular circumstances, and having regard to—
(a)
the nature of any discharge of a contaminant and the receiving environment; and
(b)
other alternatives, including any condition requiring the observance of minimum standards of quality of the receiving environment,—
the inclusion of the condition is the most efficient and effective means of preventing or minimising any actual or likely adverse effect on the environment.
(3)
In respect of a coastal permit to do something that would otherwise contravene section 15A(1), a consent authority may, at any time specified for that purpose in the permit, in accordance with section 129, serve notice on the holder of the permit of its intention to review the conditions of the permit for the purpose of requiring the holder to adopt the best practicable option to remove or reduce any adverse effect on the environment.
(4)
Subject to subsection (5), sections 129 to 133 shall apply to any review of a coastal permit under subsection (3) and the powers conferred on a consent authority by that subsection are in addition to the powers conferred by section 128.
(5)
Before deciding to grant a coastal permit subject to a condition described in subsection (2) and before deciding to change the conditions of a coastal permit pursuant to subsections (3) and (4), the consent authority shall be satisfied, in the particular circumstances, and having regard to—
(a)
the nature of any discharge of a contaminant and the receiving environment; and
(b)
the financial implications for the holder of including that condition; and
(c)
other alternatives, including a condition requiring the observance of minimum standards of quality of the receiving environment—
that including a condition in the permit requiring the holder to adopt the best practicable option to remove or reduce any adverse effect on the environment is the most efficient and effective means of removing or reducing that adverse effect.
(6)
In every coastal permit to do something that would otherwise contravene section 15A(1), there shall be implied a condition that the holder shall, in the prescribed form and at the cost of the holder in all respects, keep such records and furnish to the Director of Maritime New Zealand such information and returns as may from time to time be required by regulations.
Section 138A: inserted, on 20 August 1998, by section 15 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 105).
Section 138A(6): amended, on 1 July 2005, by section 11(3) of the Maritime Transport Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 98).
Certificates of compliance or existing use
Heading: replaced, on 10 August 2005, by section 76 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
139 Consent authorities and Environmental Protection Authority to issue certificates of compliance
(1)
This section applies if an activity could be done lawfully in a particular location without a resource consent.
(2)
A person may request the consent authority to issue a certificate of compliance.
(3)
A certificate states that the activity can be done lawfully in a particular location without a resource consent.
(4)
The authority may require the person to provide further information if the authority considers that the information is necessary for the purpose of applying subsection (5).
(5)
The authority must issue the certificate if—
(a)
the activity can be done lawfully in the particular location without a resource consent; and
(b)
the person pays the appropriate administrative charge.
(6)
The authority must issue the certificate within 20 working days of the later of the following:
(a)
the date on which it received the request:
(b)
the date on which it received the further information under subsection (4).
(7)
The certificate issued to the person must—
(a)
describe the activity and the location; and
(b)
state that the activity can be done lawfully in the particular location without a resource consent as at the date on which the authority received the request.
(8)
The authority must not issue a certificate if—
(a)
the request for a certificate is made after a proposed plan is notified; and
(b)
the activity could not be done lawfully in the particular location without a resource consent under the proposed plan.
(8A)
The authority must not issue a certificate if a notice for the activity is in force under section 87BA(1)(c) or 87BB(1)(d).
(9)
Sections 357A, 357AB, and 357C to 358 apply to a request for a certificate.
(10)
A certificate is treated as if it were an appropriate resource consent that—
(a)
contains the conditions specified in an applicable national environmental standard; and
(b)
contains the conditions specified in an applicable plan.
(11)
A certificate treated as a resource consent is subject to sections 10, 10A, and 20A(2).
(12)
(13)
If an activity relates to a matter that is or is part of a proposal of national significance for which a direction has been made under section 142(2) or 147(1)(a) or (b), a person may request a certificate from the Environmental Protection Authority and this section applies with the following modifications:
(a)
a reference to a consent authority is to be treated as a reference to the EPA; and
(b)
subsection (5)(b) does not apply; and
(c)
the EPA may recover its actual and reasonable costs of dealing with the request from the person making the request; and
(d)
if the EPA requires a person to pay costs recoverable under paragraph (c), the costs are a debt due to the Crown that is recoverable in any court of competent jurisdiction.
(14)
In this section, activity includes a particular proposal.
Section 139: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 99 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 139(8A): inserted, on 18 October 2017, by section 150(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 139(9): amended, on 18 October 2017, by section 150(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 139(12): amended, on 18 October 2017, by section 150(3) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 139(13)(c): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 79(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 139(13)(d): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 79(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
139A Consent authorities to issue existing use certificates
(1)
A person may request the consent authority to issue a certificate that—
(a)
describes a use of land in a particular location; and
(b)
states that the use of the land was a use of land allowed by section 10 on the date on which the authority issues the certificate; and
(c)
specifies the character, intensity, and scale of the use on the date on which the authority issues the certificate.
(2)
A person may request the consent authority to issue a certificate that—
(a)
describes an activity to which section 10A or section 20A applies; and
(b)
states that the activity was an activity allowed by section 10A or section 20A on the date on which the authority issues the certificate; and
(c)
specifies the character, intensity, and scale of the activity on the date on which the authority issues the certificate; and
(d)
describes the period for which the activity is allowed under section 10A or section 20A.
(3)
The consent authority may require the person to provide any further information that the authority considers it needs to determine whether it must issue the certificate.
(4)
The consent authority must issue a certificate under subsection (1) if it—
(a)
is satisfied that the use of the land is a use of land allowed by section 10 on the date on which the authority issues the certificate; and
(b)
receives payment of the appropriate administrative charge.
(5)
The consent authority must issue a certificate under subsection (2) if it—
(a)
is satisfied that the activity is an activity allowed by section 10A or section 20A on the date on which the authority issues the certificate; and
(b)
receives payment of the appropriate administrative charge.
(6)
A consent authority that must issue a certificate must do so within 20 working days after the latest of the following dates:
(a)
the date on which the authority receives the request; and
(b)
the date on which the authority receives all the information required under subsection (3); and
(c)
the date on which the authority receives the payment of the appropriate administrative charge.
(7)
Subsection (8) applies if a consent authority that issued a certificate becomes aware that the information that a person provided in order to obtain the certificate contained inaccuracies.
(8)
The authority must revoke the certificate, if it is satisfied that the inaccuracies were material in satisfying the authority that it must issue the certificate.
(9)
An existing use certificate is treated as an appropriate resource consent. The provisions of this Act apply to the certificate, except for sections 87AA to 119, 120(1A) and (1B), and 123 to 150.
(10)
Sections 357A, 357AB, and 357C to 358 apply in relation to the issue or revocation of an existing use certificate.
Section 139A: inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 78 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 139A(9): amended, on 18 October 2017, by section 151(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 139A(10): amended, on 18 October 2017, by section 151(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Extant wastewater consents
Heading: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 92 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
139B Definitions for purposes of extant wastewater consents
In sections 139C and 139F, unless the context otherwise requires,—
commencement date means the date on which this section comes into force
extant wastewater consent means a resource consent that—
(a)
is for an activity associated with constructing or operating a wastewater network, as defined in section 5 of the Water Services Act 2021; and
(b)
is current on the commencement date; and
(c)
is due to expire on a date that is before the date that is 3 years after the commencement date
extended expiry date means—
(a)
the date that is 3 years after the commencement date; or
(b)
if the Minister extends the period of an extant wastewater consent under section 139D, the date on which the extended period ends.
Section 139B: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 92 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
139C Extension of extant wastewater consents
(1)
The expiry date of an extant wastewater consent is extended to the extended expiry date.
(2)
An extant wastewater consent is not able to be extended, except as specified in subsection (1) and section 139D.
(3)
Any conditions applying to an extant wastewater consent continue to apply unless a change to a condition is required as a consequence of extending the duration of the extant wastewater consent under subsection (1) or section 139D.
(4)
However, the extension of an extant wastewater consent under this section or section 139D does not affect the application of sections 127 to 129.
Section 139C: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 92 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
139D Minister may extend extant wastewater consent in exceptional circumstances
(1)
The Minister may extend the expiry date of an extant wastewater consent to a date that is more than 3 years after the commencement date.
(2)
The Minister may extend the expiry date of an extant wastewater consent—
(a)
only if the Minister is satisfied that exceptional circumstances exist that justify such an extension; and
(b)
for a maximum period of 2 years.
(3)
The Minister may extend the expiry date of an extant wastewater consent—
(a)
on receipt of an application under section 139E; or
(b)
on the Minister’s own volition.
Section 139D: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 92 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
139E Application to extend extant wastewater consent
(1)
The holder of an extant wastewater consent may apply to the Minister for an extension of the expiry date of the extant wastewater consent.
(2)
An application must be made no later than 30 months after the commencement date.
(3)
For the purposes of deciding whether to grant an application, the Minister may require the applicant to provide such further information as the Minister considers necessary to enable the Minister to make the decision.
(4)
If the Minister receives an application and any further information required under subsection (3), the Minister must decide whether to extend the expiry date of the extant wastewater consent to no later than 35 months after the commencement date.
Section 139E: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 92 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
139F Consent authority must update extant wastewater consent
The consent authority for an extant wastewater consent must, no later than 6 months after the commencement date, update the extant wastewater consent to record the extended expiry date under section 139C and any extended expiry date under section 139D.
Section 139F: inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 92 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Decisions on proposals of national significance[Repealed]
Heading: repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Part 6AA Proposals of national significance
Part 6AA: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
140 Outline of this Part
(1)
This section sets out the general scheme and effect of this Part. This section is by way of explanation only and does not limit or affect the other provisions of this Part or this Act.
(2)
This Part provides the Minister with specific powers in relation to applications for resource consents, applications for changes to or cancellation of resource consent conditions, local authority plan changes or variations, requests for plan changes, requests for the preparation of regional plans, matters relating to regional policy statements, and notices of requirement that are or are part of a proposal of national significance.
(3)
If exercised by the Minister, these powers set in motion one of 2 procedures by which the application, change, variation, request, or notice (the matter) is decided. Instead of the normal procedures set out in the Act, either a board of inquiry or the Environment Court decides the matter. A decision by a board of inquiry or the Environment Court may be challenged only by an appeal to the High Court on a question of law. If that decision is challenged, a further appeal may be taken to the Supreme Court or the Court of Appeal on a question of law, but only with the leave of the Supreme Court.
(4)
There are 3 ways in which a matter may come to the Minister for his or her decision on whether to make a direction to refer a matter to a board of inquiry or the Environment Court for decision. If the matter has been lodged with a local authority, the Minister may decide to make a direction on his or her own initiative or in response to a request from the local authority or the applicant. If the matter has been lodged with the Environmental Protection Authority, the Minister may decide to make a direction after receiving a recommendation from the EPA.
(5)
If the Minister decides not to make a direction to refer a matter to a board of inquiry or the Environment Court for decision, the matter will be processed by the local authority that, in the normal course of the Act, would be responsible for dealing with it. However, the Minister may still intervene in the process, for example, by making a submission on the matter for the Crown, appointing a project co-ordinator to advise the local authority on any thing relating to the matter, or appointing an additional hearings commissioner.
Section 140: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 140(2): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 40 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
141 Interpretation
In this Part, unless the context requires another meaning,—
applicant means—
(a)
the person who lodged the application, for a matter that is an application for—
(i)
a resource consent; or
(ii)
a change to or cancellation of the conditions of a resource consent:
(b)
the person making the request, for a matter that is a request for a change to a plan—
(i)
including a request that has been accepted by a board of inquiry under section 149M or the local authority under clause 25(2)(b) of Schedule 1; but
(ii)
excluding a request that has been adopted by the local authority:
(c)
the person making the request, for a matter that is a request for the preparation of a regional plan—
(i)
including a request that has been accepted by a board of inquiry under section 149M or the local authority under clause 25(2)(b) of Schedule 1; but
(ii)
excluding a request that has been adopted by the local authority:
(d)
the requiring authority that lodged the notice of requirement, for a matter that is a notice of requirement for a designation or to alter a designation:
(e)
the heritage protection authority that lodged the notice of requirement, for a matter that is a notice of requirement for a heritage order or to alter a heritage order:
(f)
the local authority, for a matter that is—
(i)
a change to its plan or policy statement (including a request for a change that has been adopted by the local authority); or
(ii)
a request for the preparation of a regional plan that has been adopted by a local authority; or
(iii)
a variation to its proposed plan or policy statement; or:
(g)
the Minister of the Crown or the territorial authority making the request, for a matter that is a request for a change to a regional policy statement,—
(i)
including a request that has been accepted by a board of inquiry under section 149M or a local authority under clause 25(2)(b) of Schedule 1; but
(ii)
excluding a request that has been adopted by the local authority
local authority means—
(a)
the consent authority that would process an application lodged under section 88 or 127 or, if an application is lodged with the EPA, the consent authority that would have been responsible for processing the application if it had been lodged under section 88 or 127, for a matter that is an application for a resource consent or for a change to or cancellation of the conditions of a resource consent:
(b)
the territorial authority responsible for the district plan or proposed district plan, for a matter that is a request for a change to a district plan, a change to a district plan, or a variation to a proposed district plan:
(c)
the regional council responsible for the regional plan or proposed regional plan, for a matter that is a request for the preparation of a regional plan, a request for a change to a regional plan, a change to a regional plan, or a variation to a proposed regional plan:
(ca)
the regional council responsible for the regional policy statement or proposed policy statement, for a matter relating to a regional policy statement:
(d)
the territorial authority responsible for dealing with a notice of requirement given under Part 8 or, if a notice of requirement is lodged with the EPA, the territorial authority that would have been responsible for dealing with the notice if it had been given under Part 8, for a matter that is a notice of requirement
matter means—
(a)
an application for a resource consent; or
(b)
an application for a change to or cancellation of the conditions of a resource consent; or
(c)
a request for the preparation of a regional plan (including a request that has been accepted or adopted in whole or in part by a local authority) or part of such a request; or
(d)
a request for a change to a plan (including a request that has been accepted or adopted in whole or in part by a local authority) or part of such a request; or
(e)
a change to a plan or part of a change to a plan; or
(f)
a variation to a proposed plan or part of a variation to a proposed plan; or
(g)
a notice of requirement for a designation; or
(h)
a notice of requirement for a heritage order; or
(i)
a notice of requirement to alter a designation or a heritage order; or
(j)
a request for a change to a regional policy statement (including a request that has been accepted or adopted in whole or in part by a local authority) or part of such a request; or
(k)
a change to a regional policy statement or part of a change; or
(l)
a variation to a proposed regional policy statement or part of a variation; or
(m)
a combination of any 2 or more matters described in paragraphs (c) to (f) and (j) to (l)
matter relating to a regional policy statement means a matter specified in paragraphs (j) to (l) of the definition of matter
Section 141: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 141 applicant paragraph (f)(i): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 41(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 141 applicant paragraph (f)(iii): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 41(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 141 applicant paragraph (g): inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 41(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 141 local authority paragraph (ca): inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 41(4) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 141 matter paragraph (c): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 80(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 141 matter paragraph (d): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 80(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 141 matter paragraph (e): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 80(3) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 141 matter paragraph (f): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 80(4) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 141 matter paragraph (j): inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 41(5) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 141 matter paragraph (k): inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 41(5) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 141 matter paragraph (l): inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 41(5) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 141 matter paragraph (m): inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 41(5) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 141 matter relating to a regional policy statement: inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 41(6) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
141A Minister’s power to intervene
[Repealed]Section 141A: repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
141B Minister’s power to call in matters that are or are part of proposals of national significance
[Repealed]Section 141B: repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
141C Form and effect of Minister’s direction
[Repealed]Section 141C: repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Subpart 1—Minister may make direction in relation to matter
Subpart 1: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Matter lodged with local authority
Heading: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
142 Minister may call in matter that is or is part of proposal of national significance
(1)
This section applies if a matter has been lodged with a local authority and—
(a)
the Minister, at his or her own initiative, decides to apply this section; or
(b)
the Minister receives a request from an applicant or a local authority to make a direction for the matter under subsection (2).
(2)
If the Minister considers that a matter is or is part of a proposal of national significance, the Minister may call in the matter by making a direction to—
(a)
refer the matter to a board of inquiry for decision; or
(b)
refer the matter to the Environment Court for decision.
(3)
In deciding whether a matter is, or is part of, a proposal of national significance, the Minister may have regard to—
(a)
any relevant factor, including whether the matter—
(i)
has aroused widespread public concern or interest regarding its actual or likely effect on the environment (including the global environment); or
(ii)
involves or is likely to involve significant use of natural and physical resources; or
(iii)
affects or is likely to affect a structure, feature, place, or area of national significance; or
(iiia)
gives effect to a national policy statement and is one that is specified in any of paragraphs (c) to (f) and (j) to (m) of the definition of matter in section 141; or
(iv)
affects or is likely to affect or is relevant to New Zealand’s international obligations to the global environment; or
(v)
results or is likely to result in or contribute to significant or irreversible changes to the environment (including the global environment); or
(vi)
involves or is likely to involve technology, processes, or methods that are new to New Zealand and that may affect its environment; or
(vii)
is or is likely to be significant in terms of section 8; or
(viii)
will assist the Crown in fulfilling its public health, welfare, security, or safety obligations or functions; or
(ix)
affects or is likely to affect more than 1 region or district; or
(x)
relates to a network utility operation that extends or is proposed to extend to more than 1 district or region; and
(b)
any advice provided by the EPA.
(4)
In deciding whether to make a direction under subsection (2), the Minister must have regard to—
(a)
the views of the applicant and the local authority; and
(b)
the capacity of the local authority to process the matter; and
(c)
the recommendations of the EPA.
(5)
A direction made under subsection (2) must—
(a)
be in writing and be signed by the Minister; and
(b)
state the Minister’s reasons for making the direction.
(6)
If a local authority or an applicant requests the Minister to call in a matter (by making a direction under subsection (2)) and the Minister decides not to do so, the EPA must give notice of the Minister’s decision to the local authority and the applicant.
(6A)
When requesting the Minister to call in a matter (by making a direction under subsection (2)), a local authority or an applicant must at the same time serve the other party (the local authority or the applicant, as the case may be) with notice of the request.
(7)
To avoid doubt, the Minister may make a direction under subsection (2) that differs from the direction recommended by the EPA under section 144A.
(8)
The Minister must not make a direction under subsection (2)(b) if section 149C(2)(a) or (b) applies (which relates to a request for the preparation of a regional plan or a request for a change to a plan or regional policy statement).
Section 142: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 142(3): replaced, on 1 July 2011, by section 10(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2011 (2011 No 19).
Section 142(3)(a)(iiia): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 81 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 142(3)(a)(iiia): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 42(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 142(4)(b): amended, on 1 July 2011, by section 10(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2011 (2011 No 19).
Section 142(4)(c): inserted, on 1 July 2011, by section 10(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2011 (2011 No 19).
Section 142(6A): inserted, on 4 September 2013, by section 21(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 142(7): inserted, on 1 July 2011, by section 10(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2011 (2011 No 19).
Section 142(8): inserted, on 4 September 2013, by section 21(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 142(8): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 42(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
143 Restriction on when local authority may request call in
A local authority (whether acting as an applicant or a local authority) may not make a request to the Minister in respect of either of the following matters unless it has complied with the consultation provisions in clauses 2, 3, and, if relevant, 4 of Schedule 1, and with clause 5(1)(a) of Schedule 1, in relation to the matter:
(a)
a change to a plan or regional policy statement proposed by the local authority under clause 2 of Schedule 1; or
(b)
a variation to a proposed plan or regional policy statement.
Section 143: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 143: amended, on 3 December 2013, for all purposes, by section 79 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 143(a): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 43 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 143(b): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 43 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
144 Restriction on when Minister may call in matter
The Minister must not call in a matter (by making a direction under section 142(2))—
(a)
later than 5 working days before the date fixed for the commencement of the hearing, if the local authority has notified the matter; or
(b)
after the local authority gives notice of its decision or recommendation on the matter, if the local authority has decided not to notify the matter.
Section 144: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 144(a): replaced, on 19 April 2017, by section 82 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
144A EPA to advise and make recommendations to Minister in relation to call-in
(1)
The Minister may request the EPA to advise him or her on whether a matter is, or is part of, a proposal of national significance.
(2)
Section 142(3)(a) applies to the EPA as if the reference to the Minister were a reference to the EPA.
(3)
The EPA must provide advice under subsection (1) no later than 20 working days after receiving the Minister’s request.
(4)
The EPA’s advice must include its recommendation that the Minister—
(a)
call the matter in and make a direction to refer it to a board of inquiry for a decision; or
(b)
call the matter in and make a direction to refer it to the Environment Court for a decision; or
(c)
not call the matter in.
(5)
The EPA must serve a copy of its recommendation on the applicant and the local authority.
(6)
The 20-working-day time frame specified in subsection (3) applies subject to section 149(5) and (6).
Section 144A: inserted, on 1 July 2011, by section 11 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2011 (2011 No 19).
Matter lodged with EPA
Heading: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
145 Matter lodged with EPA
(1)
A person may lodge 1 or more of the following matters with the EPA:
(a)
an application for a resource consent:
(b)
a request for the preparation of a regional plan (other than a regional coastal plan):
(c)
a request for a change to a plan.
(1A)
A person must not lodge with the EPA a plan change request made under subpart 4 of Part 7A unless the person also lodges with it a concurrent application under that subpart.
(2)
The holder of a resource consent may lodge an application for a change to or cancellation of the conditions of the resource consent with the EPA.
(3)
A requiring authority may lodge a notice of requirement for a designation or to alter a designation with the EPA.
(4)
A heritage protection authority may lodge a notice of requirement for a heritage order or to alter a heritage order with the EPA.
(5)
If the matter is an application for a resource consent, section 88 applies, except that—
(a)
every reference in that section to a consent authority must be read as a reference to the EPA; and
(b)
the applicant has no right of objection under section 88(5) if the EPA determines that the application is incomplete under section 88(3).
(6)
If the matter is an application for a change to or cancellation of the conditions of a resource consent,—
(a)
section 127(1) applies, except that every reference in that section to a consent authority must be read as a reference to the EPA; and
(b)
section 88 applies, except that—
(i)
the application must be treated as if it were an application for a resource consent for a discretionary activity; and
(ii)
every reference in that section to a consent authority, a resource consent, and the effects of the activity must be read as a reference to the EPA, the change or cancellation of the conditions, and the effects of the change or cancellation, respectively; and
(iii)
the applicant has no right of objection under section 88(5) if the EPA determines that the application is incomplete under section 88(3).
(7)
If the matter is a notice of requirement for a designation or to alter a designation, section 168 applies, except that every reference in that section to a territorial authority must be read as a reference to the EPA.
(8)
If the matter is a notice of requirement for a heritage order or to alter a heritage order, section 189 applies, except that every reference in that section to a territorial authority must be read as a reference to the EPA.
(9)
If the matter is a request for a change to a plan or the preparation of a regional plan, clause 22 of Schedule 1 applies, except that every reference in that clause to a local authority must be read as a reference to the EPA.
(9A)
If the matter is a concurrent application lodged with a plan change request made under subpart 4 of Part 7A, section 107F(3) applies except that the reference to the consent authority in that subsection must be read as a reference to the EPA.
(10)
A person who lodges a matter with the EPA under subsections (1) to (4) must serve the local authority with notice of the matter and of its lodging with the EPA under this section.
(11)
A matter may not be lodged with the EPA under this section if—
(a)
the same matter has been lodged with a local authority; and
(b)
the applicant or the local authority has requested that the Minister call in the matter.
Section 145: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 145(1A): inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 37(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 145(9A): inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 37(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
146 EPA to recommend course of action to Minister
(1)
No later than 20 working days after receiving a matter lodged under section 145, the EPA must recommend to the Minister that he or she make a direction under section 147(1)(a), (b), or (c).
(2)
The EPA may also recommend to the Minister that he or she exercise 1 or more of the following powers:
(a)
if the EPA recommends that the Minister make a direction under section 147(1)(a) or (b),—
(i)
to make a submission on the matter for the Crown:
(ii)
to extend the 9-month period by which any board of inquiry appointed to determine the matter must report under section 149R(1) because special circumstances exist:
(b)
if the EPA recommends that the Minister make a direction under section 147(1)(c),—
(i)
to make a submission on the matter for the Crown:
(ii)
to appoint a project co-ordinator for the matter to advise the local authority:
(iii)
if there is more than 1 matter that relates to the same proposal, and more than 1 local authority, to direct the local authorities to hold a joint hearing on the matters:
(iv)
if the local authority appoints 1 or more hearings commissioners for the matter, to appoint an additional commissioner for the matter.
(3)
The EPA must serve a copy of its recommendation on the applicant and the local authority.
(4)
The 20-working day time frame specified in subsection (1) applies subject to section 149(5) and (6).
(5)
This section applies to plan change requests and concurrent applications made under subpart 4 of Part 7A subject to the following:
(a)
the 20 working days referred to in subsection (1) begins on the later of the following days:
(i)
the day on which the EPA determines that, for the purposes of section 88(3), the concurrent application is complete:
(ii)
the day on which the EPA receives all the information and reports required under section 149:
(b)
any recommendation made by the EPA under this section must relate to both the plan change request and its concurrent application.
(6)
The EPA must not recommend to the Minister that he or she make a direction under section 147(1)(b) if section 149C(2)(a) or (b) applies (which relates to a request for the preparation of a regional plan or a request for a change to a plan).
Section 146: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 146(5): inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 38 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 146(6): inserted, on 4 September 2013, by section 22 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
147 Minister makes direction after EPA recommendation
(1)
After the Minister receives a recommendation from the EPA under section 146, he or she may make a direction to—
(a)
refer the matter to a board of inquiry for decision; or
(b)
refer the matter to the Environment Court for decision; or
(c)
refer the matter to the local authority.
(2)
The Minister may make a direction under subsection (1)(a) or (b) only if he or she considers that the matter is or is part of a proposal of national significance.
(3)
The Minister must apply section 142(3) in deciding whether the matter is or is part of a proposal of national significance.
(4)
In deciding on making a direction under subsection (1), the Minister must have regard to—
(a)
the views of the applicant and the local authority; and
(b)
the capacity of the local authority to process the matter; and
(c)
the recommendations of the EPA.
(5)
A direction made under subsection (1) must—
(a)
be in writing and be signed by the Minister; and
(b)
state the Minister’s reasons for making the direction.
(6)
To avoid doubt, the Minister may make a direction under subsection (1) that differs from the direction recommended by the EPA under section 146(1).
(7)
For the purposes of a plan change request made, and a concurrent application lodged, under subpart 4 of Part 7A, a direction given under this section must relate to both.
(8)
The Minister must not make a direction under subsection (1)(b) if section 149C(2)(a) or (b) applies (which relates to a request for the preparation of a regional plan or a request for a change to a plan).
Section 147: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 147(7): inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 39 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 147(8): inserted, on 4 September 2013, by section 23 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
General provisions for matter lodged with local authority or EPA
Heading: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
148 Proposals relating to coastal marine area
(1)
If a proposal of national significance relates wholly to the coastal marine area, this Part applies with the following modifications:
(a)
references to the Minister must be read as references to the Minister of Conservation; and
(b)
sections 149Q(3)(e) and (f) and 149R(4)(e) and (f) must be read as 1 paragraph saying “the Minister of Conservation”
.
(2)
If a proposal of national significance relates partly to the coastal marine area, this Part applies with the following modifications:
(a)
references to the Minister must be read as references to the Minister and the Minister of Conservation; and
(b)
sections 149Q(3)(e) and (f) and 149R(4)(e) and (f) must be read as 1 paragraph saying “the Minister and the Minister of Conservation”
.
Section 148: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
149 EPA may request further information or commission report
(1)
Subsection (2) applies to a matter if—
(a)
the matter has been lodged with the EPA under section 145; or
(b)
a request relating to the matter has been made by a local authority or an applicant for a direction under section 142(1)(b); or
(c)
the Minister decides, at his or her own initiative, to apply section 142.
(2)
The EPA may,—
(a)
by written notice, request an applicant to provide further information relating to the matter:
(b)
require an EPA employee, or commission any person, to prepare a report on any issue relating to a matter (including in relation to information contained in the matter or provided under paragraph (a)).
(3)
An applicant who receives a request under subsection (2)(a) must, within 15 working days after the date of the request, do one of the following things:
(a)
provide the information; or
(b)
tell the EPA by written notice that the applicant agrees to provide the information; or
(c)
tell the EPA by written notice that the applicant refuses to provide the information.
(4)
If the EPA receives a notice under subsection (3)(b), the EPA must—
(a)
set a reasonable time within which the applicant must provide the information; and
(b)
tell the applicant by written notice the date by which the applicant must provide the information.
(5)
If the EPA requests further information under subsection (2)(a) before making its recommendation to the Minister on a matter under section 144A or 146, the time frame referred to in section 144A(3) or 146(1) (being the time within which the EPA must make its recommendation) begins on,—
(a)
if the information is provided in accordance with this section, the day after the day on which the EPA receives the information; or
(b)
if the EPA receives a notice of refusal under subsection (3)(c), the day after the day on which the EPA receives the notice; or
(c)
in any other case, the day after the day on which the deadline for providing the information expires.
(6)
If the EPA requires a report under subsection (2)(b) before making its recommendation to the Minister on a matter under section 144A or 146, the time frame referred to in section 144A(3) or 146(1) (being the time within which the EPA must make its recommendation) begins on the day after the day on which the EPA receives the report.
(7)
The EPA must make its recommendation even if the applicant—
(a)
does not provide the information before the deadline; or
(b)
refuses to provide the information.
Section 149: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 149(1): replaced, on 4 September 2013, by section 24 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 149(5): amended, on 1 July 2011, by section 12(1)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2011 (2011 No 19).
Section 149(5): amended, on 1 July 2011, by section 12(1)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2011 (2011 No 19).
Section 149(6): amended, on 1 July 2011, by section 12(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2011 (2011 No 19).
Section 149(6): amended, on 1 July 2011, by section 12(2)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2011 (2011 No 19).
How matter processed if direction made to refer matter to board of inquiry or court
Heading: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
149A EPA must serve Minister’s direction on local authority and applicant
As soon as practicable after the Minister makes a direction under section 142(2) or 147(1)(a) or (b), the EPA must serve the direction on—
(a)
the local authority; and
(b)
the applicant.
Section 149A: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
149B Local authority’s obligations if matter called in
(1)
Subsection (2) applies to a local authority if—
(a)
the Minister calls in a matter by making a direction under section 142(2); and
(b)
the local authority has been served with the direction under section 149A.
(2)
The local authority must, without delay, provide the EPA with—
(a)
the matter; and
(b)
all information received by the local authority that relates to the matter; and
(c)
if applicable, the submissions received by the local authority on the matter.
Section 149B: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
149C EPA must give public notice of Minister’s direction
(1)
The EPA must give public notice of a direction the Minister makes under section 142(2) or 147(1)(a) or (b).
(2)
Subsection (1) does not apply if—
(a)
the matter is a request for the preparation of a regional plan, a request for a change to a plan, or a request for a change to a regional policy statement, lodged with the local authority under clause 21 of Schedule 1 and, at the time the Minister makes the direction, the local authority—
(i)
has not yet made a decision on the request under clause 25 of Schedule 1; or
(ii)
has made a decision to accept the request, but has not yet prepared the proposed plan or change under clause 26(a) of Schedule 1; or
(iii)
has made a decision to adopt the request, but has not yet notified the proposed plan or change under clause 5 of Schedule 1; or
(b)
the matter is a request for the preparation of a regional plan, or a request for a change to a plan, lodged with the EPA under section 145; or
(c)
the Minister instructs that the giving of public notice be delayed under section 149D; or
(d)
the Minister decides under section 149ZC that the application or notice to which the direction relates is not to be publicly notified; or
(e)
the matter is a concurrent application made under subpart 4 of Part 7A.
(3)
A notice under subsection (1) must—
(a)
state the Minister’s reasons for making the direction; and
(b)
describe the matter to which the direction applies; and
(c)
state where the matter, its accompanying information, and any further information may be viewed; and
(d)
state that any person may make submissions on the matter to the EPA; and
(e)
state the closing date for the receipt of submissions; and
(ea)
specify an electronic address for sending submissions; and
(f)
state the address for service of the EPA and the applicant (or each applicant if more than 1).
(4)
When the EPA gives public notice under subsection (1), it must also serve a copy of the notice on—
(a)
each owner and occupier (other than an applicant) of any land to which the matter relates; and
(b)
each owner and occupier of any land adjoining any land to which the matter relates; and
(c)
if applicable, every person who has made a submission on the matter to the local authority.
Section 149C: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 149C(2)(a): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 44 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 149C(2)(d): amended, on 1 October 2011, by section 40(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 149C(2)(e): inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 40(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 149C(3)(ea): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 83 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
149D Minister may instruct EPA to delay giving public notice pending application for additional consents
(1)
The Minister may instruct the EPA to delay giving public notice of a direction under section 149C in relation to a matter.
(2)
Subsection (1) applies if the Minister considers, on reasonable grounds, that—
(a)
resource consents, or other resource consents, will also be required in respect of the proposal to which the matter relates; and
(b)
the nature of the proposal will be better understood if applications for the resource consents, or other resource consents, are lodged before proceeding further with the matter.
(3)
The EPA must, without delay, give notice to the local authority and the applicant of the instruction under subsection (1).
(4)
The Minister may, at any time, rescind an instruction given under subsection (1) and instruct the EPA to give public notice of the direction concerned under section 149C.
Section 149D: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
149E EPA to receive submissions on matter if public notice of direction has been given
(1)
Any person (including the Minister, for the Crown) may make a submission to the EPA about a matter for which—
(a)
the Minister has made a direction under section 142(2) or 147(1)(a) or (b); and
(b)
public notice has been given under section 149C.
(2)
Subsection (1) applies—
(a)
whether or not the person has already made a submission to the local authority on the matter; but
(b)
subject to subsections (5) to (8).
(3)
A submission must be—
(a)
in the prescribed form; and
(b)
served—
(i)
on the EPA, within the time allowed under subsection (9); and
(ii)
on the applicant, as soon as practicable after service on the EPA.
(3A)
If a person who makes an electronic submission on a matter to which the submission relates has specified an electronic address as an address for service, and has not requested a method of service specified in section 352(1)(b) (as applied by subsection (3B)), any further correspondence relating to the matter must be served by sending it to that electronic address.
(3B)
If subsection (3A) does not apply, the further correspondence may be served by any of the methods specified in section 352(1)(b).
(4)
A submission must state whether it supports the matter, it opposes the matter, or it is neutral.
(5)
If the person is a trade competitor of the applicant, the person may make a submission only if directly affected by an effect of the activity to which the matter relates, and the effect—
(a)
adversely affects the environment; and
(b)
does not relate to trade competition or the effects of trade competition.
(6)
However, subsection (5) does not apply if the matter is a notice of requirement for a heritage order (or to alter a heritage order), a request for the preparation of a regional plan, a request for a change to a plan, a change to a plan, a variation to a proposed plan, a request for a change to a regional policy statement, a change to a regional policy statement, or a variation to a proposed regional policy statement.
(7)
If the matter is a change to a plan proposed by a local authority under clause 2 of Schedule 1, a variation to a proposed plan, a change to a regional policy statement, or a variation to a proposed regional policy statement, the person—
(a)
must not make a submission if the person could gain an advantage in trade competition through the submission; and
(b)
may make a submission only if directly affected by an effect of the change or variation that—
(i)
adversely affects the environment; and
(ii)
does not relate to trade competition or the effects of trade competition.
(8)
If the matter is a request for the preparation of a regional plan, a request for a change to a plan or a regional policy statement, a person who is a trade competitor of the person who made the request may make a submission only if directly affected by an effect of the proposed plan or change that—
(a)
adversely affects the environment; and
(b)
does not relate to trade competition or the effects of trade competition.
(9)
The closing date for making a submission is 30 working days after the day on which public notice of the direction is given.
(10)
Any submissions on the matter received by the local authority before the matter is called in (by a direction being made under section 142(2)) must be treated as having been made to the EPA under this section.
Section 149E: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 149E(3A): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 84(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 149E(3B): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 84(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 149E(6): replaced, on 1 July 2020, by section 45(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 149E(7): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 45(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 149E(8): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 45(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 149E(9): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 84(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
149F EPA to receive further submissions if matter is request, change, or variation
(1)
Subsection (2) applies if the matter for which the Minister makes a direction under section 142(2) or 147(1)(a) or (b) is a request for the preparation of a regional plan, a request for a change to a plan, a change to a plan, a variation to a proposed plan, or a matter relating to a regional policy statement.
(2)
The EPA must produce a summary of all the submissions on the matter received under section 149E and give public notice of—
(a)
the availability of a summary of submissions on the matter; and
(b)
where the summary and the submissions can be inspected; and
(c)
the fact that no later than 10 working days after the day on which this public notice is given, the persons described in subsection (3) may make a further submission on the matter; and
(d)
the date of the last day for making further submissions (as calculated under paragraph (c)); and
(da)
an electronic address for sending further submissions; and
(e)
the address for service of the EPA.
(3)
The following persons may make a further submission on the matter:
(a)
any person representing a relevant aspect of the public interest; and
(b)
any person that has an interest in the matter greater than the interest that the general public has; and
(c)
the local authority.
(4)
However, a further submission—
(a)
may only be in support of or in opposition to a submission made on a matter under section 149E:
(b)
may not be made on a concurrent application made under subpart 4 of Part 7A.
(5)
A further submission must be in the prescribed form.
(5A)
If a person who makes a further electronic submission on a matter to which the further submission relates has specified an electronic address as an address for service, and has not requested a method of service specified in section 352(1)(b) (as applied by subsection (5B)), any further correspondence relating to the matter must be served by sending it to that electronic address.
(5B)
If subsection (5A) does not apply, the further correspondence may be served by any of the methods specified in section 352(1)(b).
(6)
A person who makes a further submission under subsection (3) must serve a copy of it on—
(a)
the applicant; and
(b)
the person who made the submission under section 149E to which the further submission relates.
(7)
The further submission must be served no later than 5 working days after the day on which the person provides the EPA with the further submission.
(8)
In subsection (1), request for a change to a plan, in relation to a plan change request made under subpart 4 of Part 7A, includes the concurrent application that relates to the plan change request.
Section 149F: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 149F(1): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 46(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 149F(2)(da): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 85(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 149F(3)(b): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 46(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 149F(4): replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 41(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 149F(5A): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 85(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 149F(5B): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 85(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 149F(8): inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 41(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
149G EPA must provide board or court with necessary information
(1)
This section applies if a matter is referred to a board of inquiry or the Environment Court under this Part.
(2)
The EPA must provide the board of inquiry or Environment Court, as the case may be, with each of the following things as soon as is reasonably practicable after receiving it:
(a)
the matter:
(b)
all the information received by the EPA that relates to the matter:
(c)
the submissions received by the EPA on the matter.
(3)
The EPA must also commission the local authority to prepare a report on the key issues in relation to the matter that includes—
(a)
any relevant provisions of a national policy statement, a New Zealand coastal policy statement, a national planning standard, a regional policy statement or proposed regional policy statement, and a plan or proposed plan; and
(b)
a statement on whether all required resource consents in relation to the proposal to which the matter relates have been applied for; and
(c)
if applicable, the activity status of all proposed activities in relation to the matter.
(4)
The EPA must provide a copy of the report to—
(a)
the board of inquiry or the Environment Court, as the case may be; and
(b)
the applicant; and
(c)
every person who made a submission on the matter.
Section 149G: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 149G(3)(a): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 86 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
149H Local authority may not notify further change or variation in certain circumstances
If the Minister makes a direction under section 142(2) or 147(1)(a) or (b) to refer any of the following matters to a board of inquiry or the Environment Court, the local authority must not notify a further change or variation relating to the same issue until after the board or the court, as the case may be, has made a decision on the matter:
(a)
a matter that is a change to a plan; or
(b)
a matter that is a variation to a proposed plan; or
(c)
a matter that is a request for the preparation of a regional plan or a request for a change to a plan (including a request that has been accepted or adopted by the local authority or accepted by a board of inquiry); or
(d)
a matter relating to a regional policy statement.
Section 149H: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 149H(d): inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 47 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
149I Limitation on withdrawal of change or variation
(1)
A local authority may withdraw a change that was notified under clause 5 of Schedule 1, a variation to a proposed plan, or matter relating to a regional policy statement, for which the Minister has made a direction under section 142(2) no later than 5 working days after the close of the last day on which further submissions may be made under section 149F.
(2)
An applicant may withdraw the applicant’s request for a proposed regional plan, a request for a change to a plan, or a matter relating to a regional policy statement, for which the Minister has made a direction under section 142(2) or 147(1)(a) or (b) no later than 5 working days after the close of the last day on which further submissions may be made under section 149F.
(3)
If the applicant withdraws a request for a change to the plan that is a plan change request made under subpart 4 of Part 7A, the concurrent application that relates to the plan change request is to be treated as having been withdrawn.
Section 149I: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 149I(1): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 48(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 149I(2): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 48(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 149I(3): inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 42 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Subpart 2—How matter decided if direction made to refer matter to board of inquiry or court
Subpart 2: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Matter decided by board of inquiry
Heading: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
149J Minister to appoint board of inquiry
(1)
This section applies if the Minister makes a direction under section 142(2)(a) or 147(1)(a) to refer a matter to a board of inquiry for decision.
(2)
As soon as practicable after making the direction, the Minister must appoint a board of inquiry to decide the matter and to complete the performance or exercise of its functions, duties, and powers in relation to the matter (including any appeals in relation to the matter that are filed in any court).
(3)
The Minister must appoint—
(a)
no fewer than 3, but no more than 5, members; and
(b)
1 member as the chairperson, who may (but need not) be a current, former, or retired Environment Judge or a retired High Court Judge.
(3A)
The Minister may, if he or she considers it appropriate,—
(a)
invite the EPA to nominate persons to be members of the board:
(b)
appoint a member of the EPA board to be a member of the board of inquiry.
(3B)
The Minister may, as he or she sees fit, set terms of reference about administrative matters relating to the inquiry.
(4)
A member of a board of inquiry is not liable for anything the member does, or omits to do, in good faith in performing or exercising the functions, duties, and powers of the board.
Section 149J: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 149J(2): amended, on 4 September 2013, by section 25 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 149J(3)(b): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 87(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 149J(3A): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 87(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 149J(3B): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 87(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
149K How members appointed
(1)
The Minister must comply with this section when appointing a board of inquiry under section 149J.
(2)
The Minister must seek suggestions for members of the board from the local authority.
(3)
However, the Minister may appoint a person as a member of the board whether or not he or she receives a suggestion for the person under subsection (2).
(4)
In appointing members, the Minister must consider the need for the board to have available to it, from its members,—
(a)
knowledge, skill, and experience relating to—
(i)
this Act; and
(ii)
the matter or type of matter that the board will be considering; and
(iii)
tikanga Māori; and
(iv)
the local community; and
(v)
the exercise of control over the manner of examining and cross-examining witnesses; and
(b)
legal expertise; and
(c)
technical expertise in relation to the matter or type of matter that the board will be considering.
Section 149K: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 149K(4): replaced, on 19 April 2017, by section 88 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
149KA EPA may make administrative decisions
(1)
The EPA may—
(a)
make decisions regarding administrative and support matters that are incidental or ancillary to the conduct of an inquiry under this Part; or
(b)
allow the board of inquiry to make those decisions.
(2)
The EPA must have regard to the purposes of minimising costs and avoiding unnecessary delay when exercising its powers or performing its functions under subsection (1)(a) or (b).
Section 149KA: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 89 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
149L Conduct of inquiry
(1)
A board of inquiry appointed to determine a matter under section 149J may, in conducting its inquiry, exercise any of the powers, rights, and discretions of a consent authority under sections 92 to 92B and 99 to 100 as if—
(a)
the matter were an application for a resource consent; and
(b)
every reference in those sections to an application or an application for a resource consent were a reference to the matter.
(2)
If a hearing is to be held, the EPA must—
(a)
fix a place for the hearing, which must be near to the area to which the matter relates; and
(b)
fix the commencement date and time for the hearing; and
(c)
give not less than 10 working days’ notice of the matters stated in paragraphs (a) and (b) to—
(i)
the applicant; and
(ii)
every person who made a submission on the matter stating that he or she wished to be heard and who has not subsequently advised the board that he or she no longer wishes to be heard.
(3)
The EPA may provide a board of inquiry with an estimate of the amount of funding required to process a nationally significant proposal.
(4)
A board of inquiry—
(a)
must conduct its inquiry in accordance with any terms of reference set by the Minister under section 149J(3B):
(b)
must carry out its duties in a timely and cost-effective manner:
(c)
may direct that briefs of evidence be provided in electronic form:
(d)
must keep a full record of all hearings and proceedings:
(e)
may allow a party to question any other party or witness:
(f)
may permit cross-examination:
(g)
may, without limiting sections 39, 40 to 41D, 99, and 99A,—
(i)
direct that a conference of a group of experts be held:
(ii)
direct that a conference be held with—
(A)
any of the submitters who wish to be heard at the hearing; or
(B)
the applicant; or
(C)
any relevant local authority; or
(D)
any combination of such persons:
(h)
must, in relation to a nationally significant proposal, have regard to the most recent estimate provided to the board of inquiry by the EPA under subsection (3).
(5)
A board of inquiry may obtain planning advice from the EPA in relation to—
(a)
the relevant district and regional plans, regional and national policy statements, a national planning standard, national environmental standards, and other similar documents:
(b)
the issues raised by the matter being considered by the board.
Section 149L: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 149L(2): replaced, on 19 April 2017, by section 90 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 149L(3): replaced, on 19 April 2017, by section 90 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 149L(4): replaced, on 19 April 2017, by section 90 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 149L(5): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 90 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
149M Process if matter is request for regional plan or change and particular circumstances apply
(1)
This section applies if the matter before a board of inquiry is a request for the preparation of a regional plan, or a request for a change to a plan or a regional policy statement, and—
(a)
the request is lodged with the EPA under section 145; or
(b)
the request is lodged with the local authority under clause 21 of Schedule 1 but, at the time the Minister made the direction under section 142(2) in relation to the request, the local authority had not yet made a decision on the request under clause 25 of Schedule 1.
(2)
The board may only—
(a)
accept the request entirely under clause 25(2)(b) of Schedule 1; or
(b)
reject the request entirely under clause 25(4) of Schedule 1.
(3)
To make a decision under subsection (2), the board—
(a)
has all the powers of a local authority under clauses 23 and 24 of Schedule 1; and
(b)
must consult the local authority on its views before making its decision.
(4)
If the board accepts the request,—
(a)
the board must serve notice of its decision on the applicant and the local authority; and
(b)
the local authority must prepare the proposed plan or change in accordance with section 149N; and
(c)
the EPA must do anything required of it by sections 149F and 149O; and
(d)
the board must—
(i)
conduct an inquiry on the proposed plan or change in accordance with sections 149L and 149P(1); and
(ii)
apply section 149P(6) or (7), as the case may be; and
(iii)
produce a draft report on the proposed plan or change under section 149Q; and
(iv)
produce a final report on the proposed plan or change under section 149R.
(4A)
For the purposes of subsection (4)(c), in the case of a plan change request made under subpart 4 of Part 7A, the concurrent application—
(a)
must be included in the public notice and invitation to make submissions; but
(b)
must not be included in the invitation to make further submissions.
(5)
If the board rejects the request, the board must serve notice of its decision on the applicant and the local authority.
Section 149M: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 149M(1): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 149M(4)(c): replaced, on 4 September 2013, by section 27 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 149M(4A): inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 43 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
149N Process if section 149M applies or proposed plan or change not yet prepared
(1)
Subsections (2) to (4) apply if—
(a)
a board of inquiry has accepted a request for the preparation of a regional plan, or a request for a change to a plan, or a request for a change to a regional policy statement under section 149M; or
(b)
a local authority has accepted a request for the preparation of a regional plan, or a request for a change to a plan, or a request for a change to a regional policy statement under clause 25(2)(b) of Schedule 1 but, at the time the Minister made the direction under section 142(2) in relation to the request, the local authority had not yet prepared the proposed plan or change under clause 26(a) of Schedule 1.
(2)
The local authority must prepare the proposed plan or change in consultation with the applicant as if clause 26(a) of Schedule 1 applied.
(3)
The local authority must then serve a copy of the proposed plan or change on the EPA,—
(a)
if the circumstances in subsection (1)(a) apply, no later than 4 months after the local authority was served with notice of the board’s decision under section 149M(4):
(b)
if the circumstances in subsection (1)(b) apply, no later than 4 months after the local authority was served with the Minister’s direction under section 149A.
(4)
The local authority must also give notice to the EPA of any rules in the proposed plan or change that will have legal effect under subsection (8)(b) on and from the date on which the EPA gives public notice of the proposed plan or change under section 149O.
(5)
Subsections (6) to (8) apply if a local authority has adopted a request for the preparation of a regional plan, or a request for a change to a plan, or a request for a change to a regional policy statement, under clause 25(2)(a) of Schedule 1 but, at the time the Minister made the direction under section 142(2) in relation to the request, the local authority had not yet notified the proposed plan or change under clause 5 of Schedule 1.
(6)
The local authority must, no later than 4 months after the local authority was served with the Minister’s direction under section 149A,—
(a)
serve a copy of the proposed plan or change on the EPA; and
(b)
give notice to the EPA of any rules in the proposed plan or change that will have legal effect under subsection (8) on and from the date on which the EPA gives public notice of the proposed plan or change under section 149O.
(7)
A rule in a proposed plan or change served on the EPA under subsection (6) has legal effect only once a decision is made by the board of inquiry or court.
(8)
However, a rule has legal effect on and from the date on which the EPA gives public notice of—
(a)
the proposed plan or change under section 149O if the rule—
(i)
protects or relates to water, air, or soil (for soil conservation); or
(ii)
protects areas of significant indigenous vegetation; or
(iii)
protects areas of significant habitats of indigenous fauna; or
(iv)
protects historic heritage; or
(v)
relates to natural hazards:
(b)
the proposed plan under section 149O if the rule provides for or relates to aquaculture activities.
(9)
[Repealed]Section 149N: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 149N(1)(a): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 50(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 149N(1)(b): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 50(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 149N(4): amended, on 1 October 2011, by section 45(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 149N(5): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 50(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 149N(8): replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 45(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 149N(8)(a)(v): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 50 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 149N(9): repealed, on 1 October 2011, by section 45(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
149O Public notice and submissions where EPA receives proposed plan or change from local authority under section 149N
(1)
This section applies where the EPA receives a proposed plan or change to a plan or regional policy statement proposed by a local authority under section 149N.
(2)
On receiving a copy of the proposed plan or change, the EPA must give public notice of the proposed plan or change that—
(a)
states the Minister’s reasons for making a direction in relation to the matter; and
(b)
states where the proposed plan or change, accompanying information, and any further information may be viewed; and
(c)
specifies any rule in the proposed plan or change that has legal effect on and from the date that public notice of the proposed plan or change is given under this section; and
(d)
states that any person may make submissions to the EPA on the proposed plan or change; and
(e)
specifies the closing date for receiving submissions; and
(f)
specifies an electronic address for sending submissions; and
(g)
specifies the address for service of the EPA and the applicant.
(3)
Any person may make a submission on—
(a)
a proposed plan or change for which public notice is given under subsection (2), and, for that purpose, section 149E(3), (4), and (8) apply:
(b)
a concurrent application for which public notice is given under subsection (2), and, for that purpose, section 149E(5) applies.
(4)
However, the closing date for making a submission under subsection (3) is 30 working days after the day on which public notice of the proposed plan or change is given under subsection (2).
(4A)
If a person who makes an electronic submission under subsection (3) on a matter to which the submission relates has specified an electronic address as an address for service, and has not requested a method of service specified in section 352(1)(b) (as applied by subsection (4B)), any further correspondence relating to the matter must be served by sending it to that electronic address.
(4B)
If subsection (4A) does not apply, the further correspondence may be served by any of the methods specified in section 352(1)(b).
(5)
On receiving a copy of the proposed plan or change, the EPA must also provide the board of inquiry with a copy of the proposed plan or change.
(6)
When the EPA gives public notice under subsection (2), it must also serve a copy of the notice on—
(a)
each owner and occupier (other than an applicant) of any land to which the matter relates; and
(b)
each owner and occupier of any land adjoining any land to which the matter relates.
Section 149O: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 149O(1): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 51 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 149O(2): replaced, on 19 April 2017, by section 91(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 149O(3): replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 46 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 149O(4): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 91(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 149O(4A): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 91(3) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 149O(4B): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 91(3) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
149P Consideration of matter by board
(1)
A board of inquiry considering a matter must—
(a)
have regard to the Minister’s reasons for making a direction in relation to the matter; and
(b)
consider any information provided to it by the EPA under section 149G; and
(c)
act in accordance with subsection (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), or (9) as the case may be.
(2)
A board of inquiry considering a matter that is an application for a resource consent must apply sections 104 to 104D, 105 to 112, and 138A as if it were a consent authority.
(3)
A board of inquiry considering a matter that is an application for a change to or cancellation of the conditions of a resource consent must apply sections 104 to 104D and 105 to 112 as if—
(a)
it were a consent authority and the application were an application for resource consent for a discretionary activity; and
(b)
every reference to a resource consent and to the effects of the activity were a reference to the change or cancellation of a condition and the effects of the change or cancellation, respectively.
(4)
A board of inquiry considering a matter that is a notice of requirement for a designation or to alter a designation—
(a)
must have regard to the matters set out in section 171(1) and comply with section 171(1A) as if it were a territorial authority; and
(b)
may—
(i)
cancel the requirement; or
(ii)
confirm the requirement; or
(iii)
confirm the requirement, but modify it or impose conditions on it as the board thinks fit; and
(c)
may waive the requirement for an outline plan to be submitted under section 176A.
(4A)
However, if the requiring authority is the Minister of Education or the Minister of Defence, the board of inquiry may not impose a condition under subsection (4)(b)(iii) requiring a financial contribution (as defined in section 108(9)).
(5)
A board of inquiry considering a matter that is a notice of requirement for a heritage order or to alter a heritage order—
(a)
must have regard to the matters set out in section 191(1); and
(b)
may—
(i)
cancel the requirement; or
(ii)
confirm the requirement; or
(iii)
confirm the requirement, but modify it or impose conditions on it as the board thinks fit (including a condition that the heritage protection authority reimburse the owner of the place concerned for any additional costs of upkeep of the place resulting from the making or the modifying of the order).
(6)
A board of inquiry considering a matter that is a variation to a proposed regional plan, a proposed regional plan, or a change to a regional plan—
(a)
must apply clause 10(1) to (3) of Schedule 1 as if it were a local authority; and
(b)
may exercise the powers under section 293 as if it were the Environment Court; and
(c)
must apply sections 66 to 70 and 77A to 77D as if it were a regional council; and
(d)
must apply section 165H as if it were a regional council, if the matter involves a rule in a regional coastal plan or proposed regional coastal plan that relates to the allocation of space in a common marine and coastal area for the purposes of an activity.
(7)
A board of inquiry considering a matter that is a change to a district plan or a variation to a proposed district plan—
(a)
must apply clause 10(1) to (3) of Schedule 1 as if it were a local authority; and
(b)
may exercise the powers under section 293 as if it were the Environment Court; and
(c)
must apply sections 74 to 77D as if it were a territorial authority.
(8)
A board of inquiry considering a plan change request and its concurrent application made under subpart 4 of Part 7A must—
(a)
firstly, determine matters in relation to the plan change request; and
(b)
secondly, determine matters in relation to the concurrent application, based on its determination of matters in relation to the plan change request.
(9)
For the purposes of subsection (8)(b), a board of inquiry must process, consider, and determine the concurrent application as if it were a regional council acting under section 165ZW and that section applies accordingly with all necessary modifications.
(9A)
A board of inquiry considering a matter relating to a regional policy statement—
(a)
must apply clause 10(1) to (3) of Schedule 1 as if it were a local authority; and
(b)
may exercise the powers under section 293 as if it were the Environment Court; and
(c)
must apply sections 61 and 62 as if it were a regional council.
(10)
A board of inquiry must decline a concurrent application if, as a result of the board’s determination on the plan change request, the aquaculture activity that the concurrent application relates to remains a prohibited activity.
Section 149P: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 149P(1)(c): amended, on 1 October 2011, by section 47(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 149P(2): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 52(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 149P(3): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 52(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 149P(4A): inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 52(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 149P(6)(c): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 52(4) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 149P(6)(c): amended, on 4 September 2013, by section 28(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 149P(6)(d): inserted, on 4 September 2013, by section 28(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 149P(8): inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 47(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 149P(9): inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 47(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 149P(9A): inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 52(5) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 149P(10): inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 47(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
149Q Board to produce draft report
[Repealed]Section 149Q: repealed, on 19 April 2017, by section 92 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
149R Board to produce report
(1)
As soon as practicable after the board of inquiry has completed its inquiry on a matter, it must—
(a)
make its decision; and
(b)
produce a written report.
(2)
The board must perform the duties in subsection (1) no later than 9 months after—
(a)
the day on which the EPA gave public notice under section 149C of the Minister’s direction under section 142(2) or 147(1)(a) in relation to the matter, unless paragraph (b) or (c) applies; or
(b)
the day on which the EPA gave public notice under section 149O of the proposed plan or change to a plan or regional policy statement, if that section applies to the matter before the board; or
(c)
the day on which the EPA gave limited notification under section 149ZC(4), if the EPA gave that notice for the matter before the board.
(2A)
For the purposes of subsection (2), the 9-month period excludes—
(a)
the period starting on 20 December in any year and ending with 10 January in the following year:
(b)
any time while an inquiry is suspended under section 149ZG(3) (as calculated from the date of notification of suspension under section 149ZG(5) to the date of notification of resumption under section 149ZG(5)).
(2B)
[Repealed](3)
The report—
(a)
must state the board’s decision; and
(b)
must give reasons for the decision; and
(c)
must include a statement of the principal issues that were in contention; and
(d)
must include the main findings on the principal issues that were in contention; and
(e)
may recommend that changes be made to a plan, regional policy statement, national policy statement, or New Zealand coastal policy statement or to a national planning standard (being changes in addition to any changes that may result from the implementation of the decision); and
(f)
may recommend that a national policy statement, a New Zealand coastal policy statement, a national planning standard, or a national environmental standard be issued or revoked.
(4)
The EPA must provide a copy of the report to—
(a)
the applicant; and
(b)
the local authority; and
(c)
any other relevant local authorities; and
(d)
the persons who made submissions on the matter; and
(e)
the Minister of Conservation, if the report relates to the functions of the Minister of Conservation under this Act; and
(f)
the Minister; and
(g)
if the matter to which the report relates is a notice of requirement, the landowners and occupiers directly affected by the decision.
(5)
The EPA must publish the board’s report and give public notice of where and how copies of it can be obtained.
(6)
Nothing in section 37(1) applies to the time periods or the requirements in this section that apply to a board.
(7)
The EPA’s functions under this section are in addition to the EPA’s functions under section 114(7)(a).
(8)
For the purposes of subsection (4)(d), the EPA is to be taken to have provided a copy of the final report to a submitter if—
(a)
the EPA has published the final report on an Internet site maintained by the EPA to which the public has free access; and
(b)
the submitter has specified an electronic address as an address for service (and has not requested that the final report be provided in hard copy form); and
(c)
the EPA has sent the submitter at that electronic address a link to the final report published on the Internet site referred to in paragraph (a).
Section 149R: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 149R heading: amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 93(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 149R(1): replaced, on 19 April 2017, by section 93(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 149R(2): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 93(3) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 149R(2)(b): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 53 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 149R(2A): replaced, on 19 April 2017, by section 93(4) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 149R(2B): repealed, on 19 April 2017, by section 93(4) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 149R(3)(e): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 93(5) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 149R(3)(f): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 93(6) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 149R(4): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 93(7) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 149R(7): inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 44 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 149R(8): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 93(8) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
149RA Minor corrections of board decisions, etc
(1)
At any time during its term of appointment, a board of inquiry may issue an amendment to a decision, or an amended decision, that corrects minor omissions, errors, or other defects in any decision of the board, and this power includes the powers set out in subsections (2) to (4).
(2)
The board may correct a resource consent as if the board were a consent authority acting under section 133A (which applies within 20 working days of the grant of the resource consent).
(3)
The board may amend a proposed plan as if the board were a local authority acting under clause 16(2) of Schedule 1 before the earlier of the following:
(a)
(b)
the day that is 40 working days after the day on which any appeals relating to the matter have been determined and all rights of appeal have expired.
(3A)
The board may amend a proposed regional policy statement as if the board were a local authority acting under clause 16(2) of Schedule 1 before the earlier of the following:
(a)
the day on which the local authority approves the proposed regional policy statement under clause 17 of Schedule 1:
(b)
the day that is 40 working days after the day on which any appeals relating to the matter have been determined and all rights of appeal have expired.
(4)
The board may correct a requirement before the earlier of the following:
(a)
the day on which the local authority includes the relevant designation or heritage order in its district plan and any proposed district plan under section 175(2):
(b)
the day that is 40 working days after the day on which any appeals relating to the matter have been determined and all rights of appeal have expired.
Section 149RA: inserted, on 4 September 2013, by section 30 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 149RA(1): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 94 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 149RA(3A): inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 54 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
149S Minister may extend time by which board must report
(1)
Despite section 149R(2), the Minister may, at any time (including before the board is appointed), grant an extension or extensions of time in which a board of inquiry must produce its final report.
(2)
The Minister may grant an extension only if—
(a)
he or she considers that special circumstances apply; and
(b)
the time period as extended does not exceed 18 months from—
(i)
the day on which the EPA gives public notice under section 149C of the Minister’s direction under section 142(2) or 147(1)(a) in relation to the matter, unless subparagraph (ii) or (iii) applies; or
(ii)
the day on which the EPA gives public notice under section 149O of the proposed plan or change, if that section applies to the matter before the board; or
(iii)
the day on which the EPA gives limited notification under section 149ZC(4), if the EPA gives that notice for the matter before the board.
(3)
However, the Minister may grant an extension that results in a time period greater than that described in subsection (2)(b) if the applicant agrees.
(3A)
For the purposes of subsection (2)(b), the period of 18 months excludes any time while an inquiry is suspended under section 149ZG(3) (as calculated from the date of notification of suspension under section 149ZG(5) to the date of notification of resumption under section 149ZG(5)).
(4)
The EPA must give written notice to the following persons if the Minister grants an extension under subsection (1), or each time the Minister grants an extension under subsection (1), as the case may be:
(a)
the applicant; and
(b)
the local authority; and
(c)
any person who made a submission on the matter.
(5)
The EPA must, on request by a board of inquiry, request the Minister to grant an extension under subsection (1) in relation to any matter before the board.
(6)
Subsection (5) does not limit subsection (1).
Section 149S: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 149S(3A): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 95 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 149S(5): inserted, on 4 September 2013, by section 31 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 149S(6): inserted, on 4 September 2013, by section 31 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Matter decided by Environment Court
Heading: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
149T Matter referred to Environment Court
(1)
This section applies if the Minister makes a direction under section 142(2)(b) or 147(1)(b) to refer a matter to the Environment Court for decision.
(2)
The matter is referred to the Environment Court by the applicant lodging with the court—
(a)
a notice of motion specifying the orders sought and the grounds on which the application is made; and
(b)
a supporting affidavit on the circumstances giving rise to the application.
(3)
The applicant must—
(a)
serve a copy of the notice of motion and the affidavit on the local authority and, if applicable, every person who made a submission on the matter; and
(b)
serve the documents as soon as is reasonably practicable after lodging them; and
(c)
tell the Registrar when the documents have been served.
(4)
If the matter is a change to a district plan proposed by a territorial authority under clause 2 of Schedule 1, or a variation to a proposed district plan, the applicant must also serve a copy of the notice of motion and affidavit on any requiring authority that made a requirement under clause 4 of Schedule 1 in respect of the change or variation.
(5)
The court may at any time direct the applicant to serve a copy of the notice of motion and affidavit on any other person.
(6)
Section 274 applies to a notice of motion lodged under this section.
Section 149T: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
149U Consideration of matter by Environment Court
(1)
The Environment Court, when considering a matter referred to it under section 149T, must—
(a)
have regard to the Minister’s reasons for making a direction in relation to the matter; and
(b)
consider any information provided to it by the EPA under section 149G; and
(c)
act in accordance with subsection (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), or (7), as the case may be.
(2)
If considering a matter that is an application for a resource consent, the court must apply sections 104 to 104D and 105 to 112 and 138A as if it were a consent authority.
(3)
If considering a matter that is an application for a change to or cancellation of the conditions of a resource consent, the court must apply sections 104 to 104D and 105 to 112 as if—
(a)
it were a consent authority and the application were an application for resource consent for a discretionary activity; and
(b)
every reference to a resource consent and to the effects of the activity were a reference to the change or cancellation of a condition and the effects of the change or cancellation, respectively.
(4)
If considering a matter that is a notice of requirement for a designation or to alter a designation, the court—
(a)
must have regard to the matters set out in section 171(1) and comply with section 171(1A) as if it were a territorial authority; and
(b)
may—
(i)
cancel the requirement; or
(ii)
confirm the requirement; or
(iii)
confirm the requirement, but modify it or impose conditions on it as the court thinks fit; and
(c)
may waive the requirement for an outline plan to be submitted under section 176A.
(4A)
However, if the requiring authority is the Minister of Education or the Minister of Defence, the court may not impose a condition under subsection (4)(b)(iii) requiring a financial contribution (as defined in section 108(9)).
(5)
If considering a matter that is a notice of requirement for a heritage order or to alter a heritage order, the court—
(a)
must have regard to the matters set out in section 191(1); and
(b)
may—
(i)
cancel the requirement; or
(ii)
confirm the requirement; or
(iii)
confirm the requirement, but modify it or impose conditions on it as the court thinks fit (including a condition that the heritage protection authority reimburse the owner of the place concerned for any additional costs of upkeep of the place resulting from the making or the modifying of the order).
(6)
If considering a matter that is a variation to a proposed regional plan, a proposed regional plan, or a change to a regional plan, the court—
(a)
must apply clause 10(1) to (3) of Schedule 1 as if it were a local authority; and
(b)
may exercise the powers under section 293; and
(c)
must apply sections 66 to 70, 77A, and 77D as if it were a regional council.
(7)
If considering a matter that is a change to a district plan or a variation to a proposed district plan, the court—
(a)
must apply clause 10(1) to (3) of Schedule 1 as if it were a local authority; and
(b)
may exercise the powers under section 293; and
(c)
must apply sections 74 to 77D as if it were a territorial authority.
(7A)
If considering a matter relating to a regional policy statement, the court—
(a)
must apply clause 10(1) to (3) of Schedule 1 as if it were a local authority; and
(b)
may exercise the powers under section 293; and
(c)
must apply sections 61 and 62 as if it were a regional council.
(8)
Part 11 applies to proceedings under this section, except if inconsistent with any provision of this section.
Section 149U: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 149U(2): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 55(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 149U(3): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 55(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 149U(4A): inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 55(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 149U(6)(c): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 55(4) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 149U(7A): inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 55(5) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Appeals
Heading: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
149V Appeal from decisions only on question of law
(1)
A person described in section 149R(4)(a) to (f) may appeal to the High Court against a decision under section 149R(1) or 149U, but only on a question of law.
(2)
An applicant for a matter to which section 149M applies may appeal to the High Court against a decision under subsection (2)(b) of that section, but only on a question of law.
(3)
If the appeal is from a decision of a board of inquiry, sections 300 to 307 apply to the appeal subject to the following:
(a)
every reference to the Environment Court in those sections must be read as a reference to the board of inquiry; and
(b)
those sections must be read with any other necessary modifications; and
(c)
the High Court Rules 2016 apply if a procedural matter is not dealt with in the sections.
(4)
If the appeal is from a decision of the Environment Court, section 299 applies to the appeal.
(5)
No appeal may be made to the Court of Appeal from a determination of the High Court under this section.
(6)
However, a party may apply to the Supreme Court for leave to bring an appeal to that court against a determination of the High Court and, for this purpose, sections 73 to 76 of the Senior Courts Act 2016 apply with any necessary modifications.
(7)
If the Supreme Court refuses to give leave for an appeal (on the grounds that exceptional circumstances have not been established under section 75 of the Senior Courts Act 2016), but considers that a further appeal from the determination of the High Court is justified, the court may remit the proposed appeal to the Court of Appeal.
(8)
No appeal may be made from any appeal determined by the Court of Appeal in accordance with subsection (7).
(9)
Despite any enactment to the contrary,—
(a)
an application for leave for the purposes of subsection (6) must be filed no later than 10 working days after the determination of the High Court; and
(b)
the Supreme Court or the Court of Appeal, as the case may be, must determine an application for leave, or an appeal, to which this section applies as a matter of priority and urgency.
Section 149V: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 149V(3)(c): amended, on 18 October 2016, by section 183(c) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48).
Section 149V(6): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 183(b) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48).
Section 149V(7): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 183(b) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48).
Subpart 3—Miscellaneous provisions
Subpart 3: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Process after decision of board of inquiry or court on certain matters
Heading: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
149W Local authority to implement decision of board or court about proposed regional plan or change or variation
(1)
Subsections (2) and (3) apply to a local authority if a board of inquiry or the Environment Court—
(a)
considers a matter that is a proposed regional plan, a change to a plan, a variation to a proposed plan, a change to a regional policy statement, or a variation to a proposed regional policy statement; and
(b)
decides that changes must be made to that matter.
(2)
As soon as practicable after receiving notice of the decision of the board or the court under section 149R(4) or 149U, as the case may be,—
(a)
the local authority must amend the proposed regional plan or a change or variation to a plan or regional policy statement under clause 16(1) of Schedule 1, and that clause applies accordingly as if the decision were a direction of the Environment Court under section 293; and
(b)
if the decision is in respect of a proposed regional plan, or a change or variation to a district or regional plan (other than a regional coastal plan), or a regional policy statement, the local authority must—
(i)
approve the proposed plan, change, or variation under clause 17 of Schedule 1; and
(ii)
make the plan, change, or variation operative by giving public notice in accordance with clause 20 of Schedule 1; and
(c)
if the decision is in respect of a change or variation to a regional coastal plan, the local authority must—
(i)
adopt the change or variation under clause 18(1) of Schedule 1; and
(ii)
send the plan to the Minister of Conservation for his or her approval in accordance with clause 19 of Schedule 1; and
(iii)
following approval of the change or variation by the Minister of Conservation, make the change operative by giving public notice in accordance with clause 20 of Schedule 1.
(3)
For the purposes of subsection (2)(c)(ii), clause 19 of Schedule 1 must be read as if the reference to any direction of the Environment Court were a reference to any decision of the Environment Court or a board of inquiry.
(4)
A local authority must comply with section 175 if a board of inquiry or the Environment Court confirms a requirement under this Part.
Section 149W: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 149W(1): replaced, on 1 July 2020, by section 56(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 149W(2)(a): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 56(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 149W(2)(b): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 56(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
149X Residual powers of local authority
(1)
Subsection (2) applies to a resource consent that has been granted by a board of inquiry or the Environment Court under section 149R or 149U, as the case may be.
(2)
The consent authority concerned has all the functions, duties, and powers in relation to the resource consent as if it had granted the consent itself.
(3)
Subsection (4) applies to a requirement confirmed (with or without modifications) by a board of inquiry or the Environment Court under section 149R or 149U.
(4)
The territorial authority concerned has all the functions, duties, and powers in relation to the requirement as if it had dealt with the matter itself.
Section 149X: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Minister makes direction to refer matter to local authority
Heading: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
149Y EPA must refer matter to local authority if direction made by Minister
(1)
This section applies if the Minister makes a direction under section 147(1)(c) to refer a matter lodged with the EPA to the local authority.
(2)
The EPA must give notice of the Minister’s direction to the local authority and the applicant.
(3)
The EPA must also—
(a)
provide the local authority with—
(i)
the matter; and
(ii)
all the material received by the EPA that relates to the matter; and
(b)
inform the local authority that it must process the matter in accordance with section 149Z.
Section 149Y: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
149Z Local authority must process referred matter
(1)
A local authority must process a matter referred to it under section 149Y(3) in accordance with this section, subject to any action the Minister may take under section 149ZA.
(2)
If the matter is an application for a resource consent, the local authority must treat the application as if—
(a)
it had been made to the local authority under section 88(1); and
(b)
it had been lodged on the date that the local authority received notification from the EPA under section 149Y(3); and
(c)
section 88(3) and (3A) did not apply to the application.
(3)
If the matter is a notice of requirement for a designation or to alter a designation, the local authority must treat the notice as if it had been—
(a)
given to the local authority under section 168; and
(b)
lodged on the date that the local authority received notification from the EPA under section 149Y(3).
(4)
However, if the matter is a notice of requirement for a designation, or to alter a designation, to which section 168A(1) or 181(4) applies, the local authority must instead comply with section 168A or 181 (as the case may be), with all necessary modifications, as if it had decided to issue the notice of requirement under that section on the date that the matter was referred to it under section 149Y(3).
(5)
If the matter is a notice of requirement for a heritage order or to alter a heritage order, the local authority must treat the notice as if it had been—
(a)
given to the local authority under section 189; and
(b)
lodged on the date that the local authority received notification from the EPA under section 149Y(3).
(6)
However, if the matter is a notice of requirement for a heritage order, or to alter a heritage order, to which section 189A(1) or 195A(5) applies, the local authority must instead comply with section 189A or 195A (as the case may be), with all necessary modifications, as if it had decided to issue the notice of requirement under that section on the date that the matter was referred to it under section 149Y(3).
(7)
If the matter is a request for the preparation of a regional plan or a change to a plan, the local authority must treat the request as if it had been—
(a)
made to the local authority under clause 21 of Schedule 1; and
(b)
lodged on the date that the local authority received notification from the EPA under section 149Y(3).
(8)
If the matter is an application for a change to or cancellation of the conditions of a resource consent, the local authority must treat the application as if it had been—
(a)
made to the local authority under section 127; and
(b)
lodged on the date that the local authority received notification from the EPA under section 149Y(3).
Section 149Z: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 149Z(2)(c): amended, on 3 March 2015, by section 105 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Minister’s powers to intervene in matter
Heading: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
149ZA Minister’s powers to intervene in matter
(1)
The Minister may intervene in a matter at any time by exercising 1 or more of the following powers in relation to the matter:
(a)
to make a submission on the matter for the Crown:
(b)
to appoint a project co-ordinator for the matter to advise the local authority:
(c)
if there is more than 1 matter that relates to the same proposal, and more than 1 local authority, to direct the local authorities to hold a joint hearing on the matters:
(d)
if the local authority appoints 1 or more hearings commissioners for the matter, to appoint an additional commissioner for the matter.
(2)
In deciding whether to act under subsection (1), the Minister must consider the extent to which the matter is or is part of a proposal of national significance.
(3)
If the Minister makes a direction under subsection (1)(c),—
(a)
the local authorities must hold the joint hearing; and
(b)
section 102 applies, with the necessary modifications, to the hearing.
(4)
If the Minister appoints a hearings commissioner under subsection (1)(d), the commissioner has the same powers, functions, and duties as the commissioner or commissioners appointed by the local authority.
(5)
To avoid doubt, if the matter has come before the Minister by way of an application lodged with the EPA, the Minister may exercise the powers under subsection (1) in relation to the matter whether or not the EPA made any recommendations about the matter to the Minister under section 146(2).
Section 149ZA: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Process if related matter already subject to direction to refer to board of inquiry or court
Heading: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
149ZB How EPA must deal with certain applications and notices of requirement
(1)
This section applies to a matter that is an application or notice of requirement described in subsection (2) if—
(a)
the activity that the application or notice relates to is part of a proposal of national significance in relation to which 1 or more matters have already been subject to a direction under section 142(2) or 147(1)(a) or (b); and
(b)
the application or notice was lodged with the EPA either—
(i)
before the board of inquiry or Environment Court, as the case may be, has determined the matter or matters already subject to a direction under section 142(2) or 147(1)(a) or (b); or
(ii)
after the matter or matters have been determined by the board or the court and the matter or matters have been granted or confirmed.
(2)
The applications and notices are—
(a)
an application for a resource consent:
(b)
an application for a change to or cancellation of the conditions of a resource consent:
(c)
a notice of requirement to alter a designation:
(d)
a notice of requirement to alter a heritage order.
(3)
In addition to making a recommendation to the Minister under section 146 on whether to make a direction under section 147(1)(a), (b), or (c) in relation to the application or notice, the EPA must also recommend whether the application or notice should be notified under sections 149ZCB to 149ZCF.
Section 149ZB: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 149ZB(3): amended, on 18 October 2017, by section 152 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
149ZC Minister to decide whether application or notice of requirement to be notified
(1)
If the Minister decides to make a direction under section 147(1)(a) or (b) for an application or notice of requirement to which section 149ZB applies, the Minister must also decide whether to notify the application or notice.
(2)
The Minister must apply sections 149ZCB to 149ZCF in making his or her decision under subsection (1).
(3)
If the Minister decides that the application or notice is to be publicly notified, sections 149C to 149E apply.
(4)
If the Minister decides that the application or notice is not to be publicly notified, but is to be subject to limited notification, the EPA must give limited notification of the application or notice.
(5)
Any person who receives a notice under subsection (4) may make a submission to the EPA and, for that purpose, section 149E(3) to (6) apply.
(6)
However, the closing date for making a submission under subsection (5) is 20 working days after the day on which the EPA gives the notice under subsection (4).
Section 149ZC: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 149ZC(2): replaced, on 18 October 2017, by section 153(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 149ZC(4): amended, on 18 October 2017, by section 153(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
149ZCA Application of sections 149ZCB to 149ZCF
Sections 149ZCB to 149ZCF apply to the EPA’s recommendation under section 149ZB and the Minister’s decision under section 149ZC on whether to notify an application or a notice to which section 149ZB relates.
Section 149ZCA: inserted, on 18 October 2017, by section 154 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
149ZCB Public notification of application or notice at Minister’s discretion
(1)
The Minister may, in his or her discretion, decide whether to require the EPA to publicly notify an application or a notice.
(2)
Despite subsection (1), the EPA must publicly notify an application or a notice if—
(a)
the Minister decides (under section 149ZCE) that the activity that is the subject of the application or notice will have, or is likely to have, adverse effects on the environment that are more than minor; or
(b)
the applicant requests public notification of the application or notice; or
(c)
a rule or national environmental standard requires public notification of the application or notice.
(3)
Despite subsections (1) and (2)(a), the EPA must not publicly notify the application or notice if—
(a)
a rule or national environmental standard precludes public notification of the application or notice; and
(b)
subsection (2)(b) does not apply.
(4)
Despite subsection (3), the EPA may publicly notify an application or a notice if the Minister decides that special circumstances exist in relation to the application or notice.
(5)
To avoid doubt, if an application or notice is to be publicly notified in accordance with this section, sections 149C to 149E apply.
Section 149ZCB: inserted, on 18 October 2017, by section 154 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
149ZCC Limited notification of application or notice
(1)
If the Minister decides not to require the EPA to publicly notify an application or a notice, the Minister must, in relation to the activity,—
(a)
decide if there is any affected person (under section 149ZCF); and
(b)
identify any affected protected customary rights group or affected customary marine title group.
(2)
The EPA must give limited notification of the application or notice to any affected person unless a rule or national environmental standard precludes limited notification of the application or notice.
(3)
The EPA must give limited notification of the application or notice to an affected protected customary rights group or affected customary marine title group even if a rule or national environmental standard precludes public or limited notification of the application or notice.
(4)
In subsections (1) and (3), the requirements relating to an affected customary marine title group apply only in the case of applications for accommodated activities.
(5)
To avoid doubt, if an application or notice is to be limited notified in accordance with this section, section 149ZC(4) applies.
Section 149ZCC: inserted, on 18 October 2017, by section 154 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
149ZCD Public notification of application or notice after request for further information
(1)
Despite section 149ZCB(1), the EPA must publicly notify an application or notice if—
(a)
the Minister has not already required the EPA to give public or limited notification of the application or notice; and
(b)
subsection (2) applies.
(2)
This subsection applies if the EPA requests further information on the application or notice under section 149(2)(a), but the applicant—
(a)
does not provide the information before the deadline concerned; or
(b)
refuses to provide the information.
(3)
This section applies despite any rule or national environmental standard that precludes public or limited notification of the application or notice.
Section 149ZCD: inserted, on 18 October 2017, by section 154 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
149ZCE Minister to decide if adverse effects likely to be more than minor
For the purpose of deciding under section 149ZCB(2)(a) whether an activity will have or is likely to have adverse effects on the environment that are more than minor, the Minister—
(a)
must disregard any effects on persons who own or occupy—
(i)
the land in, on, or over which the activity will occur or apply; or
(ii)
any land adjacent to that land; and
(b)
may disregard an adverse effect of the activity if a rule or national environmental standard permits an activity with that effect; and
(c)
in the case of a controlled activity or a restricted discretionary activity, must disregard an adverse effect of the activity that does not relate to a matter for which a rule or national environmental standard reserves control or restricts discretion; and
(d)
must disregard trade competition and the effects of trade competition; and
(e)
must disregard any effect on a person who has given written approval in relation to the relevant application or notice.
Section 149ZCE: inserted, on 18 October 2017, by section 154 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
149ZCF Minister to decide if person is affected person
(1)
The Minister must decide that a person is an affected person, in relation to an activity, if the adverse effects of the activity on the person are minor or more than minor (but are not less than minor).
(2)
The Minister, in making his or her decision,—
(a)
may disregard an adverse effect of the activity on the person if a rule or national environmental standard permits an activity with that effect; and
(b)
in the case of a controlled activity or a restricted discretionary activity, must disregard an adverse effect of the activity on the person if the activity does not relate to a matter for which a rule or national environmental standard reserves control or restricts discretion; and
(c)
must have regard to every relevant statutory acknowledgement made in accordance with an Act specified in Schedule 11.
(3)
Despite anything else in this section, the Minister must decide that a person is not an affected person if—
(a)
the person has given, and not withdrawn, approval for the activity in a written notice received by the authority before the authority has decided whether there are any affected persons; or
(b)
it is unreasonable in the circumstances to seek the person’s written approval.
Section 149ZCF: inserted, on 18 October 2017, by section 154 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Costs of processes under this Part
Heading: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
149ZD Costs of processes under this Part recoverable from applicant
(1)
A local authority may recover from an applicant the actual and reasonable costs incurred by the local authority in complying with this Part.
(2)
The EPA may recover from a person the actual and reasonable costs incurred by the EPA in providing assistance to the person prior to a matter being lodged with the EPA (whether or not the matter is subsequently lodged).
(3)
The EPA may recover from an applicant the actual and reasonable costs incurred by the EPA in exercising its functions and powers under this Part (including the costs in respect of secretarial and support services provided to a board of inquiry by the EPA).
(4)
The Minister may recover from an applicant the actual and reasonable costs incurred in relation to a board of inquiry appointed under this Part.
(5)
The local authority, EPA, or Minister must, upon request by an applicant, provide an estimate of the costs likely to be recovered under this section.
(6)
When recovering costs under this section, the local authority, EPA, or Minister must have regard to the following criteria:
(a)
the sole purpose is to recover the reasonable costs incurred in respect of the matter to which the costs relate:
(b)
the applicant should be required to pay for costs only to the extent that the benefit of the actions of the local authority, EPA, or Minister (as the case may be) to which the costs relate is obtained by the applicant as distinct from the community as a whole:
(c)
the extent to which any activity by the applicant reduces the cost to the local authority, EPA, or Minister (as the case may be) of carrying out any of its functions, powers, and duties.
(7)
A person may object under section 357B to a requirement to pay costs under any of subsections (1) to (4).
Section 149ZD: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
149ZE Remuneration, allowances, and expenses of boards of inquiry
The Fees and Travelling Allowances Act 1951 applies to a board of inquiry appointed under section 149J as follows:
(a)
the board is a statutory board within the meaning of the Act; and
(b)
a member of the board may be paid the following, out of money appropriated by Parliament for the purpose, if the Minister so directs:
(i)
remuneration by way of fees, salary, or allowances under the Act; and
(ii)
travelling allowances and travelling expenses under the Act for time spent travelling in the service of the board; and
(c)
the Act applies to payments under paragraph (b).
Section 149ZE: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
149ZF Liability to pay costs constitutes debt due to EPA or the Crown
(1)
This section applies when—
(a)
the EPA or the Minister has required a person to pay costs recoverable under section 149ZD(2), (3), or (4); and
(b)
the requirement to pay is final, in that the person who is required to pay—
(i)
has not objected under section 357B or appealed under section 358 within the time permitted by this Act; or
(ii)
has objected or appealed and the objection or the appeal has been decided against that person.
(2)
The costs referred to in subsection (1) are a debt due to either the EPA or the Crown that is recoverable by the EPA, or the EPA on behalf of the Crown, in any court of competent jurisdiction.
Section 149ZF: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 96 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
149ZG Process may be suspended if costs outstanding
(1)
This section applies if—
(a)
the EPA or the Minister has required a person to pay costs recoverable under section 149ZD(2), (3), or (4); and
(b)
the EPA has given the person written notice that, unless the costs specified in the notice are paid,—
(i)
the EPA may cease to carry out its functions in relation to the matter; and
(ii)
if it does so, the inquiry will be suspended.
(2)
If the person referred to in subsection (1)(b) fails to pay the costs in the required time, the EPA may cease carrying out its functions in respect of the matter.
(3)
If the EPA ceases to carry out its functions in respect of the matter, the inquiry is suspended.
(4)
If the EPA ceases to carry out its functions in respect of the matter, but subsequently the person required to pay the costs does so,—
(a)
the EPA must resume carrying out its functions in respect of the matter; and
(b)
the inquiry is resumed.
(5)
The EPA must, as soon as practicable after an inquiry is suspended under subsection (3) or is resumed under subsection (4)(b), notify the following that the inquiry is suspended or has resumed (as the case may be):
(a)
the applicant; and
(b)
the board; and
(c)
the Minister; and
(d)
the relevant local authority; and
(e)
every person who has made a submission on the matter.
(6)
Nothing in this section affects or prejudices the right of a person to object under section 357B or appeal under section 358, but an objection or an appeal does not affect the right of the EPA under subsection (2) of this section to cease carrying out its functions.
Section 149ZG: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 96 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
150 Residual powers of authorities
[Repealed]Section 150: repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
150AA Reference to Environment Court
[Repealed]Section 150AA: repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 100 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Part 6A Aquaculture moratorium
Part 6A: inserted, on 26 March 2002, by section 9 of the Resource Management (Aquaculture Moratorium) Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 5).
150A Interpretation
In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires,—
application means an application for a coastal permit for aquaculture activities
moratorium means the period—
(a)
beginning on 28 November 2001; and
(b)
ending on the close of—
(i)
31 December 2004; or
(ii)
in relation to a coastal marine area described in an order made under section 150C, the date specified in the order.
Section 150A: inserted, on 26 March 2002, by section 9 of the Resource Management (Aquaculture Moratorium) Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 5).
Section 150A moratorium paragraph (b)(i): replaced, on 19 March 2004, by section 5 of the Resource Management (Aquaculture Moratorium Extension) Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 5).
150B Moratorium
(1)
Subsection (2) applies to—
(a)
an application that requires public notification if it was made to a consent authority before the moratorium and the consent authority had not, before the moratorium, notified the application:
(b)
an application that does not require public notification if—
(i)
it was made to a consent authority before the moratorium; and
(ii)
the consent authority had not, before the moratorium, decided not to give limited notification of the application.
(2)
The consent authority must not process or determine the application until the moratorium has expired in relation to the area that the application relates to.
(3)
Subsection (4) applies if an application is made to a consent authority during the moratorium.
(4)
The consent authority—
(a)
must not process the application; and
(b)
must not determine the application; and
(c)
must return the application, and any fee accompanying it, to the applicant as soon as practicable.
(5)
This section does not apply to an application if—
(a)
the application relates to a coastal marine area that, immediately before the moratorium, was subject to—
(i)
a coastal permit; or
(ii)
a marine farming lease or licence under the Marine Farming Act 1971; and
(b)
the application is for a new coastal permit for the same activities in the same area.
Section 150B: inserted, on 26 March 2002, by section 9 of the Resource Management (Aquaculture Moratorium) Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 5).
Section 150B(1)(a): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 150B(1)(b): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 150B(1)(b)(ii): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
150C Earlier expiry of moratorium in relation to specified areas
(1)
The Governor-General may, by Order in Council made on the recommendation of the Minister of Conservation, specify a date earlier than 31 December 2004 as the date on which the moratorium ends in relation to a coastal marine area described in the order.
(2)
The Minister must not make a recommendation unless—
(a)
the regional council concerned has requested the Minister to make the recommendation; and
(b)
the Minister is satisfied, based on information and explanations provided by the regional council, that—
(i)
a regional coastal plan or proposed regional coastal plan provides for aquaculture activities as a controlled activity or discretionary activity in the area that the regional council’s request relates to; and
(ii)
the area is of a size and location that, taking into account the provisions of the plan or proposed plan, will avoid, remedy, or mitigate the adverse effects (including cumulative effects) of aquaculture activities on the environment and on other uses of the coastal marine area; and
(iii)
the ending of the moratorium in relation to the area will not limit or adversely affect the establishment of aquaculture management areas in the future.
(3)
The Minister must make a recommendation under subsection (1) within 40 working days after receiving a request if the Minister is not prevented by subsection (2) from making the recommendation.
(4)
For the purposes of subsection (3), sections 37 and 37A apply, with all necessary modifications, as if the Minister were acting as a consent authority.
(5)
An order under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 150C: inserted, on 26 March 2002, by section 9 of the Resource Management (Aquaculture Moratorium) Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 5).
Section 150C(1): amended, on 19 March 2004, by section 6(1) of the Resource Management (Aquaculture Moratorium Extension) Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 5).
Section 150C(3): amended, on 19 March 2004, by section 6(2) of the Resource Management (Aquaculture Moratorium Extension) Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 5).
Section 150C(4): amended, on 1 August 2003, by section 95 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 150C(5): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
150D Pending applications to be considered under rules as at end of moratorium
[Repealed]Section 150D: repealed, on 1 January 2005, by section 12 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 103).
150E Transitional provision
[Repealed]Section 150E: repealed, on 1 January 2005, by section 12 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 103).
150F No compensation
No compensation is payable by the Crown to any person for any loss or damage arising from the application of this Part.
Section 150F: inserted, on 26 March 2002, by section 9 of the Resource Management (Aquaculture Moratorium) Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 5).
Certain coastal permits continued
Heading: inserted, on 19 March 2004, by section 7 of the Resource Management (Aquaculture Moratorium Extension) Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 5).
150G Certain coastal permits issued in period from 1 June 1995 to 1 August 2003 continued
(1)
This section applies to coastal permits issued—
(a)
in the period beginning on 1 June 1995 and ending with the close of 1 August 2003; and
(b)
for the occupation of an area in the coastal marine area for the purpose of aquaculture activities, and for any activity related to that occupation.
(2)
A coastal permit is given effect to when the holder of the permit applies under section 67J or section 67Q of the Fisheries Act 1983 to the chief executive of the Ministry of Fisheries for a marine farming permit or a spat catching permit over the same area.
(3)
A coastal permit that has lapsed under section 125 before 1 August 2003 is deemed not to have lapsed if, before the coastal permit lapsed under section 125, the holder of the coastal permit had applied under section 67J or section 67Q of the Fisheries Act 1983 to the chief executive of the Ministry of Fisheries for a marine farming permit or a spat catching permit over the same area.
Section 150G: inserted, on 19 March 2004, by section 7 of the Resource Management (Aquaculture Moratorium Extension) Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 5).
Part 7 Coastal tendering
151AA Part not to apply to applications to occupy coastal marine area
This Part does not apply to applications for coastal permits to authorise the occupation of a coastal marine area.
Section 151AA: inserted, on 1 January 2005, by section 13 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 103).
151 Interpretation
In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires,—
authorisation means an authorisation granted by the Minister of Conservation pursuant to section 161
Minister means the Minister of Conservation
Order in Council means an Order in Council made under section 152
Section 151 public notice: repealed, on 18 October 2017, by section 155 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
152 Order in Council may be made requiring holding of authorisation
(1)
The Governor-General may, by Order in Council, on the advice of the Minister, direct that a consent authority must not grant a coastal permit, in respect of a specified part of the marine and coastal area (other than in respect of any specified freehold land) that would, if granted, authorise the permit holder—
(a)
[Repealed](b)
remove any sand, shingle, shell, or other natural material, within the meaning of section 12(4), from any such land; or
(c)
reclaim or drain any of such land that is foreshore or seabed—
unless the applicant for the coastal permit is the holder of an authorisation authorising such taking, removal, reclamation, or drainage.
(2)
Every Order in Council made under subsection (1) may, by Order in Council made on the advice of the Minister, be amended or revoked.
(3)
The Minister shall not advise the making of an Order in Council under subsection (1) or subsection (2) which relates to any activity described in subsection (1)(c) in the coastal marine area of any region until a proposed regional coastal plan has been both prepared and notified under this Act in respect of that region.
(4)
The Minister shall not advise the making of an Order in Council under subsection (1) or (2) unless the Minister considers that there is, or is likely to be, in respect of any area to which it is proposed that the Order in Council relate, competing demands for the use of that area for all or any of the activities referred to in subsection (1).
(5)
Every Order in Council made under subsection (1), and every Order in Council made under subsection (2) amending a previous Order in Council, shall expire on the second anniversary of the date on which—
(a)
in the case of an Order in Council made under subsection (1), it came into force:
(b)
in the case of an Order in Council made under subsection (2), the original Order in Council amended came into force.
(6)
An order under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 152(1): amended, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 152(1): amended, on 1 January 2005, by section 14(1)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 103).
Section 152(1)(a): repealed, on 1 January 2005, by section 14(1)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 103).
Section 152(1)(b): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 80 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 152(3): amended, on 1 January 2005, by section 14(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 103).
Section 152(4): replaced, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 152(6): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
153 Application of Order in Council
An Order in Council shall not apply to or affect—
(a)
any application for a coastal permit made before the date on which the Order in Council came into force:
(b)
any application, whether made before or after the date on which the Order in Council came into force, for a coastal permit to do something—
(i)
that otherwise would contravene section 14, section 15, section 15A, or section 15B; or
(ii)
that otherwise would contravene section 12 (other than something described in section 152(1)(b) or (c) that is the subject of the Order in Council):
(d)
any application for a coastal permit to which section 124 applies and any coastal permit granted as a result of any such application:
(e)
any of the following in force or being carried out on the date on which the Order in Council came into force:
(i)
any coastal permit:
(ii)
any lease, licence, permit, Order in Council, or approval described in section 425:
(iii)
any permitted activity in the coastal marine area:
(iv)
any other lawful activity.
Section 153(b)(i): replaced, on 1 August 2003, by section 59 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 153(b)(ii): replaced, on 1 August 2003, by section 59 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 153(b)(ii): amended, on 1 January 2005, by section 15(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 103).
Section 153(c): amended, on 1 January 2005, by section 15(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 103).
Section 153(c): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 81 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 153(d): replaced, on 17 December 1997, by section 33(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 153(e)(ii): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
154 Publication, etc, of Order in Council
The Minister shall as soon as practicable—
(a)
cause a copy of every Order in Council to be served on the appropriate regional council; and
(b)
cause a notice of the making of the Order in Council and its effect to be served on—
(i)
the Minister for the Environment:
(ii)
[Repealed](iii)
every territorial authority whose district or any part of whose district is situated within the region to which the Order in Council relates:
(iv)
the tangata whenua of that region, through iwi authorities.
(c)
[Repealed]Section 154(b)(ii): repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 101 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 154(b)(iv): amended, on 10 August 2005, by section 84 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 154(c): repealed, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
155 Particulars of Order in Council to be endorsed on regional coastal plan
On receipt of a copy of an Order in Council under section 154, the regional council shall endorse particulars of it on the regional coastal plan or proposed regional coastal plan, but such endorsement shall not form part of the plan.
156 Effect of Order in Council
Except as otherwise provided in section 153, where an Order in Council is in force in respect of any part of the coastal marine area, a consent authority shall not grant a coastal permit to do any of the following in that part:
(a)
[Repealed](b)
remove any sand, shingle, shell, or other natural material, within the meaning of section 12(4), from any such land; or
(c)
reclaim or drain any of such land that is foreshore or seabed—
unless the applicant for that permit is the holder of an authorisation authorising such taking, removal, reclamation, or drainage, or unless that Order in Council does not require that any such authorisation be held.
Section 156: amended, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 156: amended, on 1 January 2005, by section 16(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 103).
Section 156(a): repealed, on 1 January 2005, by section 16(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 103).
Section 156(b): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 82 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
157 Calling of public tenders for authorisations
(1)
Where an Order in Council is in force in respect of any part of the coastal marine area, the Minister may, from time to time and at any time, by public tender of which public notice has been given, offer authorisations for the whole or any portion of that part in respect of all or any activities to which the Order in Council applies.
(2)
The public notice of every such offer shall—
(a)
specify the range of activities to which the authorisation, once issued, will apply; and
(b)
describe the area of land to which the authorisation, once issued, will apply, including the size, shape, and location of that area; and
(c)
specify the closing date for tenders, which may be any date the Minister considers appropriate; and
(d)
specify the manner in which tenders must be submitted.
(3)
Every such public notice may also specify—
(a)
[Repealed](b)
in the case of extraction, the maximum tonnage and period (not exceeding 35 years) of extraction:
(c)
whether or not it is intended that the area will be retendered when the coastal permit to which it relates expires.
(4)
The Minister may amend, revoke, or replace any such notice before the time by which tenders must be received expires.
Section 157(3)(a): repealed, on 1 January 2005, by section 17 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 103).
158 Requirements of tender
(1)
Every tender for an authorisation shall—
(a)
specify the activity or range of activities in respect of which the authorisation is sought; and
(b)
[Repealed](c)
in respect of an activity to which section 152(1)(b) applies, the maximum period of any proposed coastal permit, and the maximum amount of material proposed to be extracted under the permit; and
(d)
specify the total remuneration offered, including—
(i)
any initial payment for the authorisation:
(ii)
[Repealed](iii)
any royalty for the extraction of material, and any proposed formula for adjustment of royalty.
(1A)
[Repealed](2)
Every such tender shall be accompanied by—
(a)
the prescribed fee (if any) and, if an initial payment for the authorisation is offered, a cash deposit of that payment or equivalent security to the satisfaction of the Minister; and
(b)
any additional information specified in the public notice calling for tenders.
Section 158(1)(b): repealed, on 1 January 2005, by section 18 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 103).
Section 158(1)(d)(ii): repealed, on 1 January 2005, by section 18 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 103).
Section 158(1A): repealed, on 1 January 2005, by section 18 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 103).
159 Acceptance of tender, etc
(1)
After having regard to—
(a)
the interests (including the financial interests) of the Crown in the coastal marine area; and
(b)
the financial and other circumstances of the tenderers; and
(c)
any other matters the Minister considers relevant—
the Minister may in the Minister’s discretion—
(d)
accept any tender, whether or not it is the highest tender; or
(e)
enter into private negotiations with any tenderer, whether or not that tenderer offered the highest tender, with a view to reaching an agreement; or
(f)
reject all tenders and call for new tenders under section 157.
(2)
On making a decision to accept a tender or to reject all tenders, the Minister shall forthwith give written notification of the decision and the reasons for it to the appropriate regional council and every tenderer.
(3)
When giving notification under subsection (2) of the decision to accept a tender, the Minister shall include in the notification details of the name of the successful tenderer and the nature of the activity to which the tender relates.
(4)
If the Minister reaches an agreement with a tenderer pursuant to subsection (1)(e), the Minister shall forthwith give written notification to the appropriate regional council and every other tenderer of the name of the person with whom agreement was reached and the nature of the activity to which the agreement relates.
160 Notice of acceptance of tender
(1)
Every tender accepted in accordance with section 159 shall be by written notice of acceptance given by the Minister to the successful tenderer.
(2)
At the same time as giving any written notice of acceptance under subsection (1), the Minister shall also give written notice to every other tenderer of the failure of their tender and, on request, shall return all documents submitted with each unsuccessful tender.
161 Grant of authorisation
(1)
Where the Minister gives notice of acceptance of a tender under section 160 or enters into an agreement satisfactory to the Minister under section 159(1)(e), the Minister shall grant a written authorisation, in such form as he or she thinks appropriate, to the successful tenderer or the person with whom the agreement was entered into, as the case may be.
(2)
The Minister shall cause a copy of every such authorisation to be given to the appropriate regional council.
162 Authorisation not to confer right to coastal permit, etc
(1)
The granting of an authorisation under section 161 shall not confer any right to the grant of a coastal permit in respect of the area to which the authorisation relates.
(2)
If a coastal permit is granted to the holder of an authorisation in respect of an area to which the authorisation relates, that permit—
(a)
in the case of an activity to which section 152(1)(b) applies,—
(i)
must not be granted for a period greater than the period specified in the authorisation; and
(ii)
must not authorise the removal of any material at a rate, or of a total quantity, greater than that specified in the authorisation; and
(b)
is subject to section 112.
(c)
[Repealed]Section 162(2)(a): replaced, on 1 January 2005, by section 19 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 103).
Section 162(2)(b): replaced, on 1 January 2005, by section 19 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 103).
Section 162(2)(c): repealed, on 1 January 2005, by section 19 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 103).
163 Authorisation transferable
Every authorisation may be transferred by its holder to any other person, but the transfer shall not take effect until written notice of it has been given to and received by the Minister and the appropriate regional council.
164 Authorisation to lapse in certain circumstances
(1)
Subject to subsection (2), an authorisation shall lapse unless, within 2 years after it was granted, its holder has obtained a coastal permit which includes conditions authorising the holder to undertake the activity and (if relevant) occupy the area in respect of which the authorisation was granted.
(2)
Where—
(a)
before the second anniversary of the date an authorisation is granted, its holder has applied for a coastal permit in respect of the activity to which the authorisation relates; and
(b)
on that second anniversary date—
(i)
no decision has been made by the consent authority on that application; or
(ii)
the consent authority has made a decision, but the time for lodging appeals to the Environment Court has not expired, or an appeal has been lodged but no decision has been made by the court on that appeal—
the authorisation shall not lapse until the time for lodging an appeal in respect of the decision has expired, or the decision of the court in respect of any appeal has been given.
Section 164(2): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 164(2)(b)(ii): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
165 Tender money
(1)
Where a person to whom an authorisation has been granted forwarded an initial payment to the Minister pursuant to section 158(2), the money shall be the property of the Crown, and, on granting the authorisation, the Minister shall cause that money to be paid into a Crown Bank Account in accordance with the Public Finance Act 1989.
(2)
Where an authorisation granted to a person to whom subsection (1) applies has lapsed pursuant to section 164, the Minister shall cause 80% of the initial payment to be refunded to that person from a Crown Bank Account.
(3)
Where any tenderer who has failed to obtain an authorisation forwarded an initial payment to the Minister pursuant to section 158(2), the Minister shall as soon as practicable cause that money to be refunded to that tenderer.
Section 165(1): amended, on 25 January 2005, pursuant to section 65R(3) of the Public Finance Act 1989 (1989 No 44).
Section 165(2): amended, on 25 January 2005, pursuant to section 65R(3) of the Public Finance Act 1989 (1989 No 44).
Part 7A Occupation of common marine and coastal area
Part 7A: inserted, on 1 January 2005, by section 20 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 103).
Part 7A heading: amended, on 1 October 2011, by section 48 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165A Overview
(1)
This section provides a general indication of the contents of this subpart and does not affect the interpretation or application of this subpart.
(2)
Subpart 1 contains provisions about managing occupation of the common marine and coastal area, in particular,—
(a)
a power to refuse to receive an application for a coastal permit to occupy the common marine and coastal area if made within 1 year after refusing a similar application:
(b)
provisions about the contents of a regional coastal plan:
(c)
requirements for a regional council (before including a rule in a regional coastal plan or proposed regional coastal plan about the allocation of space in the common marine and coastal area) to have regard to, and be satisfied about, certain matters:
(d)
a power by Order in Council to direct a regional council not to proceed with the allocation of authorisations or to proceed as specified in the order:
(e)
a power of the Minister of Conservation to approve a method of allocating authorisations:
(f)
general provisions about authorisations:
(g)
a power of the Minister of Aquaculture, on request from a regional council, to suspend receipt of applications for coastal permits to occupy space in the common marine and coastal area for aquaculture activities or to direct a regional council to process and hear applications together.
(3)
Subpart 2 has been repealed.
(4)
Subpart 3 relates to applications (made on or after 23 August 2004) for coastal permits to occupy space for aquaculture activities where the relevant space is already subject to a coastal permit or deemed coastal permit and the relevant plan does not provide for a method of allocating authorisations for occupation of the space for aquaculture activities. The provisions of this subpart provide priority for the processing of applications from existing permit holders ahead of other applications.
(5)
Subpart 4 provides for plan change requests and concurrent coastal permit applications in relation to a rule in a regional coastal plan that,—
(a)
as at 1 October 2011, specifies an aquaculture activity as a prohibited activity; and
(b)
is operative when a concurrent application is lodged.
Section 165A: replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165AB Establishment of aquaculture management areas
[Repealed]Section 165AB: repealed, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165B Relationship of Part with rest of Act
The provisions of this Act that relate to applications for, and the granting of, resource consents apply to applications for, and the granting of, coastal permits to occupy space in the common marine and coastal area subject to the provisions of this Part.
Section 165B: replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165BB Some applications for coastal permits must be cancelled
[Repealed]Section 165BB: repealed, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165BC Certain applications not to be processed or determined until aquaculture management area established in regional coastal plan
[Repealed]Section 165BC: repealed, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Subpart 1—Managing occupation in common marine and coastal area
Subpart 1: replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165C Interpretation
In this subpart, unless the context otherwise requires,—
authorisation means the right to apply for a coastal permit to occupy space in a common marine and coastal area
Minister means the Minister of Conservation
public notice has the same meaning as in section 2AB
tender means any form of tender (whether public or otherwise)
trustee has the same meaning as in section 4 of the Maori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Act 2004.
Compare: 1991 No 69 s 165A
Section 165C: replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 165C public notice: amended, on 18 October 2017, by section 156 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
165D Power of consent authorities to refuse to receive applications for coastal permits
For the purposes of this subpart, a consent authority may refuse to receive an application for a coastal permit to occupy space in the common marine and coastal area for the purpose of an activity if, within 1 year before the application is made, the consent authority has refused to grant an application for a permit for an activity of the same or a similar type in respect of the same space or in respect of space in close proximity to the space concerned.
Compare: 1991 No 69 s 165B
Section 165D: replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165E Applications in relation to aquaculture settlement areas
(1)
No person may apply for a coastal permit authorising occupation of space in an aquaculture settlement area (within the meaning of the Maori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Act 2004), for the purpose of aquaculture activities, unless the person is a holder of an authorisation that—
(a)
relates to that space and activity; and
(b)
was provided to the trustee under section 13 of that Act.
(2)
A consent authority may grant a coastal permit authorising any other activity in an aquaculture settlement area, but only—
(a)
to the extent that that activity is compatible with aquaculture activities; and
(b)
after consultation with the trustee and iwi in the region.
(3)
Subsection (1) does not affect any application received by a consent authority—
(a)
after 1 January 2005; but
(b)
before the space became an aquaculture settlement area.
(4)
In subsection (2)(b), iwi has the same meaning as in the Maori Fisheries Act 2004.
Section 165E: replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Regional coastal plan provisions relating to occupation of common marine and coastal area
Heading: inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165F Provisions about occupation of common marine and coastal area
(1)
A regional coastal plan or proposed regional coastal plan may include provisions to address the effects of occupation of a common marine and coastal area and to manage competition for the occupation of space, including rules specifying—
(a)
that no application can be made for a coastal permit to occupy space before a date to be specified in a public notice:
(b)
that the consent authority may process and hear together applications for coastal permits for the occupation of—
(i)
the same space in a common marine and coastal area; or
(ii)
different spaces in a common marine and coastal area that are in close proximity to each other:
(c)
that the consent authority may process and hear together with the applications referred to in paragraph (b) any applications for coastal permits related to the coastal permits referred to in paragraph (b):
(d)
limits on—
(i)
the character, intensity, or scale of activities associated with the occupation of space:
(ii)
the size of space that may be the subject of a coastal permit and the proportion of any space that may be occupied for the purpose of specified activities.
(2)
However, a rule made for the purposes of subsection (1)(a) does not apply to an application made for a coastal permit under an authorisation.
(3)
For the purposes of subsection (1), a provision in a regional coastal plan or proposed regional coastal plan may relate to an activity, 1 or more classes of activities, or all activities.
Compare: 1991 No 69 s 165D
Section 165F: replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165G Plan may specify allocation methods
A regional coastal plan or proposed regional coastal plan may provide for a rule in relation to a method of allocating space in the common marine and coastal area for the purposes of an activity, including a rule in relation to the public tender of authorisations or any other method of allocating authorisations.
Compare: 1991 No 69 s 165H
Section 165G: replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165H Regional council to have regard to and be satisfied about certain matters before including allocation rule in regional coastal plan or proposed regional coastal plan
(1)
Before including a rule in a regional coastal plan or proposed regional coastal plan in relation to the allocation of space in a common marine and coastal area for the purposes of an activity, a regional council must—
(a)
have regard to—
(i)
the reasons for and against including the proposed rule; and
(ii)
if the proposed rule provides for a method of allocation of space other than by a method of allocating authorisations,—
(A)
the reasons why allocation other than by a method of allocating authorisations is justified; and
(B)
how this may affect the preferential rights provided for in section 165W; and
(iii)
if the proposed rule provides for a method of allocating authorisations other than by public tender,—
(A)
the reasons why allocation other than by public tender is justified; and
(B)
how this may affect the preferential rights provided for in section 165W; and
(b)
be satisfied that—
(i)
a rule in relation to the allocation of space is necessary or desirable in the circumstances of the region; and
(ii)
if the proposed method of allocating space is not allocation of authorisations, or the proposed allocation of authorisations is not by public tender, the proposed method is the most appropriate for allocation of space in the circumstances of the region, having regard to its efficiency and effectiveness compared to other methods of allocating space.
(1A)
The regional council must—
(a)
prepare a report summarising the matters required by subsection (1); and
(b)
make the report available for public inspection at the same time, or as soon as practicable after, the rule is included in the regional coastal plan or proposed regional coastal plan.
(2)
Sections 32 and 32AA do not apply to the inclusion of a rule in accordance with subsection (1).
(3)
Subsection (1) applies subject to an Order in Council made under section 165K.
(4)
A challenge to a rule on the ground that this section has not been complied with may be made only in a submission under Schedule 1.
(5)
Subsection (4) does not preclude a person who is hearing a submission or an appeal on a proposed regional coastal plan from taking into account the matters stated in subsection (1).
Compare: 1991 No 69 s 165I
Section 165H: replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 165H(1A): inserted, on 3 December 2013, for all purposes, by section 80(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 165H(2): amended, on 3 December 2013, for all purposes, by section 80(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
165I Offer of authorisations for activities in common marine and coastal area in accordance with plan
(1)
If a regional coastal plan includes a rule that provides for public tendering or another method of allocating authorisations, the regional council must, by public notice and in accordance with the rule, offer authorisations for coastal permits for the occupation of space in the common marine and coastal area.
(2)
Subsection (1) applies subject to—
(a)
subsection (3); and
(b)
any Order in Council made under section 165K; and
(c)
subsection (4).
(3)
A regional council must give the Minister not less than 4 months’ notice before making an offer of authorisations under subsection (1).
(4)
If a regional coastal plan includes a rule that provides for public tendering or another method of allocating authorisations and the Minister of Aquaculture is identified as the decision maker as a result of an amendment to the regional coastal plan by regulations under section 360A, the Minister of Aquaculture must, by public notice and in accordance with the rule, offer authorisations for coastal permits for the occupation of space in the common marine and coastal area.
Compare: 1991 No 69 s 165F
Section 165I: replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 165I(2)(c): inserted, on 24 August 2023, by section 805(4) of the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (2023 No 46).
Section 165I(4): inserted, on 24 August 2023, by section 805(4) of the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (2023 No 46).
165J When applications not to be made unless applicant holds authorisation in accordance with plan
(1)
Subsection (2) applies to space in the common marine and coastal area if a regional coastal plan or a rule in a proposed regional coastal plan that has legal effect provides for public tendering or another method of allocating authorisations in relation to an activity in the space.
(2)
A person must not apply for a coastal permit authorising occupation of the space for the activity unless the person is the holder of—
(a)
an authorisation that relates to the space and activity; or
(b)
a coastal permit granted under an authorisation that related to the occupation of that space and the application is for an activity that was within the scope of the authorisation.
(3)
Subsection (2) does not affect any applications received by the regional council before the regional coastal plan became operative or the rule in a proposed regional coastal plan had legal effect.
(4)
Subsection (2) does not affect any application referred to in section 165ZH that is received by the regional council—
(a)
after a rule in a proposed regional coastal plan has legal effect; but
(b)
before the rule becomes operative.
Compare: 1991 No 69 s 165K
Section 165J: replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165K Power to give directions relating to allocation of authorisations for space provided for in plan
(1)
The Governor-General may, by Order in Council made on the recommendation of the Minister, direct a regional council whose regional coastal plan or any proposed regional coastal plan provides for a rule in relation to a method of allocating authorisations for space in a common marine and coastal area—
(a)
not to proceed with a proposed allocation of authorisations for space in a common marine and coastal area; or
(b)
in proceeding with a proposed allocation of authorisations for space in a common marine and coastal area, to give effect to the matters specified in the Order in Council.
(2)
The Minister may make a recommendation under subsection (1) only for 1 or more of the following purposes:
(a)
to give effect to Government policy in the common marine and coastal area:
(b)
to preserve the ability of the Crown to give effect to any of its obligations under any agreement in principle or deed of settlement between the Crown and any group of Māori claimants or representative of any group of Māori claimants in relation to a claim arising from, or relating to, any act or omission by or on behalf of the Crown or by or under any enactment before 21 September 1992:
(c)
to facilitate compliance with section 165W:
(d)
to assist the Crown to comply with its obligations under the Maori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Act 2004.
(3)
The matters referred to in subsection (1)(b) include—
(a)
the allocation method to be used:
(b)
subject to sections 123 and 123A, the maximum term of a coastal permit to which the authorisations available for allocation relate:
(c)
the allocation, at no cost, of authorisations relating to specific spaces within a common marine and coastal area to the Crown:
(d)
the allocation, at no cost, of authorisations relating to specific spaces in a common marine and coastal area, or a certain proportion of the authorisations proposed to be allocated, to the trustee that is representative of the entire space for which authorisations are to be offered under the proposed allocation.
(4)
(5)
If an Order in Council contains a direction under subsection (3)(b), (c), or (d), the order must be made before the regional council publicly notifies the offer under section 165I.
(6)
Subject to subsection (4), the Minister may make a recommendation under subsection (1) only if the Minister makes the recommendation within 3 months after receiving a notice under section 165I(3).
(7)
An Order in Council does not affect the following if made before the Order in Council comes into force:
(a)
a publicly notified offer of authorisations:
(b)
an application for a coastal permit.
(8)
An authorisation allocated in accordance with subsection (3)(d) is a settlement asset for the purposes of the Maori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Act 2004.
(9)
An order under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
Compare: 1991 No 69 s 165O
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 165K: replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 165K(9): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Ministerial approval of use of method of allocating authorisations
Heading: inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165L Regional council may request use of allocation method
(1)
This section applies if—
(a)
in a regional council’s opinion it is desirable due to actual or anticipated high demand or competing demands for coastal permits for occupation of space in the common marine and coastal area for the purpose of 1 or more activities, that a method be used to allocate authorisations for the space; and
(b)
either—
(i)
a regional coastal plan does not provide for a rule in relation to a method of allocating authorisations for the space for the purpose of the activities; or
(ii)
a regional coastal plan does provide for a rule referred to in subparagraph (i), but the regional council considers that it will not enable it to manage effectively the high demand or the competing demands for coastal permits for the occupation of space for the purpose of the activities.
(2)
The regional council may request the Minister to approve allocation by public tender of authorisations or another method of allocating authorisations for the space in the common marine and coastal area.
(3)
A request under subsection (2) must—
(a)
specify,—
(i)
if it does not relate to a public tender, the proposed method for allocation of authorisations; and
(ii)
the activities it is proposed the public tender or other allocation method will apply to; and
(iii)
the space in the common marine and coastal area it is proposed the public tender or other allocation method will apply to; and
(iv)
how and when the public tender or other method for allocating authorisations is proposed to be implemented in the space, including any staging of the allocation; and
(v)
the reasons for the council’s opinion that it is desirable that an allocation method be used in relation to the space; and
(b)
if the proposed allocation method is not public tender, give reasons why the council proposes to use the alternative allocation method; and
(c)
be accompanied by information about the actual or anticipated high demand or competing demands for coastal permits for occupation of the space for the purposes of the activity or activities covered by the request.
(4)
A request under subsection (2) may relate to a single use of the proposed allocation method or its use on more than 1 occasion.
(5)
On the day a request is made under subsection (2), or as soon as practicable afterwards, a regional council must—
(a)
give public notice of the request; and
(b)
give notice of the request to the Environmental Protection Authority.
(6)
A public notice under subsection (5) must include—
(a)
the matters in subsection (3)(a)(i) to (iii); and
(b)
a statement to the effect of section 165M(2) and (3).
Section 165L: replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165M Stay on applications following request under section 165L
(1)
Subsection (2) applies if a regional council has made a request under section 165L(2).
(2)
A person must not apply for a coastal permit to occupy any space that is the subject of the request for the purpose of an activity in the request during the period commencing on the day on which public notice of the request is given under section 165L(5)(a), and ending on the earlier of—
(a)
the day on which the regional council publicly notifies under section 165N(8) that the request has been declined; or
(b)
the day on which the approval of an allocation method is notified in the Gazette under section 165N(1)(c)(i).
(3)
If the request is approved, section 165Q applies to applications from the date the approval applies.
(4)
Neither this section nor section 165Q affects any application received by the regional council before the request was made under section 165L(2) or any application referred to in section 165ZH.
Section 165M: replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165N Minister may approve use of allocation method
(1)
If the Minister receives a request under section 165L(2), the Minister—
(a)
must consult with relevant Ministers, including the Minister of Aquaculture (if the request relates to aquaculture activities); and
(b)
may—
(i)
consult any other person whom the Minister considers it appropriate to consult; and
(ii)
request any further information from the regional council that made the request; and
(c)
must, within 25 working days after the date of receipt of the request,—
(i)
by notice in the Gazette, approve the request—
(A)
on the terms specified by the regional council in the request; or
(B)
on terms that in the Minister’s opinion will better manage the actual or anticipated high demand or competing demands in the space; or
(ii)
decline the request.
(2)
A failure to comply with the time limit in subsection (1)(c) does not prevent the Minister from making a decision on the request.
(3)
Any period of consultation under subsection (1)(b)(i) is excluded from the period specified in subsection (1)(c).
(4)
The Minister must not approve the request unless he or she considers that—
(a)
there is actual or anticipated high demand or competing demands for coastal permits for occupation of the space for the purpose of the activity or activities that the request applies to; and
(b)
the method and terms of allocation specified in the request, or any modified terms determined by the Minister will—
(i)
effectively manage the actual or anticipated high demand or competing demands identified under paragraph (a); and
(ii)
be implemented within a time frame that is, in the Minister’s opinion, reasonable.
(5)
In considering whether to approve a request, the Minister must have regard to—
(a)
Government policy in relation to the common marine and coastal area:
(b)
the ability of the Crown to give effect to any of its obligations under any agreement in principle or deed of settlement between the Crown and any group of Māori claimants or representative of any group of Māori claimants in relation to a claim arising from, or relating to, any act or omission by or on behalf of the Crown or by or under any enactment before 21 September 1992:
(c)
the need to facilitate compliance with section 165W:
(d)
the ability of the Crown to give effect to its obligations under the Maori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Act 2004.
(6)
As soon as practicable after deciding whether to approve a request, the Minister must notify the Environmental Protection Authority of his or her decision.
(7)
A Gazette notice under subsection (1)(c)(i)—
(a)
must specify,—
(i)
if the approval does not relate to a public tender, the other allocation method that is approved; and
(ii)
the space and activities that the public tender or other allocation method will apply to; and
(iii)
how and within what period the public tender or other allocation method must be implemented, including any staging of the allocation; and
(b)
may also specify 1 or more of the following:
(i)
whether the approval is for a single public tender, or a single use of the allocation method or is to be used on more than 1 occasion; and
(ii)
an expiry date for the approval; and
(iii)
a date by which authorisations allocated in accordance with the public tender or other allocation method will lapse, being a date that is not more than 2 years after the date on which an authorisation is granted; and
(iv)
any restrictions on transferring authorisations allocated under the public tender or other allocation method; and
(v)
that applications received in respect of authorisations allocated under the public tender or other allocation method (together with any other applications for coastal permits related to the activities to which the authorisation relates) must be processed and heard together; and
(vi)
subject to sections 123 and 123A, the maximum term of a coastal permit to which the authorisations available for allocation relate; and
(vii)
that authorisations relating to specific spaces within a common marine and coastal area must be allocated to the Crown at no cost; and
(viii)
that authorisations relating to specific spaces, or a certain proportion of the authorisations that are representative of the entire space for which authorisations are to be offered in accordance with the public tender or other allocation method, must be allocated to the trustee at no cost.
(8)
If the Minister declines a request made under section 165L(2),—
(a)
the Minister must notify the regional council of the decision to decline the request; and
(b)
the regional council must as soon as practicable after receiving notice under paragraph (a) publicly notify that—
(i)
the request was declined; and
(ii)
applications may be made for coastal permits to occupy any space for any activity that was the subject of the request.
(9)
A provision in a regional coastal plan that relates to the allocation of space to which a Gazette notice under this section relates does not apply during the period of the approval to the extent that it is inconsistent with the terms of the Gazette notice.
(10)
An authorisation allocated in accordance with subsection (7)(b)(viii) is a settlement asset for the purposes of the Maori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Act 2004.
Section 165N: replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165O Period of approval
(1)
An approval to use a public tender or other method to allocate authorisations applies on and from the date on which the relevant Gazette notice is published until the earliest of the following dates:
(a)
the date on which it is expressed in the relevant Gazette notice to expire or any date substituted under subsection (3); or
(b)
the date it lapses under section 165P(2); or
(c)
the date it is revoked by a further notice in the Gazette under subsection (2).
(2)
The Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, revoke an approval to use a public tender or other allocation method to allocate authorisations if the Minister—
(a)
is requested to do so by the regional council; and
(b)
considers that—
(i)
there are no longer actual or likely high demand or competing demands for coastal permits to occupy the space for the relevant activity or activities; or
(ii)
the regional council has in place other methods that will satisfactorily manage actual or likely high demand or competing demands for coastal permits to occupy the space for the relevant activity or activities.
(3)
The Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, substitute another date in the relevant Gazette notice for the date on which the relevant Gazette notice is to expire if—
(a)
the Minister receives a request from the regional council to do so; and
(b)
the Minister considers that—
(i)
there remains actual or likely high demand or competing demands for coastal permits to occupy the space for the relevant activity or activities; and
(ii)
the regional council does not have in place other methods that will satisfactorily manage the high demand or competing demands.
Section 165O: replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165P Offer of authorisations where approved by Minister
(1)
If the Minister approves the use of a public tender or other method for allocating authorisations under section 165N(1)(c), the regional council must by public notice offer authorisations for coastal permits for the occupation of space in the common marine and coastal area in accordance with the terms of that approval.
(2)
A Gazette notice under section 165N(1)(c) lapses if the regional council does not carry out the public tender or implement the other approved allocation method within the period specified in the notice (or any extension of time specified by the Minister in a further notice under subsection (3)).
(3)
The Minister may by notice in the Gazette approve an extension of time for carrying out a public tender or implementing the other approved allocation method, but only if the Minister is satisfied that—
(a)
the regional council has taken all reasonable steps to carry out the public tender or implement the other approved allocation method; and
(b)
the regional council requires further time to carry out the public tender or implement the other approved allocation method.
Section 165P: replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165Q When applications not to be made or granted unless applicant holds authorisation in accordance with Gazette notice
(1)
Subsection (2) applies to space in the common marine and coastal area if the Minister has approved public tendering or another method for allocating authorisations in relation to any activity in that space by a Gazette notice under section 165N(1)(c)(i).
(2)
During the period that the approval to use public tendering or another allocation method applies, no person may apply for a coastal permit authorising occupation of the space for an activity covered by the approval unless the person is the holder of an authorisation that relates to that space and activity.
Section 165Q: replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Authorisations
Heading: inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165R Authorisation not to confer right to coastal permit
(1)
The granting of an authorisation does not confer any right to the grant of a coastal permit in respect of the space that the authorisation relates to.
(2)
However, if a coastal permit is granted to the holder of an authorisation, the permit must be within the terms of the authorisation, including not being granted for a period greater than the period specified in the authorisation.
Compare: 1991 No 69 s 165L
Section 165R: replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165S Authorisation transferable
(1)
An authorisation or any part of it may be transferred by its holder to any other person, but the transfer does not take effect until written notice of it has been received by the regional council concerned.
(2)
This section applies subject to any restrictions on the transfer of authorisations specified in—
(a)
the Gazette notice under section 165N under which the authorisations were allocated; and
(b)
the relevant regional coastal plan under which the authorisations were allocated.
Compare: 1991 No 69 s 165M
Section 165S: replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165T Authorisation lapses in certain circumstances
(1)
An authorisation lapses at the close of 2 years after the day on which it is granted (or any earlier day that may be specified in the authorisation) unless subsection (3) applies.
(2)
Subsection (3) applies,—
(a)
for an authorisation for which no earlier date is specified, if,—
(i)
before the second anniversary of the date on which an authorisation is granted, its holder has applied for a coastal permit to occupy space in respect of the activity that the authorisation relates to; and
(ii)
on the second anniversary date,—
(A)
no decision has been made by the consent authority whether to grant or decline the application; or
(B)
the consent authority has made a decision, but the time for lodging appeals to the Environment Court has not expired, or an appeal has been lodged but no decision has been made by the court on the appeal; or
(b)
for an authorisation specified to lapse on a date earlier than 2 years after the day on which it is granted, if,—
(i)
before the date specified in the authorisation, its holder has applied for a coastal permit to occupy space in respect of the activity that the authorisation relates to; and
(ii)
on the date specified in the authorisation,—
(A)
no decision has been made by the consent authority whether to grant or decline the application; or
(B)
the consent authority has made a decision, but the time for lodging appeals to the Environment Court has not expired, or an appeal has been lodged but no decision has been made by the court on the appeal.
(3)
The authorisation does not lapse until—
(a)
the time for lodging an appeal in respect of the decision has expired and no appeal has been lodged; or
(b)
an appeal has been lodged and the court has given its decision on the appeal.
Compare: 1991 No 69 s 165N
Section 165T: replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165U Public notice of offer of authorisations by regional council
(1)
A notice given under section 165I(1) or 165P(1) must—
(a)
specify the activities that the authorisation will apply to after it is issued; and
(b)
describe the space in the common marine and coastal area that offers for authorisations are invited for, including the size and location of the space; and
(c)
subject to sections 123 and 123A, specify the maximum term of the coastal permit; and
(d)
specify the closing date for offers; and
(e)
specify the criteria that the regional council will apply in selecting successful offers for authorisations; and
(f)
include details of any direction given under section 165K in relation to the offer of authorisations by the regional council; and
(g)
specify the manner in which offers for authorisations must be submitted; and
(h)
specify any charge payable under section 36(1)(ca); and
(i)
specify any other matter that the regional council considers appropriate in the circumstances.
(2)
A notice may specify conditions on which the authorisation will be granted, including—
(a)
a date earlier than 2 years from the date of its granting on which the authorisation will lapse; and
(b)
restrictions on the transfer of authorisations.
(3)
If an offer of authorisations is to be by tender, the notice must also—
(a)
specify the form of remuneration required, whether all by advance payment, or by deposit and annual rental payments; and
(b)
specify whether or not there is a reserve price.
(4)
This section applies subject to an Order in Council made under section 165K.
Compare: 1991 No 69 s 165P
Section 165U: replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 165U(1): amended, on 24 August 2023, by section 805(4) of the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (2023 No 46).
165UA Public notice of offer of authorisations by Minister of Aquaculture
(1)
A notice given under section 165I(4) must—
(a)
specify the activities that the authorisation will apply to after it is issued; and
(b)
describe the space in the common marine and coastal area that offers for authorisations are invited for, including the size and location of the space; and
(c)
subject to sections 123 and 123A, specify the maximum term of the coastal permit; and
(d)
specify the closing date for offers; and
(e)
specify the criteria that the Minister will apply in selecting successful offers for authorisations; and
(f)
specify the manner in which offers for authorisations must be submitted; and
(g)
specify any charge payable under section 36(1)(ca); and
(h)
specify any other matter that the Minister considers appropriate in the circumstances.
(2)
A notice may specify conditions on which the authorisation will be granted, including—
(a)
a date earlier than 2 years from the date of its granting on which the authorisation will lapse; and
(b)
restrictions on the transfer of authorisations.
(3)
If an offer of authorisations is to be by tender, the notice must also—
(a)
specify the form of remuneration required, whether all by advance payment, or by deposit and annual rental payments; and
(b)
specify whether there is a reserve price.
Section 165UA: inserted, on 24 August 2023, by section 805(4) of the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (2023 No 46).
165V Requirements for offers for authorisations
(1)
An offer for an authorisation must specify—
(a)
the activity or range of activities in respect of which the authorisation is sought; and
(b)
the site it applies to.
(2)
In the case of a tender for authorisations, the tender must also specify—
(a)
the total remuneration offered (including any annual rental component); and
(b)
the form of payment of the remuneration.
(3)
A tender must be accompanied by—
(a)
a cash deposit (being payment in advance of part of the remuneration) or equivalent security to the satisfaction of the regional council; and
(b)
any additional information specified in the notice calling for tenders.
(4)
An offer or a tender must be accompanied by any charge payable under section 36(1)(ca).
(5)
If a tender is accepted under section 165X, the amount of any annual rental component of the remuneration payable under subsection (2) must be reduced by the amount of any coastal occupation charges payable under section 64A for the occupation of the area concerned.
Compare: 1991 No 69 s 165Q
Section 165V: replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165W Preferential rights of iwi
(1)
In conducting a tender of authorisations under this Part, a regional council must give effect to any preferential right to purchase a proportion of the authorisations.
(2)
Subsections (1) and (4) applies to preferential rights conferred by—
(a)
section 316 of the Ngāi Tahu Claims Settlement Act 1998:
(b)
section 119 of the Ngati Ruanui Claims Settlement Act 2003:
(c)
section 79 of the Ngati Tama Claims Settlement Act 2003:
(d)
section 106 of the Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi Claims Settlement Act 2005:
(e)
section 118 of the Ngāti Awa Claims Settlement Act 2005:
(f)
section 92 of the Ngāti Mutunga Claims Settlement Act 2006.
(3)
For the purposes of subsection (1), provisions in the Acts referred to in subsection (2) relating to a preferential right that contain references to the Minister of Conservation or Part 7 of this Act apply as if the references were to the regional council and relevant provisions of this Part.
(4)
In conducting a tender of authorisations under this Part, the Minister of Aquaculture must give effect to any preferential right to purchase a proportion of authorisations.
(5)
For the purposes of subsection (4), provisions in the Acts referred to in subsection (2) relating to a preferential right that refer to the Minister of Conservation or Part 7 of this Act apply as if the references were to the Minister of Aquaculture and relevant provisions of this Part.
Compare: 1991 No 69 s 165R
Section 165W: replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 165W(2): amended, on 24 August 2023, by section 805(4) of the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (2023 No 46).
Section 165W(4): inserted, on 24 August 2023, by section 805(4) of the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (2023 No 46).
Section 165W(5): inserted, on 24 August 2023, by section 805(4) of the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (2023 No 46).
165X Acceptance of offer for authorisations
(1)
After considering the offers for authorisations in accordance with the criteria specified under section 165U, the regional council may—
(a)
accept any offer; or
(b)
reject all offers; or
(c)
reject all offers and call for new offers; or
(d)
negotiate with any person who made an offer with a view to reaching an agreement.
(2)
If the offer of authorisations is a tender, the regional council may accept any tender or negotiate with any tenderer, whether or not the tender was the highest received.
(3)
As soon as practicable after deciding to accept an offer for an authorisation or to reject all offers or after reaching an agreement, the regional council must give written notice of the decision and the reasons for it to every person who made an offer.
(4)
If an offer is accepted or an agreement is reached, the notice under subsection (3) must include details of the name of the person who made the offer and the nature of the activity that the offer or agreement relates to.
(5)
For the purposes of offers of authorisations where a public notice has been issued under section 165I(4), this section applies as if the references to a regional council were references to the Minister of Aquaculture.
Compare: 1991 No 69 s 165S
Section 165X: replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 165X(5): inserted, on 24 August 2023, by section 805(4) of the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (2023 No 46).
165Y Grant of authorisation
If the regional council accepts an offer or reaches an agreement with a person who made an offer under section 165X, the regional council must grant an authorisation to the person concerned.
Compare: 1991 No 69 s 165T
Section 165Y: replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165YA Grant of authorisation
If the Minister of Aquaculture accepts an offer or reaches an agreement with a person who made an offer under section 165X, the Minister must direct the relevant regional council to grant an authorisation to the person concerned.
Section 165YA: inserted, on 24 August 2023, by section 805(4) of the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (2023 No 46).
165Z Tender money
(1)
If the holder of an authorisation obtains a coastal permit authorising the holder to undertake an activity in respect of which the authorisation was granted, the regional council must forward to the Minister 50% of the remuneration received under the tender.
(2)
The Minister must cause the money to be paid into a Crown Bank Account in accordance with the Public Finance Act 1989.
(3)
If an authorisation granted to a successful tenderer has lapsed under section 165T, the regional council must, as soon as possible, refund the remuneration to the tenderer.
(4)
If a tenderer who has failed to obtain an authorisation forwarded a payment to the regional council under section 165V(3), the regional council must, as soon as possible, refund the payment to the tenderer.
Compare: 1991 No 69 s 165U
Section 165Z: replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165ZA Use of tender money
The regional council must apply its share of the remuneration to achieving the purpose of this Act in the coastal marine area in its region.
Compare: 1991 No 69 s 165V
Section 165ZA: replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Ministerial powers in relation to applications for coastal permits to undertake aquaculture activities in common marine and coastal area
Heading: inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165ZB Regional council may request suspension of applications to occupy common marine and coastal area for purposes of aquaculture activities
(1)
A regional council may request the Minister of Aquaculture to suspend receipt of applications for coastal permits to occupy space in a common marine and coastal area for the purpose of aquaculture activities if—
(a)
the council has identified actual or anticipated high demand or competing demands for those permits and considers that—
(i)
the provisions of the plan will not enable it to manage the demand effectively; and
(ii)
the suspension is desirable to enable it to amend the plan or to use other measures available under the Act to deal with the demand; or
(b)
the council identifies an actual or emerging biosecurity concern relating to aquaculture activities and considers that—
(i)
the provisions of a plan will not enable it to manage effectively the biosecurity concern; and
(ii)
the suspension is desirable to enable the plan to be amended or other measures available under this Act or other legislation to be used to manage the biosecurity concern.
(2)
A request under subsection (1) must—
(a)
specify—
(i)
the space in the common marine and coastal area it is proposed the suspension will apply to; and
(ii)
the aquaculture activities that it is proposed the suspension will apply to; and
(iii)
the planning or other measure that the council proposes to implement to deal with the identified demand or biosecurity concern; and
(iv)
the proposed duration of the suspension, which must be not more than 12 months; and
(b)
be accompanied by information about the actual or anticipated high demand or competing demands for coastal permits for occupation of the space for the purposes of the aquaculture activities or biosecurity concern covered by the request.
(3)
A regional council must—
(a)
give public notice of a request under subsection (1) on the day the request is made or as soon as practicable after the request is made; and
(b)
give notice of the request to the Environmental Protection Authority.
(4)
A public notice under subsection (3) must include—
(a)
the matters specified in subsection (2)(a); and
(b)
a statement to the effect of section 165ZC(2) and (3).
Section 165ZB: replaced, on 24 August 2023, by section 805(4) of the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (2023 No 46).
165ZC Effect on applications of request under section 165ZB
(1)
Subsection (2) applies if a regional council has made a request under section 165ZB(1).
(2)
A person must not apply for a coastal permit to occupy any space that is the subject of the request for the purpose of an aquaculture activity in the request during the period commencing on the day on which public notice of the request is given under section 165ZB(3)(a), and ending on,—
(a)
if the request is declined, the day on which the regional council publicly notifies under section 165ZD(6) that the request has been declined; or
(b)
if the request is granted, the date on which the Gazette notice issued by the Minister of Aquaculture under section 165ZD in response to the request expires.
(3)
Neither this section nor section 165ZD affects—
(a)
any application received by the regional council before the request was made under section 165ZB(1):
(b)
any application to which section 165ZH applies:
(c)
any application made in accordance with an authorisation.
Section 165ZC: replaced, on 24 August 2023, by section 805(4) of the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (2023 No 46).
165ZD Minister of Aquaculture may suspend applications to occupy common marine and coastal area for purposes of aquaculture activities
(1)
If the Minister of Aquaculture receives a request under section 165ZB(1), the Minister—
(a)
must consult the Minister of Conservation; and
(b)
may—
(i)
consult any other person whom the Minister considers it appropriate to consult; and
(ii)
request any further information from the regional council that made the request; and
(c)
must, within 25 working days after receiving the request,—
(i)
approve the request by notice in the Gazette—
(A)
on the terms specified by the regional council in the request; or
(B)
on terms that in the Minister’s opinion will better manage the actual or anticipated high demand or competing demands in the space or biosecurity concerns; or
(ii)
decline the request.
(2)
A failure to comply with the time limit in subsection (1)(c) does not prevent the Minister from making a decision on the request.
(3)
Any period of consultation under subsection (1)(b)(i) is excluded from the period specified in subsection (1)(c).
(4)
The Minister must not approve the request unless they consider that—
(a)
there is actual or likely high demand or competing demands for coastal permits for occupation of the space for the purpose of the aquaculture activities that the request applies to; or
(b)
there are actual or emerging biosecurity concerns relating to aquaculture activities; and
(c)
the planning or other measure that the council proposes to implement, or any modified terms determined by the Minister will—
(i)
effectively manage the high demand or competing demands identified under paragraph (a); or
(ii)
effectively manage the biosecurity concern; and
(iii)
be implemented within a time frame that is, in the Minister’s opinion, reasonable.
(5)
A Gazette notice under subsection (1)(c)(i) must specify—
(a)
the space and aquaculture activities that the suspension on applications will apply to; and
(b)
the date the notice expires, which must not be more than 12 months after the date of the Gazette notice.
(6)
If the Minister declines a request made under section 165ZB(1),—
(a)
the Minister must notify the regional council of the decision to decline the request; and
(b)
the regional council must, as soon as practicable after receiving notice under paragraph (a), publicly notify that—
(i)
the request was declined; and
(ii)
applications may be made for coastal permits to occupy any space for any aquaculture activity that was the subject of the request.
(7)
The Minister must notify the Minister of Conservation and the Environmental Protection Authority of a decision to issue a Gazette notice or to decline a request for a suspension on receipt of applications.
Section 165ZD: replaced, on 24 August 2023, by section 805(4) of the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (2023 No 46).
165ZDA Minister of Aquaculture may suspend applications to occupy common marine and coastal area for purposes of aquaculture activities on own initiative
(1)
The Minister of Aquaculture may, at their own initiative, suspend receipt of applications for coastal permits to occupy space in a common marine and coastal area for the purpose of aquaculture activities if the Minister—
(a)
has identified actual or anticipated high demand or competing demands for coastal permits for occupation of space in a common marine and coastal area for the purpose of aquaculture activities and considers that—
(i)
the provisions of the operative plan will not enable the demand to be managed effectively; and
(ii)
the suspension is desirable—
(A)
to enable the operative plan to be amended or for other measures available under this Act to be used to manage the demand; or
(B)
for the Minister to use other measures available under the Maori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Act 2004 for the purpose of upholding the Crown’s settlement obligations under that Act in the region; or
(b)
has identified an actual or emerging biosecurity concern relating to aquaculture activities and considers that—
(i)
the provisions of the operative plan will not enable the biosecurity concern to be managed effectively; and
(ii)
the suspension is desirable to enable the operative plan to be amended or for other measures available under this Act or other legislation to be used to manage the biosecurity concern.
(2)
The Minister must consult the regional council and Minister of Conservation, and may consult any other person the Minister considers it appropriate to consult.
(3)
The Minister must issue the suspension by notice in the Gazette, which must specify—
(a)
the space and aquaculture activities that the suspension on applications will apply to; and
(b)
the date the notice expires, which must not be more than 12 months after the date of the Gazette notice.
(4)
To avoid doubt, this section may apply in relation to an aquaculture activity, 1 or more classes of aquaculture activities, or all aquaculture activities.
Section 165ZDA: inserted, on 24 August 2023, by section 805(4) of the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (2023 No 46).
165ZDB Effect on applications of suspension under section 165ZDA
(1)
A person must not apply for a coastal permit to occupy any space that is the subject of a Gazette notice issued by the Minister of Aquaculture under section 165ZDA for the purpose of an aquaculture activity during the period commencing on the day on which the Gazette notice is issued and ending on the date on which the Gazette notice expires.
(2)
Neither this section nor section 165ZDA affects—
(a)
any application received by the regional council before the Gazette notice was issued by the Minister of Aquaculture under section 165ZDA:
(b)
any application to which section 165ZH applies:
(c)
any application made in accordance with an authorisation.
Section 165ZDB: inserted, on 24 August 2023, by section 805(4) of the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (2023 No 46).
165ZE Subsequent requests for direction in relation to suspension of receipt of applications
(1)
The Minister of Aquaculture may issue a further Gazette notice under section 165ZD before the expiry of a notice issued under that section if the regional council requests a further suspension on receipt under section 165ZB and—
(a)
the Minister considers that—
(i)
there remains actual or likely high demand or competing demands for coastal permits to occupy the space for the relevant activity or activities; and
(ii)
the regional council does not have in place planning or other measures that will satisfactorily manage the high demand or competing demands; and
(iii)
the Minister is satisfied that more time is needed to put in place plan provisions to deal with the demand; or
(b)
the Minister considers that—
(i)
there remains an actual or emerging biosecurity concern relating to aquaculture activities; and
(ii)
the regional council does not have in place planning or other measures that will satisfactorily manage the biosecurity concern; and
(iii)
the Minister is satisfied that more time is needed to put in place plan provisions or other measures to deal with the biosecurity concern.
(2)
Sections 165ZB to 165ZD apply with any necessary modifications to a request for a further suspension of receipt of applications.
(3)
The Minister of Aquaculture may issue a further Gazette notice under section 165ZDA before the expiry of a notice issued under that section if—
(a)
the Minister considers that—
(i)
there remains actual or likely high demand or competing demands for coastal permits to occupy the space for the relevant activity or activities; and
(ii)
planning or other measures are not in place that will satisfactorily manage the high demand or competing demands; and
(iii)
the Minister is satisfied that more time is needed to put in place plan provisions or other measures to deal with the demand; or
(b)
the Minister considers that—
(i)
there remains an actual or emerging biosecurity concern relating to aquaculture activities; and
(ii)
planning or other measures are not in place that will satisfactorily manage the biosecurity concern; and
(iii)
the Minister is satisfied that more time is needed to put in place plan provisions or other measures to deal with the biosecurity concern.
Section 165ZE: replaced, on 24 August 2023, by section 805(4) of the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (2023 No 46).
Ministerial power to direct applications for coastal permits to undertake aquaculture activities in common marine and coastal area to be processed and heard together
Heading: inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165ZF Regional council may request direction to process and hear together applications for permits to occupy common marine and coastal area for purpose of aquaculture activities
(1)
This section applies if, in a regional council’s opinion,—
(a)
processing and hearing together applications for coastal permits to occupy space in a common marine and coastal area for the purpose of aquaculture activities would be more efficient and would enable better assessment and management of cumulative effects of the permits; and
(b)
a regional coastal plan or proposed regional council plan does not provide adequately for efficient processing and assessment and management of the cumulative effects of permits to occupy the common marine and coastal area for the purpose of the aquaculture activities.
(2)
The regional council may request the Minister of Aquaculture to direct the regional council to process and hear together applications for coastal permits to occupy the space for the purpose of aquaculture activities.
(3)
A request under subsection (2) must—
(a)
specify—
(i)
the space in the common marine and coastal area it is proposed the direction will apply to; and
(ii)
the aquaculture activities that it is proposed the direction will apply to; and
(iii)
the applications or classes of applications it is proposed that the direction will apply to; and
(b)
be accompanied by information about why it would be more efficient and would enable better assessment and management of the cumulative effects of coastal permits to occupy the common marine and coastal area for the purposes of aquaculture activities if the direction were made.
Section 165ZF: replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165ZFA Ministerial power to direct applications to be processed and heard together
(1)
If the Minister receives a request under section 165ZF(2), the Minister—
(a)
must consult the Minister of Conservation: and
(b)
may—
(i)
consult any other person whom the Minister considers it appropriate to consult; and
(ii)
request any further information from the regional council that made the request; and
(c)
must, within 25 working days after receiving the request,—
(i)
by notice in the Gazette, direct the regional council to process and hear together applications for coastal permits to occupy the common marine and coastal area for the purposes of aquaculture activities (together with any other applications for coastal permits related to the aquaculture activities)—
(A)
on the terms specified by the regional council in the request; or
(B)
on terms that in the Minister’s opinion will facilitate efficient processing and better assessment and management of the cumulative effects of the applications that are the subject of the notice; or
(ii)
decline the request.
(2)
A failure to comply with the time limit in subsection (1)(c) does not prevent the Minister from giving a direction or declining a request.
(3)
Any period of consultation under subsection (1)(b)(i) is excluded from the period specified in subsection (1)(c).
(4)
The Minister must not give a direction under subsection (1)(c)(i) unless he or she considers that the direction will facilitate efficient processing and better assessment and management of the cumulative effects of the applications that are the subject of the direction.
(5)
The Gazette notice by which a direction is given under subsection (1)(c)(i) must specify—
(a)
the space in the common marine and coastal area that the direction applies to; and
(b)
the aquaculture activities that the direction applies to; and
(c)
the applications or classes of applications the direction applies to, which,—
(i)
subject to subparagraph (ii), may (without limitation) include—
(A)
applications made on or after the date of the Gazette notice; or
(B)
applications made but not determined before the date of the Gazette notice; or
(C)
applications defined by reference to their contents (for example, by the size of the space they relate to); but
(ii)
may not include applications—
(A)
in respect of which the regional council has determined, before the date of the Gazette notice, to hold a hearing and the hearing has commenced or been completed; or
(B)
in respect of which the regional council has determined, before the date of the Gazette notice, that no hearing is required; or
(C)
to which section 165ZH applies; or
(D)
made more than 12 months after the date of the Gazette notice; or
(E)
in respect of which a notice of motion has been lodged with the Environment Court under section 87G before the date of the Gazette notice; or
(F)
called in by the Minister of Conservation under section 142 before the date of the Gazette notice; or
(G)
for which a call-in request has been made by the regional council or the applicant under section 142(1)(b) before the date of the Gazette notice, unless the request is declined; or
(H)
lodged with the Environmental Protection Authority before the date of the Gazette notice, unless the application is referred to the local authority under section 147(1)(c).
(6)
The Gazette notice by which a direction is given under subsection (1)(c)(i) may also specify that an application made after the notice, and that the notice does not relate to but would otherwise come within the scope of the notice, is not to be processed and heard until decisions have been made and notified on all of the applications to which the Gazette notice relates.
(7)
The regional council must comply with a provision specified in the Gazette notice under subsection (6).
(8)
The Minister must notify the decision to give a direction or to decline a request for a direction to the regional council, Minister of Conservation, and the Environmental Protection Authority.
(9)
On and from the date of a Gazette notice under this section, the regional council concerned must process and hear together applications to which the direction in the Gazette notice applies.
Section 165ZFA: inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Processing and hearing together of applications for coastal permits
Heading: inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165ZFB Application of sections 165ZFC to 165ZFH
Sections 165ZFC to 165ZFH apply if a regional council is required to process and hear together any applications or class of applications for coastal permits to occupy space in the common marine and coastal area under—
(a)
a rule included in a regional coastal plan or a proposed regional coastal plan under section 165F; or
(b)
a Gazette notice under section 165N; or
(c)
a Gazette notice under section 165ZFA.
Section 165ZFB: inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165ZFC Interpretation
In this section and sections 165ZFD to 165ZFH,—
affected application, in relation to a PHT requirement,—
(a)
means an application for a coastal permit to occupy space in the common marine and coastal area for the purpose of 1 or more activities that is required to be processed and heard together with another application or applications under the PHT requirement; and
(b)
includes any other applications for coastal permits that are related to the application referred to in paragraph (a) and that are subject to the PHT requirement
comes into force means, in relation to a rule in a proposed regional coastal plan, that the rule has legal effect
PHT requirement means a requirement that an application be processed and heard together with another application or applications as provided in a rule or Gazette notice referred to in section 165ZFB.
Section 165ZFC: inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165ZFD Effect of requirement that applications be processed and heard together on direct referral to Environment Court under sections 87D to 87I
(1)
On and from the date on which a PHT requirement comes into force, no person may request that an affected application be determined by the Environment Court under section 87D.
(2)
Despite sections 87E to 87G, if at the date the PHT requirement comes into force,—
(a)
the regional council is considering a request by an applicant under section 87D in respect of an affected application, the council must not make a decision on the request, but must return the request to the applicant with a notice stating that the application is one to which a PHT requirement relates and section 165ZFE applies:
(b)
the regional council has granted a request by an applicant under section 87D in respect of an affected application, but the applicant had not yet lodged a notice of motion under section 87G(2)(a) in respect of the application,—
(i)
the regional council must continue to process the application in accordance with sections 165ZFE and 165ZFF and is not required to comply with section 87F(3) to (5); and
(ii)
the applicant may not lodge a notice of motion under section 87G(2)(a).
Section 165ZFD: inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165ZFE Processing of affected applications
(1)
Sections 88 to 98 apply in respect of each affected application that is subject to a PHT requirement.
(2)
The regional council must, as soon as practicable after the latest date on which the period for submissions closes on an affected application to which the PHT requirement relates, advise each of the applicants—
(a)
of the names and contact details of the other affected applicants; and
(b)
that if the applicant wants the affected applications to be determined by the Environment Court, the applicant has 10 working days from the date of the notice to make such a request.
(3)
The applicant must make the request under subsection (2) electronically or in writing on the form prescribed for a request under section 87D.
(4)
If the regional council receives requests under subsection (2) from all the applicants in respect of affected applications within the required period, the regional council must decide whether to grant or decline the applicants’ requests that all the affected applications be determined by the Environment Court.
(4A)
Despite the discretion to grant a request under subsection (4), if regulations have been made under section 360(1)(hm),—
(a)
the regional council must grant the request if the value of the investment in the proposal is likely to meet or exceed a threshold amount prescribed by those regulations; but
(b)
that obligation to grant the request does not apply if the consent authority determines, having regard to any matters prescribed by those regulations, that exceptional circumstances exist.
(5)
If subsection (4) applies and the regional council declines the requests, or if the regional council does not receive requests under subsection (2) from all applicants in respect of affected applications within the required period, the regional council must continue to process and hear together the affected applications in accordance with this section and section 165ZFF.
(6)
If subsection (4) applies and the regional council grants the requests, the regional council must prepare a report on each of the affected applications within the period that ends 20 working days after the date on which the regional council decided to grant the requests.
(7)
Section 87F(4) to (6) apply to a report prepared under subsection (6) on an affected application.
(8)
Each applicant in respect of an affected application must advise the regional council within 5 working days after receipt of a report prepared under subsection (6), whether the applicant continues to want the affected application to be determined by the Environment Court instead of by the regional council.
(9)
If the regional council—
(a)
receives advice from all the applicants in respect of affected applications that the applicants continue to want the affected applications to be determined by the Environment Court, the regional council must give notice to each applicant that—
(i)
the applicant’s affected application is to be determined by the Environment Court; and
(ii)
the applicant must lodge a notice of motion with the Environment Court that complies with section 87G(2)(a) within 15 working days after the date of the regional council’s notice or the applicant’s affected application may be cancelled in accordance with subsection (11); or
(b)
does not receive advice from all the applicants in respect of affected applications that the applicants continue to want the affected applications to be determined by the Environment Court, the regional council must—
(i)
give notice to each applicant that the applicant’s affected application is to be determined by the regional council; and
(ii)
continue to process and hear together the affected applications in accordance with this section and section 165ZFF.
(10)
Section 87G(2)(b) and (c), (3), and (4) apply in relation to the notice of motion referred to in subsection (9)(a)(ii) with any necessary modifications.
(11)
If an applicant does not lodge a notice of motion with the Environment Court within 15 working days after the date of the notice under subsection (9)(a), the regional council must—
(a)
give notice to the relevant applicant that unless the applicant lodges the notice of motion within 5 working days of the date of the notice, the applicant’s affected application will be cancelled; and
(b)
if, within the period notified, or such greater period as the regional council may think reasonable in the circumstances, the applicant does not lodge the notice of motion the regional council must cancel the applicant’s affected application.
(12)
Sections 87G(5) to (7) and 87H apply in respect of the affected applications.
(13)
Sections 99 and 100 apply in respect of any affected application that the regional council is required to process and hear together with other affected applications.
Section 165ZFE: inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 165ZFE(4A): inserted, on 4 September 2013, by section 34(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 165ZFE(7): amended, on 4 September 2013, by section 34(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 165ZFE(9)(a)(ii): amended, on 3 March 2015, by section 106(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 165ZFE(11): amended, on 3 March 2015, by section 106(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
165ZFF Hearing of affected applications
The provisions of this Act that relate to the hearing and making of decisions on a coastal permit apply to the affected applications with the following modifications:
(a)
if a hearing is to be held in respect of any affected application,—
(i)
a hearing must be held in respect of all affected applications; and
(ii)
all affected applications must be heard together; and
(b)
if an applicant or person who made a submission on an affected application makes a request under section 100A(2), the regional council is not required to comply with section 100A(4) but must instead consider whether to delegate under section 34A(1) its functions, powers, and duties required to hear and decide all the affected applications, to 1 or more hearings commissioners who are not members of the local authority; and
(c)
for the purposes of section 101(2), the date for the commencement of the hearing must be—
(i)
within 25 working days after the latest closing date for submissions on an affected application to which the PHT requirement relates, if no request is received under section 165ZFE(2); or
(ii)
within 25 working days after the date on which the council becomes subject to a requirement to continue to process and hear together affected applications under section 165ZFE(5) or (9); and
(d)
despite section 115,—
(i)
decisions on the affected applications are, subject to section 88(4), to be made in the order in which the applications were lodged; and
(ii)
notice of the decision on each affected application must be given within 30 working days after the end of the hearing or, if no hearing is held, within the period within which a hearing would have been required to be held under paragraph (c)(i) or (ii); and
(e)
paragraph (d)(i) is subject to sections 124B and 124C.
Section 165ZFF: inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165ZFG Effect of requirement that applications be processed and heard together on power of Minister to call in applications under section 142
(1)
Despite sections 142 and 144,—
(a)
the Minister must not make a decision as to whether to call in an affected application until all affected applications to which the relevant PHT requirement relates have been identified; and
(b)
if the Minister decides to call in an affected application by making a direction under section 142(2), the Minister must, whether or not the Minister considers any other affected application is a proposal or part of a proposal of national significance, call in all the other affected applications under the same direction; and
(c)
in deciding whether to make the direction referred to in paragraph (b), the Minister—
(i)
may, in addition to the matters specified in section 142(3), consider the impact that the call-in direction would have on the other affected applications, including the impact on the costs the applicants might face; and
(ii)
must have regard to the capacity of the local authority to process the affected applications and the views of—
(A)
the applicants for all the affected applications; and
(B)
the regional council; and
(C)
if the PHT requirement was made by Gazette notice under section 165ZFA, the Minister of Aquaculture.
(2)
Section 165ZFF(a), (d), and (e) apply if the affected applications are heard by the Environment Court or a board of inquiry and, for that purpose, the provisions of Part 6AA apply in respect of the hearing and determination of the affected applications with any necessary modifications.
Section 165ZFG: inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165ZFH Effect of requirement that applications be processed and heard together on lodgement of applications with EPA
On and from the date on which the relevant PHT requirement comes into force, no affected application may be lodged with the Environmental Protection Authority under section 145.
Section 165ZFH: inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 49 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Subpart 1A—Duration of coastal permits for marine farms extended
Subpart 1A: inserted, on 3 September 2024, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Extended Duration of Coastal Permits for Marine Farms) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 32).
165ZFHA Interpretation
In this subpart and subpart 1B, unless the context otherwise requires,—
extant coastal permit means a coastal permit that—
(a)
is for an aquaculture activity in the coastal marine area; and
(b)
is current on the date on which this subpart comes into force; and
(c)
expires earlier than 31 December 2050
extended permit review of conditions or review means a review carried out under subpart 1B
replacement permit means a coastal permit that—
(a)
replaces an extant coastal permit; and
(b)
has a commencement date later than the date on which this subpart comes into force; and
(c)
is not being exercised by the permit holder.
Section 165ZFHA: inserted, on 3 September 2024, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Extended Duration of Coastal Permits for Marine Farms) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 32).
165ZFHB Application of subpart
This subpart applies to—
(a)
extant coastal permits; and
(b)
replacement permits; and
(c)
coastal permits that are in force under section 165ZH on the date when this subpart comes into force; and
(d)
coastal permits within the meaning of section 87(c)—
(i)
to which paragraph (a), (b), or (c) applies; and
(ii)
that are in force on the date when this subpart comes into force.
Section 165ZFHB: inserted, on 3 September 2024, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Extended Duration of Coastal Permits for Marine Farms) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 32).
165ZFHC Extension of coastal permits for marine farms
(1)
The expiry date of the coastal permits to which this subpart applies is extended to whichever is the sooner of—
(a)
the date that is 20 years after the date on which the permit would otherwise expire; and
(b)
31 December 2050.
(2)
No extension may be made under this subpart that applies beyond 31 December 2050.
(3)
The conditions applying to each coastal permit that is extended under this section continue to apply, unless—
(a)
a change to a condition is required as a consequence of extending the duration of the coastal permit; or
(b)
the coastal permit is subject to an appeal at the date on which this subpart comes into force, in which case the conditions are those set by the decision made on the final appeal.
(4)
This section does not affect the power under subpart 1B to undertake a review of the conditions of a coastal permit that is extended under this subsection.
Section 165ZFHC: inserted, on 3 September 2024, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Extended Duration of Coastal Permits for Marine Farms) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 32).
165ZFHD Updating of extended coastal permits
(1)
If, on the day on which this subpart comes into force, the holder of an extant coastal permit has lodged an application under section 165ZH and at the same time the duration of the extant coastal permit is extended under this subpart, the holder must, not later than 2 months after this subpart comes into force,—
(a)
decide whether—
(i)
to continue operating under the extant coastal permit; or
(ii)
to continue with the application; and
(b)
notify the relevant consent authority of that decision.
(2)
A consent authority—
(a)
must, within 6 months of this subpart coming into force, update each extant coastal permit to record the expiry date of each, as extended under this subpart; but
(b)
may, for a period of 2 months after this subpart comes into force, suspend processing applications made under section 165ZH while holders of extant coastal permits make, and give notice of, the decision required under subsection (1).
(3)
A permit holder who decides to continue operating under an extant coastal permit as extended under this subpart must withdraw the application lodged under section 165ZH within 2 months of this subpart coming into force.
(4)
However, if a permit holder decides to continue with the application lodged under section 165ZH, a coastal permit granted under that application does not qualify for the 20-year extension to the expiry date provided for under this subpart.
Section 165ZFHD: inserted, on 3 September 2024, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Extended Duration of Coastal Permits for Marine Farms) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 32).
165ZFHE Consent holder must confirm which coastal permit is operational
(1)
This section applies to a consent holder who—
(a)
is operating under an extant coastal permit when this subpart comes into force; but
(b)
already holds a coastal permit to replace the extant coastal permit referred to in paragraph (a).
(2)
Not later than 2 months after this subpart comes into force, a permit holder must confirm with the relevant consent authority whether the holder will operate under—
(a)
the extant coastal permit; or
(b)
a replacement permit.
Section 165ZFHE: inserted, on 3 September 2024, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Extended Duration of Coastal Permits for Marine Farms) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 32).
165ZFHF Decision to operate under extant coastal permit
(1)
If a permit holder decides to operate under an extant coastal permit (see section 165ZFHE(2)), the holder must surrender the replacement permit referred to in section 165ZFHE(1)(b).
(2)
The surrender under subsection (1) takes effect when the permit holder receives a written acknowledgement from the consent authority that it has received notice that the replacement permit is surrendered.
Section 165ZFHF: inserted, on 3 September 2024, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Extended Duration of Coastal Permits for Marine Farms) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 32).
165ZFHG Decision to operate under replacement permit
(1)
This section applies if the holder of an extant coastal permit decides to operate under a replacement permit (see section 165ZFHE(2)).
(2)
A permit holder is entitled to operate under the extant coastal permit until the replacement permit commences in accordance with the terms of the replacement permit.
(3)
A permit holder who surrenders an extant coastal permit and uses a replacement permit under section 165ZFHE(2)(b) remains liable under this Act for—
(a)
any breach of the conditions of the extant coastal permit occurring before that permit is surrendered; and
(b)
completing any work to give effect to that permit, unless the consent authority directs otherwise when it acknowledges the surrender.
Section 165ZFHG: inserted, on 3 September 2024, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Extended Duration of Coastal Permits for Marine Farms) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 32).
165ZFHH Application of extension where coastal permit under appeal
(1)
The extension of a coastal permit described in section 165ZFHC(1) applies to a coastal permit that—
(a)
was granted or declined before the date on which this subpart comes into force; and
(b)
is the subject of an appeal that results in the granting of a coastal permit.
(2)
The extension does not apply—
(a)
until all rights of appeal are exhausted; or
(b)
if, on appeal, the application for a coastal permit is declined or withdrawn.
Section 165ZFHH: inserted, on 3 September 2024, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Extended Duration of Coastal Permits for Marine Farms) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 32).
Subpart 1AB—Restrictions on section 128 reviews of conditions of extended coastal permits
Subpart 1AB: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 51 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
165ZFHHA Restrictions on section 128 review of conditions of extended coastal permits
(1)
This section applies until 3 September 2030 to a coastal permit that is extended by section 165ZFHC.
(2)
A consent authority must not give notice under section 128(1) of its intention to review the conditions of the permit unless—
(a)
the notice is given under section 128(1)(ba); or
(b)
the following criteria are met:
(i)
the permit expressly allows for a review of the conditions for the purpose of an adaptive management approach; and
(ii)
the review is to be carried out for that purpose only; and
(iii)
the review is to be carried out at a time specified in the permit for that purpose.
(3)
In subsection (2), an adaptive management approach—
(a)
means a systematic and iterative process of decision making that aims to reduce and manage uncertainty about the environmental effects of an activity over time through—
(i)
monitoring the activity and its effects; and
(ii)
making changes to management in response to the results of that monitoring; and
(b)
can include management by a staged development programme, each stage proceeding only when the monitoring of the biological or physical effects of the previous stage demonstrates that the adverse effects—
(i)
are within limits prescribed in the provisions of the relevant coastal permit; and
(ii)
are reversible.
(4)
To avoid doubt, this section does not affect a review of conditions required under section 128(2).
Section 165ZFHHA: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 51 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Subpart 1B—Review of conditions applying to extended coastal permits
Subpart 1B: inserted, on 3 September 2024, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Extended Duration of Coastal Permits for Marine Farms) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 32).
165ZFHI Power to undertake review
(1)
A consent authority may review the conditions of any coastal permit that is extended under subpart 1A.
(2)
This subpart is in addition to, and does not affect the application of,—
(a)
section 127, which provides for the holder of a coastal permit to apply to change or cancel any condition of a coastal permit; and
(aa)
section 128, which—
(i)
provides for the consent authority to review the conditions of a coastal permit; but
(ii)
until 3 September 2030, is subject to the restrictions in section 165ZFHHA; and
(ab)
section 129, which sets out requirements for notices of reviews under section 128; and
(b)
section 133, which preserves the power of the Environment Court under Part 12 to change or cancel a coastal permit by an enforcement order.
(3)
A review undertaken under this subpart—
(a)
must commence not later than 6 years after this subpart comes into force; and
(b)
must not be undertaken more than once in relation to any coastal permit; and
(c)
must not amend the duration of a coastal permit extended under section 165ZFHC(1), or change the species or consented area to which the coastal permit relates.
(4)
Despite section 36, a consent authority must bear its own costs of a review undertaken under this subpart, other than any costs arising from a request by the Director-General under section 165ZFHK(3) for information not held by the consent authority in its normal course of business.
Section 165ZFHI: inserted, on 3 September 2024, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Extended Duration of Coastal Permits for Marine Farms) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 32).
Section 165ZFHI(2)(a): replaced, on 21 August 2025, by section 52(1) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 165ZFHI(2)(aa): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 52(1) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 165ZFHI(2)(ab): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 52(1) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 165ZFHI(3)(a): amended, on 21 August 2025, by section 52(2) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
165ZFHJ Purpose of review
The purpose of undertaking a review is to better promote the sustainable management of the natural and physical resources associated with the marine farm, as long as the review is undertaken in a way that—
(a)
is consistent with Part 2; and
(b)
does not prevent the permit holder from carrying out the aquaculture activity to which the coastal permit relates.
Section 165ZFHJ: inserted, on 3 September 2024, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Extended Duration of Coastal Permits for Marine Farms) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 32).
165ZFHK Concurrence of Director-General required for review to proceed
(1)
Before a consent authority may undertake a review under this subpart, it must provide a proposal to the Director-General of the Ministry for Primary Industries (the Director-General) that sets out how the consent authority considers the proposed review meets the purpose of a review under this subpart.
(2)
Not later than 20 working days after receiving a proposal, the Director-General must—
(a)
decide whether to concur with the consent authority that the proposal is consistent with the purpose of the review; and
(b)
notify the relevant consent authority in writing of that decision.
(3)
For the purpose of making that decision, the Director-General may request the relevant consent authority and permit holders to provide information in writing to the Director-General not later than 20 working days after the request is received.
(4)
The information requested—
(a)
must be provided as requested, in the case of a request to the consent authority; and
(b)
may be provided in the case of a request to a permit holder.
(5)
The time that the Director-General may need to obtain information from the relevant consent authority and permit holders is in addition to the 20 working days specified in subsection (2).
(6)
If the information is not received in full within the time specified in subsection (3), the Director-General may decide whether to concur with the review proposal under subsection (2)(a), taking into account the information received within that time.
Section 165ZFHK: inserted, on 3 September 2024, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Extended Duration of Coastal Permits for Marine Farms) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 32).
165ZFHL Process applying to review
(1)
Not later than 20 working days after a consent authority has received written notice of the Director-General’s concurrence with the proposed review, the consent authority may initiate a review of the conditions of an extended coastal permit by notifying that intention to—
(a)
any of the following groups or persons if the extended coastal permit applies in their rohe:
(i)
iwi authorities:
(ii)
post-settlement governance entities:
(iii)
Ngā Hapū o Ngāti Porou as defined in section 10 of Ngā Rohe Moana o Ngā Hapū o Ngāti Porou Act 2019:
(iv)
iwi and hapū that are party to a Mana Whakahono ā Rohe under this Act:
(v)
customary marine title groups (within the meaning of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011) that—
(A)
hold customary marine title in an area under that Act; or
(B)
have applied under that Act for customary marine title but whose application has not yet been determined; and
(b)
the permit holder.
(2)
Groups or persons notified under subsection (1) may make submissions on the proposed review to the relevant consent authority—
(a)
within 20 working days after limited notification was given under subsection (1); and
(b)
in accordance with section 96(5) to (7).
(3)
A consent authority undertaking a review under this subpart must not hold a hearing as part of that review and nothing in sections 99 to 103B applies to a review under this subpart.
Section 165ZFHL: inserted, on 3 September 2024, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Extended Duration of Coastal Permits for Marine Farms) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 32).
165ZFHM Decision on review
(1)
A consent authority that undertakes a review under this subpart must, not later than 2 years after initiating the review, decide whether to add to, amend, or make no change to, any condition of the coastal permit under review.
(2)
In making that decision, the consent authority must—
(a)
apply section 131, as far as it is relevant to a review under this subpart (and with any necessary modifications); and
(b)
consider any submissions received under section 165ZFHL(2).
(3)
The consent authority must, as soon as is reasonably practicable, give written notice of the outcome of the review to the persons notified if they made a submission (see section 165ZFHL(1) and (2)).
Section 165ZFHM: inserted, on 3 September 2024, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Extended Duration of Coastal Permits for Marine Farms) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 32).
165ZFHN Right of appeal
(1)
The following persons may appeal to the Environment Court against the whole or part of any decision made by the consent authority in the review of conditions under this subpart:
(a)
the permit holder; and
(b)
any person or group who was notified under section 165ZFHL(1) and who made a submission under section 165ZFHL(2).
(2)
Section 121 applies to an appeal under this section.
Section 165ZFHN: inserted, on 3 September 2024, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Extended Duration of Coastal Permits for Marine Farms) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 32).
165ZFHO Final right of appeal
There is a final right of appeal on a question of law to the High Court, subject to sections 299 to 304.
Section 165ZFHO: inserted, on 3 September 2024, by section 4 of the Resource Management (Extended Duration of Coastal Permits for Marine Farms) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 32).
Subpart 2—Privately initiated plan changes
[Repealed]Subpart 2: repealed, on 1 October 2011, by section 50 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Subpart 3—Order in which applications by existing consent holders are to be processed
Subpart 3: inserted, on 1 January 2005, by section 20 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 103).
165ZG Application
(1)
This subpart applies—
(a)
only to applications for coastal permits to occupy space in the common marine and coastal area for aquaculture activities; and
(b)
in relation to such applications made on or after 23 August 2004.
(2)
However, this subpart does not apply to an application for a coastal permit to occupy space in the common marine and coastal area for an aquaculture activity if, at the time the application is made, a regional coastal plan provides for a method of allocating authorisations in respect of the space and activity.
Section 165ZG: inserted, on 1 January 2005, by section 20 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 103).
Section 165ZG(1)(a): replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 51(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 165ZG(2): replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 51(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165ZH Processing applications for existing permit holders
(1)
This section applies if—
(a)
a person holds—
(i)
a deemed coastal permit under section 10, 20, 20A, or 21 of the Aquaculture Reform (Repeals and Transitional Provisions) Act 2004; or
(ii)
a coastal permit to occupy space in the common marine and coastal area for aquaculture activities, granted after the commencement of this Part; and
(b)
the permit referred to in paragraph (a)(i) or (ii) (existing coastal permit)—
(i)
is in force at the time of any application under paragraph (c); and
(ii)
applies in relation to space in the common marine and coastal area in which aquaculture is not a prohibited activity; and
(c)
the holder of the existing coastal permit (existing permit holder) makes an application for a new coastal permit that is—
(i)
for occupation of some or all of the same space; and
(ii)
for the same or another aquaculture activity; and
(iii)
accompanied by any other applications for coastal permits related to the carrying out of the aquaculture activity; and
(d)
the application and any related applications are—
(i)
made to the appropriate consent authority; and
(ii)
made—
(A)
at least 6 months before the expiry of the existing coastal permit; or
(B)
in the period that begins 6 months before the expiry of the existing coastal permit and ends 3 months before the expiry of the existing coastal permit, and the authority, in its discretion, allows the holder to continue to operate.
(2)
If this section applies, then—
(a)
the applications, must be processed and determined before any other application for a coastal permit to occupy the space that the permit applies to; and
(b)
no other application to occupy the space that the application relates to may be accepted before the determination of the application; and
(c)
the holder may continue to operate under the existing coastal permit until—
(i)
a new coastal permit is granted and all appeals are determined; or
(ii)
a new coastal permit is declined and all appeals are determined.
Section 165ZH: replaced, on 1 October 2011, by section 52 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165ZI Applications for space already used for aquaculture activities
(1)
This section applies to an application for a coastal permit to occupy space in the common marine and coastal area for aquaculture activities if—
(a)
the application relates to space that is subject to a permit referred to in section 165ZH; and
(b)
the application is made by a person who is not the existing permit holder.
(2)
The application must be held by the consent authority without processing until 3 months before the expiry of the permit.
(3)
While the application is being held under subsection (2), the consent authority must not accept any other applications by persons other than the existing permit holder to occupy that space until after the application being held under subsection (2) is determined or has lapsed.
(4)
After receiving an application referred to in subsection (1), the council must notify the existing permit holder—
(a)
of the application; and
(b)
that the holder can make an application in accordance with section 165ZH(1)(c).
(5)
If an application to which section 165ZH(1)(c) applies is made, then the application referred to in subsection (1) remains on hold until that application is determined.
(6)
If the application to which section 165ZH(2) applies is granted, then the application referred to in subsection (1) lapses.
(7)
If no application to which section 165ZH(2) applies is made prior to the date 3 months before expiry of the relevant permit, then the application being held under subsection (2) must be processed and determined in accordance with this Act.
(8)
However, the application may be processed and determined before the expiry of the 3-month period referred to in subsection (7) if the existing permit holder notifies the consent authority in writing that the holder does not propose to make an application under section 165ZH(1)(c).
Section 165ZI: inserted, on 1 January 2005, by section 20 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 103).
Section 165ZI(1): amended, on 1 October 2011, by section 53(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 165ZI(3): amended, on 1 October 2011, by section 53(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 165ZI(4)(b): amended, on 1 October 2011, by section 53(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 165ZI(5): amended, on 1 October 2011, by section 53(4)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 165ZI(5): amended, on 1 October 2011, by section 53(4)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 165ZI(8): amended, on 1 October 2011, by section 53(5) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165ZJ Additional criteria for considering applications for permits for space already used for aquaculture activities
(1AA)
When considering an application under section 165ZH that relates to the same aquaculture activity, a consent authority must consider all relevant information available in relation to the existing coastal permit, including any available monitoring data.
(1)
When considering an application to which section 165ZH or section 165ZI(7) or (8) applies, a consent authority must not only consider the relevant matters under this Act, but also consider the applicant’s conduct in relation to—
(a)
compliance with the relevant regional coastal plan; and
(b)
compliance with resource consent conditions for current or previous aquaculture activities undertaken by the applicant.
(c)
[Repealed](2)
In making an assessment under subsection (1)(a) and (b), the council must, in relation to any successful enforcement action under Part 12, consider—
(a)
the number of any breaches that have occurred; and
(b)
the seriousness of the breach; and
(c)
how recently the breach occurred; and
(d)
the subsequent behaviour of the applicant after enforcement action.
Section 165ZJ: inserted, on 1 January 2005, by section 20 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 103).
Section 165ZJ(1AA): inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 54(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 165ZJ(1): amended, on 1 October 2011, by section 54(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 165ZJ(1)(c): repealed, on 1 October 2011, by section 54(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Subpart 4—Plan change requests and concurrent applications for coastal permits in relation to aquaculture activities
Subpart 4: inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 55 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165ZK Application
This subpart applies only in relation to a rule in a regional coastal plan that,—
(a)
at the commencement of section 55 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011, provided that an aquaculture activity is a prohibited activity, whether in all or part, of the common marine and coastal area that the plan applies to; and
(b)
is still operative when a plan change request is made.
Section 165ZK: inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 55 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165ZL Interpretation
In this subpart, unless the context otherwise requires,—
concurrent application means an application made under section 165ZN that is made in conjunction with a plan change request
plan change request means a plan change request—
(a)
made under clause 21 of Schedule 1, in relation to a rule referred to in section 165ZK,—
(i)
to provide for aquaculture activities; and
(ii)
to make any related changes; and
(b)
made in conjunction with, or in contemplation of, a concurrent application.
Section 165ZL: inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 55 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165ZM Other provisions of Act apply subject to this subpart
(1)
The provisions of this Act relating to consent applications and plan change requests apply to concurrent applications and plan change requests under this subpart subject to the provisions of this subpart.
(2)
Subsections (3) to (4) do not limit subsection (1).
(3)
Section 36AA and any regulations made under section 360(1)(hj) do not apply in relation to a concurrent application.
(4)
The following provisions of Part 6 do not apply to a concurrent application: sections 88A to 88E, 91A, 95 to 95G, 96(7), 97, 99 to 103A, 115, and 121(1)(c).
Section 165ZM: inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 55 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 165ZM(4): amended, on 3 March 2015, by section 107 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
165ZN Application for coastal permit to undertake aquaculture activities
(1)
An application for a coastal permit to undertake an aquaculture activity in the common marine and coastal area that otherwise could not be made because of section 87A(6) may be made if—
(a)
the person making the application also makes a plan change request under clause 21 of Schedule 1; and
(b)
the application for the coastal permit is made—
(i)
at the same time as the plan change request is made; or
(ii)
if the plan change request is lodged with a regional council, within 20 working days after receiving the regional council’s notification of its decision under clause 25(5) of Schedule 1; and
(c)
the plan change request is to change—
(i)
the regional coastal plan to make the aquaculture activity in the common marine and coastal area a controlled activity, a restricted discretionary activity, a discretionary activity, or a non-complying activity; and
(ii)
related matters (if any) in the regional coastal plan; and
(d)
the application for the coastal permit would be consistent with the plan change if the plan change request were accepted and made.
(2)
For the purposes of subsection (1)(d), section 165ZW(1) is to be disregarded.
Section 165ZN: inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 55 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165ZO Identifying plan change requests and concurrent applications
(1)
A concurrent application must identify the plan change request it relates to.
(2)
A plan change request must—
(a)
identify the concurrent application it relates to, if the plan change request and concurrent application are made at the same time; or
(b)
specify that it is intended to lodge a concurrent application subsequently, if the plan change request is accepted.
Section 165ZO: inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 55 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165ZP Incomplete concurrent application
(1)
This section applies if a concurrent application is returned, under section 88(3A), as incomplete.
(2)
The regional council is not required to take any further action on the plan change request unless the application is lodged again within the time specified in subsection (3).
(3)
If the application is not lodged again within 20 working days after the date on which the applicant receives the returned application, the application and the plan change request lapse.
Section 165ZP: inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 55 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 165ZP(1): amended, on 3 March 2015, by section 108 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
165ZQ Additional consents
(1)
If the regional council makes a determination under section 91(1), it must do so within 20 working days after—
(a)
the expiry of the 10 working days specified in section 88(3), if the application is not returned as incomplete:
(b)
the day after the application is lodged again under section 165ZP(3), if the application was returned as incomplete under section 88(3A).
(2)
If the regional council determines that 1 or more further consents will be required, the regional council is not required to take any further action on the plan change request until the applications for the further consents have been lodged and accepted as complete under section 88(3).
Section 165ZQ: inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 55 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Section 165ZQ(1)(a): amended, on 3 March 2015, by section 109(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 165ZQ(1)(b): amended, on 3 March 2015, by section 109(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
165ZR Concurrent application to be declined or treated as withdrawn if plan change request declined or withdrawn
(1)
If, under clause 25(4) of Schedule 1, a regional council rejects a plan change request, then the concurrent application lapses.
(2)
If, under clause 25(2)(b) of Schedule 1, a regional council accepts a plan change request in part so that the aquaculture activity that the concurrent application relates to remains a prohibited activity, then the regional council must decline the concurrent application as a result of the decision made under clause 25(4) of Schedule 1.
(3)
If a plan change request is withdrawn or deemed to be withdrawn under clause 28 of Schedule 1, the concurrent application that relates to the plan change request is to be treated as having been withdrawn.
Section 165ZR: inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 55 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165ZS Consideration of plan change request
(1)
The regional council—
(a)
may not adopt a plan change request under clause 25(2)(a) of Schedule 1; but
(b)
may accept a plan change request under clause 25(2)(b) of Schedule 1.
(2)
If the regional council accepts a plan change request, the person making the plan change request may, within 20 working days after being notified of the council’s decision under clause 25(5) of Schedule 1,—
(a)
if a concurrent application has been lodged with the plan change request and the plan change request has been modified under clause 24 of Schedule 1,—
(i)
amend the concurrent application; or
(ii)
withdraw the concurrent application and lodge a replacement concurrent application:
(b)
if a concurrent application has not been lodged with the plan change request, lodge a concurrent application.
Section 165ZS: inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 55 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165ZT Notification of accepted plan change request
(1)
For the purposes of publicly notifying an accepted plan change request and its concurrent application under clause 26(b)(i) of Schedule 1, the period of 4 months specified in that subparagraph begins on the day as determined in accordance with subsection (2), (3), or (4), as the case may require.
(2)
If a concurrent application has been lodged, the period begins on the day on which the regional council receives written confirmation from the applicant that the applications will not be amended or withdrawn.
(3)
If a concurrent application has been lodged but has been amended, or withdrawn and a replacement application lodged, the period begins on the day on which the regional council confirms to the applicant that the application as amended or the replacement application is complete and that no other resource consents are required.
(4)
If a concurrent application has not been lodged but is lodged after the plan change request is accepted by the regional council, the period begins on the day on which the regional council confirms to the applicant that the application is complete and that no other resource consents are required.
(5)
Notification of a plan change request under subsection (1) must also include notification of the concurrent application.
(6)
For the purposes of subsection (5), clause 5 of Schedule 1 applies with all necessary modifications and as if references to a plan or regional coastal plan were references to a plan change request and its related concurrent application and as if the reference to a proposed change in clause 5(3)(b) of that schedule included a reference to its concurrent application.
Section 165ZT: inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 55 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165ZU Submissions on plan change request and concurrent application
(1)
The regional council must, in addition to preparing a summary of submissions on the plan change request, prepare a summary of submissions on the concurrent application.
(2)
Clause 7 of Schedule 1 accordingly applies also to the summary of submissions on the concurrent application.
(3)
However, no person may make further submissions under clause 8 of Schedule 1 on a concurrent application.
Section 165ZU: inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 55 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165ZV Hearing of submissions
(1)
The regional council must hear, under clause 8B of Schedule 1, any submissions on a plan change request and its concurrent application together.
(2)
For the purposes of clause 8C of Schedule 1, a hearing is not required if, in addition, no person indicates they wish to be heard, or the request to be heard is withdrawn, in relation to the concurrent application.
Section 165ZV: inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 55 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165ZW Type of activity in relation to concurrent activities
(1)
After a plan change request has been accepted and publicly notified, the regional council must process the concurrent application that the plan change request relates to on the basis that the activities for which the application is made are non-complying activities.
(2)
The concurrent application must be considered and determined on the basis that the activities for which the application is made are controlled activities, restricted discretionary activities, discretionary activities, or non-complying activities in accordance with the regional council’s decision on the plan change request that the concurrent application relates to.
Section 165ZW: inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 55 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165ZX Consideration of plan change request and concurrent application
(1)
A regional council considering a plan change request and its concurrent application made under subpart 4 of Part 7A must,—
(a)
firstly, determine matters in relation to the plan change request; and
(b)
secondly, determine matters in relation to the concurrent application, based on its determination of matters in relation to the plan change request.
(2)
A regional council must decline a concurrent application if, as a result of the council’s determination on the plan change request, the aquaculture activity that the concurrent application relates to remains a prohibited activity.
Section 165ZX: inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 55 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165ZY Regional council’s decision on concurrent application
The regional council must make and publicly notify its decision on the concurrent application not later than the close of the 20th working day after publicly notifying its decision on the plan change request in accordance with clause 10(4) of Schedule 1.
Section 165ZY: inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 55 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165ZZ Appeals
(1)
An appeal against a decision relating to the plan change request or the concurrent application or both must be lodged within 20 working days after the day on which the regional council publicly notifies its decision on the concurrent application.
(2)
If appeals are lodged against both the decision on the plan change request and the concurrent application, the appeals must be heard together.
Section 165ZZ: inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 55 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
165ZZA Grant of coastal permit
(1)
If the regional council grants a concurrent application and issues a coastal permit, the commencement of the coastal permit under section 116A is subject to the Minister of Conservation approving the plan change.
(2)
If the Minister of Conservation declines to approve the plan change, the regional council must cancel the coastal permit.
Section 165ZZA: inserted, on 1 October 2011, by section 55 of the Resource Management Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 70).
Subpart 5—Duration and review of section 384A coastal permits
Subpart 5: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 53 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
165ZZB Interpretation
In this subpart, unless the context otherwise requires,—
holder means a port company that holds a section 384A coastal permit
port company and port related commercial undertaking have the same meanings as in section 2(1) of the Port Companies Act 1988
section 384A coastal permit and permit means a coastal permit that—
(a)
authorises a port company to occupy an area specified in the permit to manage and operate the port related commercial undertakings acquired under the Port Companies Act 1988; and
(b)
was approved before the commencement of this subpart by the Minister of Transport under section 384A as a coastal permit; and
(c)
is in force and has not been surrendered.
Section 165ZZB: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 53 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Duration of section 384A coastal permits extended
Heading: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 53 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
165ZZC Extension of expiry date of section 384A coastal permit
(1)
The expiry date of each section 384A coastal permit is extended to 30 September 2046.
(2)
The conditions (if any) applying to a section 384A coastal permit that is extended under this section continue to apply, unless the conditions are modified as a result of a review of the permit undertaken by a consent authority under this subpart.
Section 165ZZC: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 53 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Review of section 384A coastal permits
Heading: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 53 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
165ZZD Requirement to undertake review
(1)
Each consent authority in whose area of jurisdiction a port company holds a section 384A coastal permit must undertake a review of the permit in accordance with this subpart (see section 165ZZF).
(2)
This section is in addition to—
(a)
sections 127 to 129, which provide for—
(i)
a consent authority to review the conditions of a coastal permit; and
(ii)
the holder of a coastal permit to apply to the relevant consent authority to change or cancel any condition of a coastal permit; and
(b)
section 133, which preserves the power of the Environment Court under Part 12 to change or cancel a coastal permit by an enforcement order.
Section 165ZZD: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 53 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
165ZZE Purpose and scope of review
(1)
The purpose of a consent authority’s review of a section 384A coastal permit is to identify—
(a)
any adverse environmental effects of the occupation of the coastal marine area authorised by the permit; and
(b)
whether conditions need to be imposed or amended to avoid, remedy, or mitigate those effects.
(2)
A consent authority may identify and provide, as the consent authority considers necessary for the purpose of the review, for—
(a)
new conditions to be included in a section 384A coastal permit; and
(b)
existing conditions to be modified.
(3)
However, a consent authority—
(a)
must not, in relation to a section 384A coastal permit, provide for the inclusion of a new condition or modification of an existing condition that—
(i)
would change the size of the permit area or its location; or
(ii)
would prevent the holder from occupying the permit area to manage and operate port related commercial undertakings; but
(b)
may, if the holder agrees, provide for the inclusion of a new condition or modification of an existing condition that—
(i)
permits activities to be undertaken in any specified part of the permit area; or
(ii)
prohibits activities from being undertaken in any specified part of the permit area.
(4)
Sections 108 and 108AA apply, subject to this section, to a review of a section 384A coastal permit.
Section 165ZZE: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 53 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Notice and other procedural requirements
Heading: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 53 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
165ZZF Notice and other requirements relevant to review
(1)
Not later than 30 September 2027, each consent authority in whose area of jurisdiction a port company holds a section 384A coastal permit must initiate a review of the permit by serving a limited notice of the review on the parties described in section 165ZZG.
(2)
Each party who is served notice is entitled to make a written submission on the review, including proposing new or modified conditions for the permit (see section 165ZZH).
(3)
A review must be undertaken in a way that—
(a)
does not prevent a holder from managing and operating port related commercial undertakings; and
(b)
is efficient and causes as little disruption as possible to the management and operation of those port related commercial undertakings.
(4)
A consent authority must not—
(a)
give public notice that a review is being initiated (but must give limited notice); or
(b)
hold a hearing on the submissions received.
(5)
A review required by this subpart must be completed, and a decision issued, not later than 2 years after the date on which the consent authority initiates the review.
Section 165ZZF: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 53 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
165ZZG Parties that must be given limited notice
The limited notice required by section 165ZZF(1) must be served on—
(a)
each of the following, to the extent that their area of interest overlaps with, or is within, the area of the relevant section 384A coastal permit:
(i)
iwi authorities:
(ii)
post-settlement governance entities:
(iii)
ngā hapū o Ngāti Porou, as defined in the Ngā Rohe Moana o Ngā Hapū o Ngāti Porou Act 2019:
(iv)
iwi and hapū that are party to a Mana Whakahono ā Rohe that applies in the whole or a part of the area of the section 384A coastal permit:
(v)
customary marine title groups (within the meaning of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011)—
(A)
who hold customary marine title under that Act in the whole or a part of an area to which the section 384A coastal permit relates; or
(B)
who have applied under that Act for customary marine title but whose applications have not yet been determined:
(vi)
iwi or hapū that are party to a joint management agreement; and
(b)
the Director-General of Conservation; and
(c)
the holder.
Section 165ZZG: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 53 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
165ZZH Submissions on review
If the parties listed in section 165ZZG decide to make a submission, they must lodge their written submissions with the consent authority not later than 20 working days after receiving the notice served under section 165ZZF.
Section 165ZZH: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 53 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
165ZZI Decision on review
A consent authority’s decisions on its review of a section 384A coastal permit must—
(a)
take into account all submissions received under section 165ZZH; and
(b)
be consistent with the purpose of this Act.
Section 165ZZI: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 53 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Rights of appeal
Heading: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 53 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
165ZZJ Appeal rights
(1)
The following persons or groups may appeal to the Environment Court against the whole or a part of a decision made by the consent authority on its review of a section 384A coastal permit:
(a)
the holder of the section 384A coastal permit; and
(b)
any person or group notified of the review under section 165ZZF and who made a submission under section 165ZZH.
(2)
Section 121 applies to an appeal made under this section.
Section 165ZZJ: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 53 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
165ZZK Final right of appeal
(1)
There is a final right of appeal to the High Court on a question of law against a decision of the Environment Court under section 165ZZJ.
(2)
Sections 299 to 304 apply to any appeal under this section.
Section 165ZZK: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 53 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Part 8 Designations and heritage orders
Designations
166 Definitions
(1)
In this Act—
designation means a provision made in a district plan to give effect to a requirement made by a requiring authority under section 168 or section 168A or clause 4 of Schedule 1
eligible infrastructure has the same meaning as in section 8 of the Infrastructure Funding and Financing Act 2020
network utility operator means a person who—
(a)
undertakes or proposes to undertake the distribution or transmission by pipeline of natural or manufactured gas, petroleum, biofuel, or geothermal energy; or
(b)
operates or proposes to operate a network for the purpose of—
(i)
telecommunication as defined in section 5 of the Telecommunications Act 2001; or
(ii)
radiocommunication as defined in section 2(1) of the Radiocommunications Act 1989; or
(c)
is an electricity operator or electricity distributor as defined in section 2 of the Electricity Act 1992 for the purpose of line function services as defined in that section; or
(d)
undertakes or proposes to undertake the distribution of water for supply (including irrigation); or
(e)
undertakes or proposes to undertake a drainage or sewerage system; or
(f)
constructs, operates, or proposes to construct or operate, a road or railway line; or
(g)
is—
(i)
an airport authority as defined in the Airport Authorities Act 1966, for the purpose of operating an airport as defined in that Act; or
(ii)
an airport operator as defined in section 5 of the Civil Aviation Act 2023, for the purpose of operating an aerodrome in relation to which the airport operator is registered under that Act; or
(h)
[Repealed](ha)
is a responsible SPV that is constructing or proposing to construct eligible infrastructure; or
(hb)
operates—
(i)
an inland port (not contiguous with the coastal marine area) associated with a coastal port operated under the Port Companies Act 1988; or
(ii)
the landward operations of a seaward port operated under the Port Companies Act 1988; or
(iii)
Northport Limited, or an inland port associated with Northport Limited; or
(i)
undertakes or proposes to undertake a project or work prescribed as a network utility operation for the purposes of this definition by regulations made under this Act,—
and the words network utility operation have a corresponding meaning
public work includes work that relates to the construction of eligible infrastructure
requiring authority means—
(a)
a Minister of the Crown; or
(b)
a local authority; or
(ba)
a water service provider as defined in section 4 of the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025; or
(c)
a network utility operator approved as a requiring authority under section 167
responsible infrastructure authority has the same meaning as in section 7 of the Infrastructure Funding and Financing Act 2020
responsible SPV has the same meaning as in section 7 of the Infrastructure Funding and Financing Act 2020
SPV means a responsible SPV that is identified by a levy order made under the Infrastructure Funding and Financing Act 2020 as having responsibility for the construction of eligible infrastructure.
(2)
In this Part, work relates to the construction of eligible infrastructure if the work—
(a)
involves such construction for which an SPV has financial responsibility; or
(b)
is work—
(i)
that is required to facilitate the future construction of eligible infrastructure; and
(ii)
for which the local authority or the territorial authority giving notice of its requirement for a designation (under section 168 or 168A) has financial responsibility.
Section 166 heading: replaced, on 7 August 2020, by section 161 of the Infrastructure Funding and Financing Act 2020 (2020 No 47).
Section 166(1) designation: amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 83(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 166(1) eligible infrastructure: inserted, on 7 August 2020, by section 161 of the Infrastructure Funding and Financing Act 2020 (2020 No 47).
Section 166(1) network utility operator paragraph (a): amended, on 1 October 2008, by section 17 of the Energy (Fuels, Levies, and References) Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 60).
Section 166(1) network utility operator paragraph (b): replaced, on 20 December 2001, by section 158 of the Telecommunications Act 2001 (2001 No 103).
Section 166(1) network utility operator paragraph (c): replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 83(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 166(1) network utility operator paragraph (g): replaced, on 5 April 2025, by section 486 of the Civil Aviation Act 2023 (2023 No 10).
Section 166(1) network utility operator paragraph (h): repealed, on 5 April 2025, by section 486 of the Civil Aviation Act 2023 (2023 No 10).
Section 166(1) network utility operator paragraph (ha): inserted, on 7 August 2020, by section 161 of the Infrastructure Funding and Financing Act 2020 (2020 No 47).
Section 166(1) network utility operator paragraph (hb): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 54 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 166(1) public work: inserted, on 7 August 2020, by section 161 of the Infrastructure Funding and Financing Act 2020 (2020 No 47).
Section 166(1) requiring authority paragraph (ba): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 172 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 166(1) responsible infrastructure authority: inserted, on 7 August 2020, by section 161 of the Infrastructure Funding and Financing Act 2020 (2020 No 47).
Section 166(1) responsible SPV: inserted, on 7 August 2020, by section 161 of the Infrastructure Funding and Financing Act 2020 (2020 No 47).
Section 166(1) SPV: inserted, on 7 August 2020, by section 161 of the Infrastructure Funding and Financing Act 2020 (2020 No 47).
Section 166(2): inserted, on 7 August 2020, by section 161 of the Infrastructure Funding and Financing Act 2020 (2020 No 47).
167 Application to become requiring authority
(1)
A network utility operator may apply to the Minister in the prescribed form for approval as a requiring authority.
(2)
The Minister may make such inquiry into the application and request such information as he or she considers necessary.
(3)
The Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, approve an applicant under subsection (1) as a requiring authority for the purposes of—
(a)
a particular project or work; or
(b)
a particular network utility operation—
on such terms and conditions (including provision of a bond) as are specified in the notice.
(4)
The Minister shall not issue a notice under subsection (3) unless he or she is satisfied that—
(a)
the approval of the applicant as a requiring authority is appropriate for the purposes of carrying on the project, work, or network utility operation; and
(b)
the applicant is likely to satisfactorily carry out all the responsibilities (including financial responsibilities) of a requiring authority under this Act and will give proper regard to the interests of those affected and to the interests of the environment.
(4A)
If the applicant is a network utility operator described in paragraph (ha) of the definition of that term in section 166(1), the applicant need not have financial responsibility for the construction work for the purpose of the Minister being satisfied of the matters in subsection (4)(b).
(5)
Where the Minister is satisfied that—
(a)
a requiring authority is unlikely to undertake or complete a project, work, or network utility operation for which approval as a requiring authority was given; or
(b)
a requiring authority is unlikely to satisfactorily carry out any responsibility as a requiring authority under this Act; or
(c)
a requiring authority is no longer a network utility operator—
the Minister shall, by notice in the Gazette, revoke the relevant approval given under subsection (3).
(6)
Upon the revocation of an approval under subsection (5), all functions, powers, and duties of the former requiring authority under this Act in relation to any designation, or any requirement for a designation, shall be deemed to be transferred to the Minister under section 180.
Section 167: replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 84 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 167(4A): inserted, on 7 August 2020, by section 161 of the Infrastructure Funding and Financing Act 2020 (2020 No 47).
168 Notice of requirement to territorial authority
(1)
A Minister of the Crown who, or a local authority which, has financial responsibility for a public work, may at any time give notice in the prescribed form to a territorial authority of its requirement for a designation—
(a)
for a public work; or
(b)
in respect of any land, water, subsoil, or airspace where a restriction is necessary for the safe or efficient functioning or operation of a public work.
(2)
A requiring authority for the purposes approved under section 167 may at any time give notice in the prescribed form to a territorial authority of its requirement for a designation—
(a)
for a project or work; or
(b)
in respect of any land, water, subsoil, or airspace where a restriction is reasonably necessary for the safe or efficient functioning or operation of such a project or work.
(3)
In addition, a local authority may at any time give notice in the prescribed form to a territorial authority of its requirement for a designation for a work that relates to the construction of eligible infrastructure for which the local authority is a responsible infrastructure authority.
(3)
[Repealed](3A)
A notice given under subsections (1) to (3) must include an assessment of any effects that the project or work will have on the environment.
(3B)
The assessment of the effects of the project or work on the environment must—
(a)
have particular regard to any relevant provisions of—
(i)
a national policy statement:
(ii)
a New Zealand coastal policy statement:
(iii)
a regional policy statement or proposed regional policy statement:
(iv)
a plan or proposed plan:
(b)
if the requiring authority does not have an interest in the land sufficient for undertaking the work,—
(i)
give adequate consideration to any alternative sites, routes, or methods of undertaking the work; and
(ii)
explain how the work and designation are reasonably necessary for achieving the objectives of the requiring authority for which the designation is sought:
(c)
if the requiring authority has an interest in the land sufficient for undertaking the work, and the work is likely to result in any significant adverse effect on the environment, describe possible alternative locations or methods for undertaking the activity.
(3C)
The information required to be provided in the assessment need only be at a level of detail that is proportionate to the nature and significance of any effects of the project or work.
(4)
A requiring authority may at any time withdraw a requirement by giving notice in writing to the territorial authority affected.
(5)
Upon receipt of notification under subsection (4), the territorial authority shall—
(a)
publicly notify the withdrawal; and
(b)
notify all persons upon whom the requirement has been served.
Section 168(1): amended, on 1 August 2003, by section 60(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 168(2): amended, on 1 August 2003, by section 60(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 168(2): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 85(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 168(2)(a): replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 85(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 168(3): inserted, on 7 August 2020, by section 161 of the Infrastructure Funding and Financing Act 2020 (2020 No 47).
Section 168(3): repealed, on 1 August 2003, by section 60(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 168(3A): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 55 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 168(3B): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 55 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 168(3C): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 55 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
168A Notice of requirement by territorial authority
(1)
This section applies if a territorial authority decides to issue a notice of requirement for a designation—
(a)
for a public work within its district and for which it has financial responsibility; or
(ab)
for work within its district that relates to the construction of eligible infrastructure for which the territorial authority is a responsible infrastructure authority; or
(b)
in respect of any land, water, subsoil, or airspace where a restriction is necessary for the safe or efficient functioning or operation of a public work.
(1A)
The territorial authority must decide whether to notify the notice of requirement under—
(a)
subsection (1AA); or
(b)
sections 149ZCB(1) to (4), 149ZCC(1) to (4), 149ZCE, and 149ZCF, which apply with all necessary modifications and as if—
(i)
a reference to an application or notice were a reference to the notice of requirement; and
(ii)
a reference to an applicant, the Minister, or the EPA were a reference to the territorial authority; and
(iii)
a reference to an activity were a reference to the designation.
(1AA)
Despite section 149ZCB(1), a territorial authority must publicly notify the notice if—
(a)
it has not already decided whether to give public or limited notification of the notice; and
(b)
either—
(i)
further information is requested from the territorial authority under section 92(1), but the territorial authority—
(A)
does not provide the information before the deadline concerned; or
(B)
refuses to provide the information; or
(ii)
the territorial authority is notified under section 92(2)(b) in relation to the commissioning of a report, but the territorial authority—
(A)
does not respond before the deadline concerned; or
(B)
refuses to agree to the commissioning of the report.
(1AB)
Subsection (1AA) applies despite any rule or national environmental standard that precludes public or limited notification of the notice of requirement.
(1AC)
However, a territorial authority must not publicly notify a notice of requirement under this section if—
(a)
the requirement is for 1 or more activities; and
(b)
each activity is the subject of an infrastructure design solution that precludes public notification.
(1B)
Section 168 applies to the notice of requirement with all necessary modifications.
(2)
Sections 96, 97, and 99 to 103 apply to the notice of requirement with all necessary modifications and as if—
(a)
a reference to a resource consent were a reference to the requirement; and
(b)
a reference to an applicant or a consent authority were a reference to the territorial authority; and
(c)
a reference to an application for a resource consent were a reference to the notice of requirement; and
(d)
a reference to an activity were a reference to the designation.
(2AA)
However, section 101(2) does not apply to the notice of requirement, and the date for the commencement of the hearing is as follows:
(a)
if the notice of requirement was not notified, the date must be within 25 working days after the date the notice of requirement was given by the territorial authority:
(b)
if the notice of requirement was notified and the territorial authority gives a direction under section 41B, the date must be within 40 working days after the closing date for submissions on the notice of requirement:
(c)
if the notice of requirement was notified and the territorial authority does not give a direction under section 41B, the date must be within 25 working days after the closing date for submissions on the notice of requirement.
(2A)
When considering a requirement and any submissions received, a territorial authority must not have regard to trade competition or the effects of trade competition.
(3)
When considering a requirement and any submissions received, a territorial authority must, subject to Part 2, consider the effects on the environment of allowing the requirement, having particular regard to—
(a)
any relevant provisions of—
(i)
a national policy statement:
(ii)
a New Zealand coastal policy statement:
(iii)
a regional policy statement or proposed regional policy statement:
(iiia)
an infrastructure design solution:
(iv)
a plan or proposed plan; and
(b)
if the requiring authority does not have an interest in the land sufficient for undertaking the work,—
(i)
whether adequate consideration has been given to any alternative sites, routes, or methods of undertaking the work; and
(ii)
whether the work and designation are reasonably necessary for achieving the objectives of the requiring authority for which the designation is sought; and
(c)
[Repealed](d)
any other matter the territorial authority considers reasonably necessary in order to make a decision on the requirement.
(3A)
The effects to be considered under subsection (3) may include any positive effects on the environment to offset or compensate for any adverse effects on the environment that will or may result from the activity enabled by the requirement, as long as those effects result from measures proposed or agreed to by the requiring authority.
(4)
The territorial authority may decide to—
(a)
confirm the requirement:
(b)
modify the requirement:
(c)
impose conditions:
(d)
withdraw the requirement.
(5)
Sections 173, 174, and 175 apply, with all necessary modifications, in respect of a decision made under subsection (4).
Section 168A: inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 86 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 168A(1): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 102 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 168A(1)(ab): inserted, on 7 August 2020, by section 161 of the Infrastructure Funding and Financing Act 2020 (2020 No 47).
Section 168A(1A): replaced, on 18 October 2017, by section 157(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 168A(1AA): inserted, on 18 October 2017, by section 157(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 168A(1AB): inserted, on 18 October 2017, by section 157(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 168A(1AC): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 93(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 168A(1B): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 102 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 168A(2): replaced, on 18 October 2017, by section 157(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 168A(2AA): inserted, on 3 March 2015, by section 110 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 168A(2A): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 102 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 168A(3): replaced, on 1 August 2003, by section 61(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 168A(3)(a)(iiia): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 93(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 168A(3)(b): replaced, on 21 August 2025, by section 56 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 168A(3)(c): repealed, on 21 August 2025, by section 56 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 168A(3A): inserted, on 18 October 2017, by section 157(3) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 168A(4): replaced, on 1 August 2003, by section 61(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 168A(5): inserted, on 1 August 2003, by section 61(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
169 Further information, notification, submissions, and hearing for notice of requirement to territorial authority
(1)
If a territorial authority is given notice of a requirement under section 168, the territorial authority must, within 10 working days, decide whether to notify the notice under—
(a)
subsection (1A); or
(b)
sections 149ZCB(1) to (4), 149ZCC(1) to (4), 149ZCE, and 149ZCF, which apply with all necessary modifications and as if—
(i)
a reference to an application or notice were a reference to the notice of requirement; and
(ii)
a reference to an applicant were a reference to the requiring authority; and
(iii)
a reference to the Minister or the EPA were a reference to the territorial authority; and
(iv)
a reference to an activity were a reference to the designation.
(1A)
Despite section 149ZCB(1), a territorial authority must publicly notify the notice if—
(a)
it has not already decided whether to give public or limited notification of the notice; and
(b)
either—
(i)
the territorial authority requests further information from the requiring authority under section 92(1), but the requiring authority—
(A)
does not provide the information before the deadline concerned; or
(B)
refuses to provide the information; or
(ii)
the territorial authority notifies the requiring authority under section 92(2)(b) that it wants to commission a report, but the requiring authority—
(A)
does not respond before the deadline concerned; or
(B)
refuses to agree to the commissioning of the report.
(1B)
Subsection (1A) applies despite any rule or national environmental standard that precludes public or limited notification of the notice of requirement.
(1C)
However, a territorial authority must not publicly notify a notice of requirement under this section if—
(a)
the requirement is for 1 or more activities; and
(b)
each activity is the subject of an infrastructure design solution that precludes public notification.
(2)
Unless the territorial authority applies section 170, sections 92 to 92B and 96 to 103 apply to the notice of requirement with all necessary modifications and as if—
(a)
a reference to a resource consent were a reference to the requirement; and
(b)
a reference to an applicant were a reference to the requiring authority; and
(c)
a reference to an application for a resource consent were a reference to the notice of requirement; and
(d)
a reference to a consent authority were a reference to the territorial authority; and
(e)
a reference to an activity were a reference to the designation; and
(f)
a reference to a decision on the application for a resource consent were a reference to a recommendation by the territorial authority under section 171.
(3)
However, section 101(2) does not apply to the notice of requirement, and the date for the commencement of the hearing is as follows:
(a)
if the notice of requirement was not notified, the date must be within 25 working days after the date the notice of requirement was given to the territorial authority:
(b)
if the notice of requirement was notified and the territorial authority gives a direction under section 41B, the date must be within 40 working days after the closing date for submissions on the notice of requirement:
(c)
if the notice of requirement was notified and the territorial authority does not give a direction under section 41B, the date must be within 25 working days after the closing date for submissions on the notice of requirement.
Section 169: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 103 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 169(1): replaced, on 18 October 2017, by section 158(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 169(1A): inserted, on 18 October 2017, by section 158(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 169(1B): inserted, on 18 October 2017, by section 158(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 169(1C): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 94 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 169(2): replaced, on 18 October 2017, by section 158(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 169(3): inserted, on 3 March 2015, by section 111(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
170 Discretion to include requirement in proposed plan
(1)
If a territorial authority is given notice of a requirement under section 168, and proposes to notify a proposed plan under clause 5 of Schedule 1 within 40 working days of receipt of that requirement, the territorial authority may, with the consent of the requiring authority, include the requirement in its proposed plan instead of complying with section 169.
(2)
To obtain consent for the purposes of subsection (1) or (8), the territorial authority must—
(a)
notify the requiring authority as to which planning process it intends to use under Schedule 1; and
(b)
seek the consent of the requiring authority to use that planning process for considering the requirement.
(c)
[Repealed]Where proposal is to use collaborative planning process[Repealed]
(3)
[Repealed](4)
[Repealed](5)
[Repealed](6)
[Repealed]Where proposal is to use streamlined planning process
(7)
Subsection (8) applies if a territorial authority—
(a)
receives a notice of requirement under section 168; and
(b)
within 40 working days of receiving that notice of requirement, proposes to apply to the responsible Minister under section 80C for a direction to use a streamlined planning process.
(8)
If this subsection applies, the territorial authority may, if the requiring authority consents, include in its application to the responsible Minister the requirement as well as the matters that will be the subject of the proposed planning instrument, instead of complying with section 169.
Section 170(1): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 97(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 170(2): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 97(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 170(2): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 57(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 170(2)(b): replaced, on 1 July 2020, by section 57(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 170(2)(c): repealed, on 1 July 2020, by section 57(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 170(3) heading: repealed, on 1 July 2020, by section 57(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 170(3): repealed, on 1 July 2020, by section 57(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 170(4): repealed, on 1 July 2020, by section 57(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 170(5): repealed, on 1 July 2020, by section 57(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 170(6): repealed, on 1 July 2020, by section 57(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 170(7): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 97(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 170(8): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 97(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
171 Recommendation by territorial authority
(1A)
When considering a requirement and any submissions received, a territorial authority must not have regard to trade competition or the effects of trade competition.
(1)
When considering a requirement and any submissions received, a territorial authority must, subject to Part 2, consider the effects on the environment of allowing the requirement, having particular regard to—
(a)
any relevant provisions of—
(i)
a national policy statement:
(ii)
a New Zealand coastal policy statement:
(iii)
a regional policy statement or proposed regional policy statement:
(iiia)
an infrastructure design solution:
(iv)
a plan or proposed plan; and
(b)
if the requiring authority does not have an interest in the land sufficient for undertaking the work,—
(i)
whether adequate consideration has been given to any alternative sites, routes, or methods of undertaking the work; and
(ii)
whether the work and designation are reasonably necessary for achieving the objectives of the requiring authority for which the designation is sought; and
(c)
[Repealed](d)
any other matter the territorial authority considers reasonably necessary in order to make a recommendation on the requirement.
(1B)
The effects to be considered under subsection (1) may include any positive effects on the environment to offset or compensate for any adverse effects on the environment that will or may result from the activity enabled by the designation, as long as those effects result from measures proposed or agreed to by the requiring authority.
(2)
The territorial authority may recommend to the requiring authority that it—
(a)
confirm the requirement:
(b)
modify the requirement:
(c)
impose conditions:
(d)
withdraw the requirement.
(2AAA)
Despite subsection (2), if a notice of requirement relates to a wastewater network or a stormwater network (as those terms are defined in section 5 of the Water Services Act 2021), and an infrastructure design solution applies and is being relied upon, the territorial authority—
(a)
must not recommend any conditions that are contrary to the requirements of the relevant infrastructure design solution; and
(b)
must recommend that conditions are imposed on the designation that are no more or less restrictive than is necessary to comply with the infrastructure design solution.
(2A)
However, if the requiring authority is the Minister of Education or the Minister of Defence, the territorial authority may not recommend imposing a condition requiring a financial contribution (as defined in section 108(9)).
(3)
The territorial authority must give reasons for its recommendation under subsection (2).
Section 171: replaced, on 1 August 2003, by section 63 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 171(1)(a)(iiia): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 95(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 171(1)(b): replaced, on 21 August 2025, by section 57 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 171(1)(c): repealed, on 21 August 2025, by section 57 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 171(1A): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 104 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 171(1B): inserted, on 18 October 2017, by section 159 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 171(2AAA): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 95(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 171(2A): inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 58 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
172 Decision of requiring authority
(1)
Within 30 working days of the day on which it receives a territorial authority’s recommendation under section 171, a requiring authority shall advise the territorial authority whether the requiring authority accepts or rejects the recommendation in whole or in part.
(2)
A requiring authority may modify a requirement if, and only if, that modification is recommended by the territorial authority or is not inconsistent with the requirement as notified.
(3)
Where a requiring authority rejects the recommendation in whole or in part, or modifies the requirement, the authority shall give reasons for its decision.
173 Notification of decision on designation
(1)
A territorial authority must ensure that, within 15 working days after a decision is made by a requiring authority under section 172, a notice of decision and a statement of the time within which an appeal against the decision may be lodged is served on—
(a)
persons who made a submission; and
(b)
land owners and occupiers directly affected by the decision.
(2)
If the territorial authority gives a notice summarising a decision, it must—
(a)
make a copy of the decision available (whether physically or by electronic means) at all its offices and all public libraries in the district; and
(b)
include with the notice a statement of the places where a copy of the decision is available; and
(c)
send or provide, on request, a copy of the decision within 3 working days after the request is received.
Section 173: replaced, on 1 August 2003, by section 64 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
174 Appeals
(1)
Any 1 or more of the following persons may appeal to the Environment Court in accordance with this section against the whole or any part of a decision of a requiring authority under section 172:
(a)
the territorial authority concerned:
(b)
any person who made a submission on the requirement.
(2)
Notice of an appeal under this section shall—
(a)
state the reasons for the appeal and the relief sought; and
(b)
state any matters required to be stated by regulations; and
(c)
be lodged with the Environment Court and be served on the requiring authority whose decision is appealed against, within 15 working days of the date on which notice of the decision is given in accordance with section 173.
(3)
The appellant shall ensure that a copy of the notice of appeal is served on every person referred to in subsection (1) (other than the appellant), within 5 working days after the notice is lodged with the court.
(4)
In determining an appeal, the Environment Court must have regard to the matters set out in section 171(1) and comply with section 171(1A) and (2AAA) as if it were a territorial authority, and may—
(a)
cancel a requirement; or
(b)
confirm a requirement; or
(c)
confirm a requirement, but modify it or impose conditions on it as the court thinks fit.
(5)
However, if the requiring authority is the Minister of Education or the Minister of Defence, the court may not impose a condition under subsection (4)(c) requiring a financial contribution (as defined in section 108(9)).
Section 174(1): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 174(2)(c): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 174(3): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 174(4): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 105 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 174(4): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 96 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 174(5): inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 59 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
175 Designation to be provided for in district plan
(1)
Subsection (2) applies to a territorial authority if—
(a)
a requiring authority makes a decision under section 172 and one of the following applies:
(i)
no appeal is lodged against the requiring authority’s decision within the time permitted by section 174(2)(c); or
(ii)
an appeal is lodged against the requiring authority’s decision under section 174 but is withdrawn or dismissed; or
(iii)
an appeal is lodged against the requiring authority’s decision and the Environment Court confirms or modifies the requirement; or
(b)
a board of inquiry decides to confirm a requirement with or without modifications under section 149R; or
(c)
the Environment Court decides to confirm a requirement with or without modifications under section 149U, 198E, or 198K.
(2)
The territorial authority must, as soon as practicable and without using Schedule 1,—
(a)
include the designation in its district plan and any proposed district plan as if it were a rule in accordance with the requirement as issued or modified in accordance with this Act; and
(b)
state in its district plan and in any proposed district plan the name of the requiring authority that has the benefit of the designation.
Section 175: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 106 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
176 Effect of designation
(1)
If a designation is included in a district plan, then—
(a)
section 9(3) does not apply to a public work or project or work undertaken by a requiring authority under the designation; and
(b)
no person may, without the prior written consent of that requiring authority, do anything in relation to the land that is subject to the designation that would prevent or hinder a public work or project or work to which the designation relates, including—
(i)
undertaking any use of the land; and
(ii)
subdividing the land; and
(iii)
changing the character, intensity, or scale of the use of the land.
(2)
The provisions of a district plan or proposed district plan shall apply in relation to any land that is subject to a designation only to the extent that the land is used for a purpose other than the designated purpose.
(3)
This section is subject to section 177.
Section 176(1): replaced, on 1 August 2003, by section 65 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 176(1)(a): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 107(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 176(1)(b)(i): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 107(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 176(2): amended, on 17 December 1997, by section 37(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 176(2): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 90(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
176A Outline plan
(1)
Subject to subsection (2), an outline plan of the public work, project, or work to be constructed on designated land must be submitted by the requiring authority to the territorial authority to allow the territorial authority to request changes before construction is commenced.
(2)
An outline plan need not be submitted to the territorial authority if—
(a)
the proposed public work, project, or work has been otherwise approved under this Act; or
(b)
the details of the proposed public work, project, or work, as referred to in subsection (3), are incorporated into the designation; or
(c)
the territorial authority waives the requirement for an outline plan.
(3)
An outline plan must show—
(a)
the height, shape, and bulk of the public work, project, or work; and
(b)
the location on the site of the public work, project, or work; and
(c)
the likely finished contour of the site; and
(d)
the vehicular access, circulation, and the provision for parking; and
(e)
the landscaping proposed; and
(f)
any other matters to avoid, remedy, or mitigate any adverse effects on the environment.
(4)
Within 20 working days after receiving the outline plan, the territorial authority—
(a)
may request the requiring authority to make changes to the outline plan; but
(b)
must not request a change that is inconsistent with an infrastructure design solution that the public work, project, or work relies on.
(5)
If the requiring authority decides not to make the changes requested under subsection (4), the territorial authority may, within 15 working days after being notified of the requiring authority’s decision, appeal against the decision to the Environment Court.
(6)
In determining any such appeal, the Environment Court must consider whether the changes requested by the territorial authority—
(a)
will give effect to the purpose of this Act; and
(b)
will give effect to any infrastructure design solution that the public work, project, or work relies on.
(7)
This section applies, with all necessary modifications, to public works, projects, or works to be constructed on designated land by a territorial authority.
Section 176A: inserted, on 17 December 1997, by section 38 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 176A(4): replaced, on 27 August 2025, by section 97(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 176A(6): replaced, on 27 August 2025, by section 97(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
177 Land subject to existing designation or heritage order
(1)
Subject to sections 9(2) and 11 to 15, where a designation is included in a district plan, and the land that is the subject of the designation is already the subject of an earlier designation or heritage order,—
(a)
the requiring authority responsible for the later designation may do anything that is in accordance with that designation only if that authority has first obtained the written consent of the authority responsible for the earlier designation or order; and
(b)
the authority responsible for the earlier designation or order may, notwithstanding section 176(1)(b) and without obtaining the prior written consent of the later requiring authority, do anything that is in accordance with the earlier designation or order.
(2)
The authority responsible for the earlier designation or order may withhold its consent under subsection (1) only if that authority is satisfied—
(a)
that, in the case of an earlier designation, the thing to be done would prevent or hinder the public work or project or work to which the designation relates; or
(b)
that in the case of an earlier heritage order, the thing to be done would wholly or partly nullify the effect of the order.
Section 177(1): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 108 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 177(1): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 91(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 177(1): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 91(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 177(1)(a): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 91(c) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 177(1)(b): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 91(c) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
178 Interim effect of requirements for designations
(1)
This section applies when—
(a)
a requiring authority gives notice of a requirement for a designation to the EPA under section 145:
(b)
a requiring authority gives notice of a requirement for a designation to a territorial authority under section 168:
(c)
a territorial authority decides to issue a notice of requirement for a designation within its own district under section 168A:
(d)
a requiring authority gives notice of a requirement for a modified designation under clause 4 of Schedule 1:
(e)
a territorial authority decides to include a requirement for a designation in its proposed district plan under clause 4 of Schedule 1.
(2)
In the period that starts as described in subsection (3) and ends as described in subsection (4), no person may do anything that would prevent or hinder the public work, project, or work to which the designation relates unless the person has the prior written consent of the requiring authority.
(3)
The period starts,—
(a)
for the purposes of subsection (1)(a), on the day on which the requiring authority gives notice under section 145:
(b)
for the purposes of subsection (1)(b), on the day on which the requiring authority gives notice of the requirement under section 168:
(c)
for the purposes of subsection (1)(c), on the day on which the territorial authority decides whether to notify the notice of requirement under section 168A:
(d)
for the purposes of subsection (1)(d), on the day on which the requiring authority gives notice of the requirement for the modified designation under clause 4 of Schedule 1:
(e)
for the purposes of subsection (1)(e), on the day on which the territorial authority decides to include a requirement for a designation in its proposed district plan under clause 4 of Schedule 1.
(4)
The period ends on the earliest of the following days:
(a)
the day on which the requirement is withdrawn:
(b)
the day on which the requirement is cancelled:
(c)
the day on which the designation is included in the district plan.
(5)
A person who contravenes subsection (2) does not commit an offence against this Act unless the person knew, or could reasonably be expected to have known, of the existence of the requirement.
(6)
This section does not prevent an authority responsible for an earlier designation or heritage order from doing anything that is in accordance with the earlier designation or order.
Section 178: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 109 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
179 Appeals relating to sections 176 to 178
(1)
Any person who has been refused consent by a requiring authority under section 176(1)(b), 177(2), or 178(2), or who has been granted such consent subject to conditions, may appeal to the Environment Court against the refusal or the conditions.
(2)
Notice of an appeal under this section shall—
(a)
state the reasons for the appeal and the relief sought; and
(b)
state any matters required to be stated by regulations; and
(c)
be lodged with the Environment Court and served on the requiring authority whose decision is appealed against within 15 working days of receiving the requiring authority’s decision under section 176(1)(b), 177(2), or 178(2).
(3)
In considering an appeal under this section, the court shall have regard to—
(a)
whether the decision appealed against has caused or is likely to cause serious hardship to the appellant; and
(b)
whether the decision appealed against would render the land which is subject to the designation or requirement incapable of reasonable use; and
(c)
the extent to which the decision may be modified without wholly or partly nullifying the effect of the requirement or designation—
and may confirm or reverse the decision appealed against or modify the decision in such manner as the court thinks fit.
Section 179(1): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 110(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 179(1): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 179(2)(c): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 110(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 179(2)(c): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 179(3): replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 93 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 179(3): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
180 Transfer of rights and responsibilities for designations
(1)
Where the financial responsibility for a project or work or network utility operation is transferred from one requiring authority to another, responsibility for any relevant designation shall also be transferred.
(2)
The requiring authority which transfers responsibility for the designation shall advise the Minister for the Environment and the relevant territorial authority, and, for the purposes of section 175(2)(b), the transfer shall, without using the process in Schedule 1, be noted in the district plan.
Section 180: replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 94 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 180(2): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 111 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 180(2): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
180A When financial responsibility is transferred to responsible SPV
(1)
This section applies if—
(a)
a local authority or territorial authority holds a designation for work that relates to the construction of eligible infrastructure within the meaning of paragraph (b) of the definition of relates to the construction of eligible infrastructure in section 166(2); and
(b)
a responsible SPV has taken over, or proposes to take over, the construction; and
(c)
a designation continues to be required for the construction; and
(d)
the responsible SPV is not a requiring authority; and
(e)
the authority is the responsible infrastructure authority in relation to the construction.
(2)
The designation continues to apply to the construction work.
(3)
The responsible infrastructure authority may, by written notice, delegate to the responsible SPV those functions, duties, and powers in relation to the designation that relate to the construction of eligible infrastructure.
(4)
The responsible SPV must perform those delegated functions and duties and exercise those delegated powers in accordance with any conditions attached to the designation.
(5)
A delegation does not affect the performance or exercise of any function, duty, or power by the responsible infrastructure authority.
Section 180A: inserted, on 7 August 2020, by section 161 of the Infrastructure Funding and Financing Act 2020 (2020 No 47).
181 Alteration of designation
(1)
A requiring authority that is responsible for a designation may at any time give notice to the territorial authority of its requirement to alter the designation.
(2)
Subject to subsection (3), sections 168 to 179 and 198AA to 198AD shall, with all necessary modifications, apply to a requirement referred to in subsection (1) as if it were a requirement for a new designation.
(3)
A territorial authority may at any time alter a designation in its district plan or a requirement in its proposed district plan if—
(a)
the alteration—
(i)
involves no more than a minor change to the effects on the environment associated with the use or proposed use of land or any water concerned; or
(ii)
involves only minor changes or adjustments to the boundaries of the designation or requirement; and
(b)
written notice of the proposed alteration has been given to every owner or occupier of the land directly affected and those owners or occupiers agree with the alteration; and
(c)
both the territorial authority and the requiring authority agree with the alteration—
and sections 168 to 179 and 198AA to 198AD shall not apply to any such alteration.
(4)
This section shall apply, with all necessary modifications, to a requirement by a territorial authority to alter its own designation or requirement within its own district.
Section 181(2): amended, on 3 March 2015, by section 112 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 181(3): amended, on 3 March 2015, by section 112 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 181(3): amended, on 1 August 2003, by section 66(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 181(3): amended, on 1 August 2003, by section 66(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 181(3)(a)(ii): amended, on 1 August 2003, by section 66(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 181(4): inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 95 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 181(4): amended, on 1 August 2003, by section 66(4) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
182 Removal of designation
(1)
If a requiring authority no longer wants a designation or part of a designation, it shall give notice in the prescribed form to—
(a)
the territorial authority concerned; and
(b)
every person who is known by the requiring authority to be the owner or occupier of any land to which the designation relates; and
(c)
every other person who, in the opinion of the requiring authority, is likely to be affected by the designation.
(2)
As soon as reasonably practicable after receiving a notice under subsection (1), the territorial authority shall, without using the process in Schedule 1, amend its district plan accordingly.
(3)
The provisions of Schedule 1 shall not apply to any removal of a designation or part of a designation under this section.
(4)
This section shall apply, with all necessary modifications, to a notice by a territorial authority to withdraw its own designation or part of a designation within its own district.
(5)
Notwithstanding subsections (2) to (4), where a territorial authority considers the effect of the removal of part of a designation on the remaining designation is more than minor, it may, within 20 working days of receipt of the notice under subsection (1), decline to remove that part of the designation.
(6)
A requiring authority may object, under section 357, to any decision to decline removal of part of a designation under subsection (5).
Section 182: replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 96 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 182(2): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
183 Review of designation which has not lapsed
[Repealed]Section 183: repealed, on 7 July 1993, by section 97 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
184 Lapsing of designations which have not been given effect to
(1)
A designation lapses on the expiry of 10 years after the date on which it is included in the district plan unless—
(a)
it is given effect to before the end of that period; or
(b)
the territorial authority determines, on an application made within 3 months before the expiry of that period, that substantial progress or effort has been made towards giving effect to the designation and is continuing to be made and fixes a longer period for the purposes of this subsection; or
(c)
the designation specified a different period when incorporated in the plan.
(2)
Where paragraph (b) or paragraph (c) of subsection (1) applies in respect of a designation, the designation shall lapse on the expiry of the period referred to in that paragraph unless—
(a)
it is given effect to before the end of that period; or
(b)
the territorial authority determines, on an application made within 3 months before the expiry of that period, that substantial progress or effort has been made towards giving effect to the designation and is continuing to be made and fixes a longer period for the purposes of this subsection.
(3)
A requiring authority may object, under section 357, to a decision not to fix a longer period for the purposes of subsection (1).
Section 184(1): amended, on 21 August 2025, by section 58 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 184(1): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 98 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 184(3): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 90 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
184A Lapsing of designations of territorial authority in its own district
(1)
Section 184 shall not apply to a designation of a territorial authority in its own district.
(2)
A designation of a territorial authority in its own district lapses on the expiry of 10 years after the date on which it is included in the district plan unless—
(a)
it is given effect to before the end of that period; or
(b)
within 3 months before the expiry of that period, the territorial authority resolves that it has made, and is continuing to make, substantial progress or effort towards giving effect to the designation and fixes a longer period for the purposes of this subsection; or
(c)
the designation specified a different period when incorporated in the plan.
(3)
Where paragraph (b) or paragraph (c) of subsection (2) applies in respect of a designation, the designation shall lapse on the expiry of the period referred to in whichever of those paragraphs is applicable, unless—
(a)
it is given effect to before the end of that period; or
(b)
within 3 months before the expiry of that period, the territorial authority resolves that it has made, and is continuing to make, substantial progress or effort towards giving effect to the designation and fixes a longer period for the purpose of this subsection.
Section 184A: inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 99 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 184A(2): amended, on 21 August 2025, by section 59 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
185 Environment Court may order taking of land
(1)
An owner of an estate or interest in land (including a leasehold estate or interest) that is subject to a designation or requirement under this Part may apply at any time to the Environment Court for an order obliging the requiring authority responsible for the designation or requirement to acquire or lease all or part of the owner’s estate or interest in the land under the Public Works Act 1981.
(2)
An application under subsection (1) shall be in the prescribed form and a copy of the application shall be served upon the requiring authority and the relevant territorial authority by the applicant.
(3)
The Environment Court may make an order applied for under subsection (1) if it is satisfied that—
(a)
the owner has tried but been unable to enter into an agreement for the sale of the estate or interest in the land subject to the designation or requirement at a price not less than the market value that the land would have had if it had not been subject to the designation or requirement; and
(b)
either—
(i)
the designation or requirement prevents reasonable use of the owner’s estate or interest in the land; or
(ii)
the applicant was the owner, or the spouse, civil union partner, or de facto partner of the owner, of the estate or interest in the land when the designation or requirement was created.
(4)
Before making an order under subsection (1) the court may direct the owner to take further action to try to sell the estate or interest in the land.
(5)
If the Environment Court makes an order to take an estate or interest in land under the Public Works Act 1981, the owner of that estate or interest shall be deemed to have entered into an agreement with the requiring authority responsible for the designation or requirement for the purposes of section 17 of the Public Works Act 1981.
(6)
Where subsection (5) applies in respect of a requiring authority which is a network utility operator approved under section 167—
(a)
any agreement shall be deemed to have been entered into with the Minister of Lands on behalf of the network utility operator as if the land were required for a government work; and
(b)
all costs and expenses incurred by the Minister of Lands in respect of the acquisition of the land shall be recoverable from the network utility operator as a debt due to the Crown.
(7)
The amount of compensation payable for an estate or interest in land ordered to be taken under this section shall be assessed as if the designation or requirement had not been created.
(8)
Subsection (9) applies if the designation or requirement to which the order relates is for a critical infrastructure project—
(a)
within the meaning of section 2 of the Public Works Act 1981; and
(b)
in relation to which the requiring authority may use Part 2A of that Act to acquire the owner’s land.
(9)
The owner must be paid compensation in recognition of the land being acquired for a critical infrastructure project and, for that purpose, must be treated as if they were an owner of land entitled to the compensation specified in section 39AAK(2)(b) of that Act unless the exclusion in section 39AAL(1) applies.
Section 185 heading: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 185(1): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 185(3): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 185(3)(b)(ii): amended, on 26 April 2005, by section 7 of the Relationships (Statutory References) Act 2005 (2005 No 3).
Section 185(4): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 185(5): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 185(8): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 11 of the Public Works (Critical Infrastructure) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 46).
Section 185(9): inserted, on 27 August 2025, by section 11 of the Public Works (Critical Infrastructure) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 46).
186 Compulsory acquisition powers
(1)
A network utility operator that is a requiring authority may apply to the Minister for Land Information to have land required—
(a)
for a project or work that is a critical infrastructure project within the meaning of section 39AAB of the Public Works Act 1981 acquired or taken under Part 2A of that Act, and, if the Minister for Land Information agrees, that land may be taken or acquired:
(2)
The effect of any Proclamation taking land for the purposes of subsection (1) shall be to vest the land in the network utility operator instead of the Crown.
(3)
Land which is subject to a heritage order shall not be taken without the consent of the heritage protection authority.
(4)
Any land held under any enactment or in any other manner by the Crown or a local authority may, with the consent of the Crown or that authority and on such terms and conditions (including price) as may be agreed, be set apart for a project or work of a network utility operator in the manner provided in sections 50 and 52 of the Public Works Act 1981 (with the necessary modifications), but the setting apart shall not be subject to sections 40 and 41 of that Act. Any land so set apart shall vest in the network utility operator.
(5)
Any claim for compensation under the Public Works Act 1981 in respect of land acquired or taken in accordance with this section shall be made against the Minister for Land Information.
(6)
All costs and expenses incurred by the Minister for Land Information in respect of the acquisition or taking of land in accordance with this section (including any compensation payable by the Minister) shall be recoverable from the network utility operator as a debt due to the Crown.
(7)
Sections 40 and 41 of the Public Works Act 1981 shall apply to land acquired or taken in accordance with this section as if the network utility operator concerned were the Crown.
(7A)
This section does not apply if—
(a)
the network utility operator is a responsible SPV; and
(b)
the land is protected Māori land.
(8)
For the purposes of this section, an interest in land, including a leasehold interest, may be acquired or taken as if references to land were references to an interest in land.
Section 186(1): replaced, on 27 August 2025, by section 12(1) of the Public Works (Critical Infrastructure) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 46).
Section 186(5): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 12(2) of the Public Works (Critical Infrastructure) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 46).
Section 186(6): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 12(3) of the Public Works (Critical Infrastructure) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 46).
Section 186(7A): inserted, on 7 August 2020, by section 161 of the Infrastructure Funding and Financing Act 2020 (2020 No 47).
Heritage orders
187 Meaning of heritage order and heritage protection authority
In this Act—
heritage order means a provision made in a district plan to give effect to a requirement made by a heritage protection authority under section 189 or section 189A
heritage protection authority means—
(a)
any Minister of the Crown including—
(i)
the Minister of Conservation acting either on his or her own motion or on the recommendation of the New Zealand Conservation Authority, a local conservation board, the New Zealand Fish and Game Council, or a Fish and Game Council; and
(ii)
the Minister for Māori Development acting either on his or her own motion or on the recommendation of an iwi authority:
(b)
a local authority acting either on its own motion or on the recommendation of an iwi authority:
(c)
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, in so far as it carries out its functions under section 13(1)(i) of the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014:
(d)
a body corporate that is approved as a heritage protection authority under section 188.
Section 187 heritage order: amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 100(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 187 heritage protection authority paragraph (a)(ii): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 60 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 187 heritage protection authority paragraph (c): replaced, on 20 May 2014, by section 107 of the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014 (2014 No 26).
Section 187 heritage protection authority paragraph (d): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 100(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
188 Application to become heritage protection authority
(1)
Any body corporate having an interest in the protection of any place may apply to the Minister in the prescribed form for approval as a heritage protection authority for the purpose of protecting that place.
(2)
For the purpose of this section, and sections 189 and 191, place includes any feature or area, and the whole or part of any structure.
(3)
The Minister may make such inquiry into the application and request such information as he or she considers necessary.
(4)
The Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, approve an applicant under subsection (1) as a heritage protection authority for the purpose of protecting the place and on such terms and conditions (including provision of a bond) as are specified in the notice.
(5)
The Minister shall not issue a notice under subsection (4) unless he or she is satisfied that—
(a)
the approval of the applicant as a heritage protection authority is appropriate for the protection of the place that is the subject of the application; and
(b)
the applicant is likely to satisfactorily carry out all the responsibilities (including financial responsibilities) of a heritage protection authority under this Act.
(6)
Where the Minister is satisfied that—
(a)
a heritage protection authority is unlikely to continue to satisfactorily protect the place for which approval as a heritage protection authority was given; or
(b)
a heritage protection authority is unlikely to satisfactorily carry out any responsibility as a heritage protection authority under this Act,—
the Minister shall, by notice in the Gazette, revoke an approval given under subsection (4).
(7)
Upon—
(a)
the revocation of the approval of a body corporate under subsection (6); or
(b)
the dissolution of any body corporate approved as a heritage protection authority under subsection (4)—
all functions, powers, and duties of the body corporate under this Act in relation to any heritage order, or requirement for a heritage order, shall be deemed to be transferred to the Minister under section 192.
(8)
[Repealed]Section 188 heading: amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 101 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 188(3): replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 101 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 188(4): replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 101 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 188(5): replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 101 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 188(6): replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 101 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 188(7): replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 101 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 188(8): repealed, on 7 July 1993, by section 101 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
189 Notice of requirement to territorial authority
(1)
A heritage protection authority may give notice in the prescribed form to a territorial authority of its requirement for a heritage order for the purpose of protecting—
(a)
any place of special interest, character, intrinsic or amenity value or visual appeal, or of special significance to the tangata whenua for spiritual, cultural, or historical reasons; and
(b)
such area of land (if any) surrounding that place as is reasonably necessary for the purpose of ensuring the protection and reasonable enjoyment of that place.
(1A)
However, a heritage protection authority that is a body corporate approved under section 188 must not give notice of a requirement for a heritage order in respect of any place or area of land that is private land.
(2)
For the purposes of this section, a place may be of special interest by having special cultural, architectural, historical, scientific, ecological, or other interest.
(3)
[Repealed](4)
A heritage protection authority may withdraw a requirement under this section by giving notice in writing to the territorial authority affected.
(5)
Upon receipt of notification under subsection (4), the territorial authority shall—
(a)
publicly notify the withdrawal; and
(b)
notify all persons upon whom the requirement has been served.
(6)
In this section,—
Crown includes—
(a)
the Sovereign in right of New Zealand; and
(b)
departments of State; and
(c)
State enterprises named in Schedule 1 of the State-Owned Enterprises Act 1986; and
(d)
Crown entities within the meaning of section 7 of the Crown Entities Act 2004; and
(e)
the mixed ownership model companies named in Schedule 5 of the Public Finance Act 1989; and
(f)
local authorities within the meaning of the Local Government Act 2002
private land—
(a)
means any land held in fee simple by any person other than the Crown; and
(b)
includes—
(i)
Maori land within the meaning of section 4 of Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993; and
(ii)
land held by a person under a lease or licence granted to the person by the Crown.
Section 189(1): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 189(1A): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 98(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 189(3): repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 189(6): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 98(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
189A Notice of requirement for heritage order by territorial authority
(1)
This section applies if a territorial authority decides to issue a notice of requirement for a heritage order within its own district for the purposes described in section 189(1) and (2).
(2)
The territorial authority must decide whether to notify the notice of requirement under—
(a)
subsection (2A); or
(b)
sections 149ZCB(1) to (4), 149ZCC(1) to (4), 149ZCE, and 149ZCF, which apply with all necessary modifications and as if—
(i)
a reference to an application or notice were a reference to the notice of requirement; and
(ii)
a reference to an applicant, the Minister, or the EPA were a reference to the territorial authority; and
(iii)
a reference to an activity were a reference to the heritage order.
(2A)
Despite section 149ZCB(1), a territorial authority must publicly notify the notice if—
(a)
it has not already decided whether to give public or limited notification of the notice; and
(b)
either—
(i)
further information is requested from the territorial authority under section 92(1), but the territorial authority—
(A)
does not provide the information before the deadline concerned; or
(B)
refuses to provide the information; or
(ii)
the territorial authority is notified under section 92(2)(b) in relation to the commissioning of a report, but the territorial authority—
(A)
does not respond before the deadline concerned; or
(B)
refuses to agree to the commissioning of the report.
(2B)
Subsection (2A) applies despite any rule or national environmental standard that precludes public or limited notification of the notice of requirement.
(3)
Section 189 applies to the notice of requirement with all necessary modifications.
(4)
If the requirement is publicly notified, any person may make a submission about it to the territorial authority.
(5)
If the requirement is the subject of limited notification, a person notified may make a submission about it to the territorial authority.
(6)
A submission must be in the prescribed form.
(7)
A submission must be served on the territorial authority within the time allowed by section 97, which applies with all necessary modifications.
(8)
A submission may state whether—
(a)
it supports the requirement; or
(b)
it opposes the requirement; or
(c)
it is neutral.
(9)
Sections 99 to 103 apply to the notice of requirement with all necessary modifications and as if—
(a)
a reference to a resource consent were a reference to the requirement; and
(b)
a reference to an applicant or a consent authority were a reference to the territorial authority; and
(c)
a reference to an application for a resource consent were a reference to the notice of requirement; and
(d)
a reference to an activity were a reference to the heritage order.
(9A)
However, section 101(2) does not apply to the notice of requirement, and the date for the commencement of the hearing is as follows:
(a)
if the notice of requirement was not notified, the date must be within 25 working days after the date the notice of requirement was given by the territorial authority:
(b)
if the notice of requirement was notified and the territorial authority gives a direction under section 41B, the date must be within 40 working days after the closing date for submissions on the notice of requirement:
(c)
if the notice of requirement was notified and the territorial authority does not give a direction under section 41B, the date must be within 25 working days after the closing date for submissions on the notice of requirement.
(10)
In considering the requirement, the territorial authority must have regard to—
(a)
the matters set out in section 191; and
(b)
all submissions.
(11)
The territorial authority may—
(a)
confirm the requirement, with or without conditions; or
(b)
modify the requirement, with or without conditions; or
(c)
withdraw the requirement.
Section 189A: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 112 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 189A(2): replaced, on 18 October 2017, by section 160(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 189A(2A): inserted, on 18 October 2017, by section 160(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 189A(2B): inserted, on 18 October 2017, by section 160(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 189A(9): replaced, on 18 October 2017, by section 160(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 189A(9A): inserted, on 3 March 2015, by section 113 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
190 Further information, notification, submissions, and hearing for notice of requirement to territorial authority
(1)
If a territorial authority is given a notice of requirement under section 189, the territorial authority must decide whether to notify the notice under—
(a)
subsection (1A); or
(b)
sections 149ZCB(1) to (4), 149ZCC(1) to (4), 149ZCE, and 149ZCF, which apply with all necessary modifications and as if—
(i)
a reference to an application or notice were a reference to the notice of requirement; and
(ii)
a reference to an applicant were a reference to the heritage protection authority; and
(iii)
a reference to the Minister or the EPA were a reference to the territorial authority; and
(iv)
a reference to an activity were a reference to the heritage order.
(1A)
Despite section 149ZCB(1), a territorial authority must publicly notify the notice if—
(a)
it has not already decided whether to give public or limited notification of the notice; and
(b)
either—
(i)
the territorial authority requests further information from the heritage protection authority under section 92(1), but the heritage protection authority—
(A)
does not provide the information before the deadline concerned; or
(B)
refuses to provide the information; or
(ii)
the territorial authority notifies the heritage protection authority under section 92(2)(b) that it wants to commission a report, but the heritage protection authority—
(A)
does not respond before the deadline concerned; or
(B)
refuses to agree to the commissioning of the report.
(1B)
Subsection (1A) applies despite any rule or national environmental standard that precludes public or limited notification of the notice of requirement.
(2)
If the requirement is publicly notified, any person may make a submission about it to the territorial authority.
(3)
If the requirement is the subject of limited notification, a person notified may make a submission about it to the territorial authority.
(4)
A submission must be in the prescribed form.
(5)
A submission must be served on the territorial authority within the time allowed by section 97, which applies with all necessary modifications, and a copy of the submission must be served on the heritage protection authority as soon as is reasonably practicable after the submission is served on the territorial authority.
(6)
A submission may state whether—
(a)
it supports the requirement; or
(b)
it opposes the requirement; or
(c)
it is neutral.
(7)
Sections 92 to 92B and 98 to 103 apply to the notice of requirement with all necessary modifications and as if—
(a)
a reference to a resource consent were a reference to the requirement; and
(b)
a reference to an applicant were a reference to the heritage protection authority; and
(c)
a reference to an application for a resource consent were a reference to the notice of requirement; and
(d)
a reference to a consent authority were a reference to the territorial authority; and
(e)
a reference to an activity were a reference to the heritage order; and
(f)
a reference to a decision on the application for a resource consent were a reference to a recommendation by the territorial authority under section 191.
(8)
However, section 101(2) does not apply to the notice of requirement, and the date for the commencement of the hearing is as follows:
(a)
if the notice of requirement was not notified, the date must be within 25 working days after the date the notice of requirement was given to the territorial authority:
(b)
if the notice of requirement was notified and the territorial authority gives a direction under section 41B, the date must be within 40 working days after the closing date for submissions on the notice of requirement:
(c)
if the notice of requirement was notified and the territorial authority does not give a direction under section 41B, the date must be within 25 working days after the closing date for submissions on the notice of requirement.
Section 190: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 113 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 190(1): replaced, on 18 October 2017, by section 161(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 190(1A): inserted, on 18 October 2017, by section 161(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 190(1B): inserted, on 18 October 2017, by section 161(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 190(7): replaced, on 18 October 2017, by section 161(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 190(8): inserted, on 3 March 2015, by section 114(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
191 Recommendation by territorial authority
(1)
Subject to Part 2, when considering a requirement made under section 189, a territorial authority shall have regard to the matters set out in the notice given under section 189 (together with any further information and reports with which the authority is supplied), and all submissions, and shall also have particular regard to—
(a)
whether the place merits protection; and
(b)
whether the requirement is reasonably necessary for protecting the place to which the requirement relates; and
(c)
whether the inclusion in the requirement of any area of land surrounding the place is necessary for the purpose of ensuring the protection and reasonable enjoyment of the place; and
(d)
all relevant provisions of any national policy statement, New Zealand coastal policy statement, regional policy statement, regional plan, or district plan; and
(e)
section 189(1); and
(f)
as appropriate, management plans or strategies approved under any other Act which relate to the place.
(2)
After considering a requirement made under section 189, the territorial authority may recommend—
(a)
that the requirement be confirmed, with or without modifications; or
(b)
that the requirement be withdrawn.
(3)
In recommending the confirmation of a requirement under subsection (2)(a), the territorial authority may recommend the imposition of—
(a)
a condition that the heritage protection authority reimburse the owner of the place for any additional costs of upkeep of the place required as a result of the making of the heritage order:
(b)
such other conditions as the territorial authority considers appropriate.
(4)
The territorial authority shall give reasons for a recommendation made under subsection (2).
Section 191(1): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 114 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 191(1): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 104(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 191(1)(e): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 104(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
192 Application of other sections
The following sections shall, with all necessary modifications, apply in respect of a requirement under section 189 or section 189A as if the heritage protection authority was a requiring authority, the heritage order was a designation, and references to section 171 were references to section 191:
(a)
section 172, which relates to decisions of requiring authorities:
(aa)
section 170, which relates to the discretion to include requirements in proposed plans:
(b)
section 173, which relates to public notification of such decisions:
(c)
section 174, which relates to appeals against such decisions:
(d)
section 175, which relates to the provision of designations in district plans:
(e)
section 180, which relates to the transferability of designations.
(f)
[Repealed]Section 192: amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 105(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 192(aa): inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 105(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 192(f): repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 115 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
193 Effect of heritage order
Where a heritage order is included in a district plan then, regardless of the provisions of any plan or resource consent, no person may, without the prior written consent of the relevant heritage protection authority named in the plan in respect of the order, do anything including—
(a)
undertaking any use of land; and
(b)
subdividing any land; and
(c)
changing the character, intensity, or scale of the use of any land—
that would wholly or partly nullify the effect of the heritage order.
Section 193(a): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
193A Land subject to existing heritage order or designation
(1)
Subject to sections 9(2) and 11 to 15, where a heritage order is included in a district plan, and the land that is the subject of the heritage order is already the subject of an earlier heritage order or a designation,—
(a)
the heritage protection authority responsible for the later heritage order may do anything that is in accordance with that heritage order only if that authority has first obtained the written consent of the authority responsible for the earlier order or designation; and
(b)
the authority responsible for the earlier order or designation may, notwithstanding section 193 and without obtaining the prior written consent of the later heritage protection authority, do anything that is in accordance with the earlier order or designation.
(2)
The authority responsible for the earlier designation or order may withhold its consent under subsection (1) only if that authority is satisfied—
(a)
that, in the case of an earlier designation, the thing to be done would prevent or hinder the public work or project or work to which the designation relates; or
(b)
that in the case of an earlier heritage order, the thing to be done would wholly or partly nullify the effect of the order.
Section 193A: inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 106 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 193A(1): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 116 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
194 Interim effect of requirement
(1)
This section applies when—
(a)
a heritage protection authority gives notice of a requirement for a heritage order to the EPA under section 145:
(b)
a heritage protection authority gives notice of a requirement for a heritage order to a territorial authority under section 189:
(c)
a territorial authority decides to issue a notice of requirement for a heritage order within its own district under section 189A:
(d)
a territorial authority decides to include a requirement for a heritage order in its proposed district plan under clause 4 of Schedule 1.
(2)
In the period that starts as described in subsection (3) and ends as described in subsection (4), no person may do anything that would wholly or partly nullify the effect of the heritage order unless the person has the prior written consent of the heritage protection authority.
(3)
The period starts,—
(a)
for the purposes of subsection (1)(a), on the day on which the heritage protection authority gives notice under section 145:
(b)
for the purposes of subsection (1)(b), on the day on which the heritage protection authority gives notice of the requirement under section 189:
(c)
for the purposes of subsection (1)(c), on the day on which the territorial authority decides whether to notify the notice of requirement under section 189A:
(d)
for the purposes of subsection (1)(d), on the day on which the territorial authority decides to include a requirement for a heritage order in its proposed district plan under clause 4 of Schedule 1.
(4)
The period ends on the earliest of the following days:
(a)
the day on which the requirement is withdrawn:
(b)
the day on which the requirement is cancelled:
(c)
the day on which the heritage order is included in the district plan.
(5)
A person who contravenes subsection (2) does not commit an offence against this Act unless the person knew, or could reasonably be expected to have known, of the existence of the requirement.
Section 194: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 117 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
195 Appeals relating to sections 193 and 194
(1)
Any person who—
(a)
proposes to do anything in relation to land that is subject to a heritage order or requirement for a purpose which, but for the heritage order or requirement, would be lawful; and
(b)
has been refused consent to undertake that use by a heritage protection authority under section 193 or section 194, or has been granted such consent subject to conditions—
may appeal to the Environment Court against the refusal or the conditions.
(2)
Notice of an appeal under this section shall—
(a)
state the reasons for the appeal and the relief sought; and
(b)
state any matters required to be stated by regulations; and
(c)
be lodged with the Environment Court and served on the heritage protection authority whose decision is appealed against, within 15 working days of receiving the heritage protection authority’s decision under section 193 or section 194.
(3)
In considering an appeal under this section, the court shall have regard to—
(a)
whether the decision appealed against has caused or is likely to cause serious hardship to the appellant; and
(b)
whether the decision appealed against would render the land which is subject to the heritage order or requirement incapable of reasonable use; and
(c)
the extent to which the decision may be modified without wholly or partly nullifying the effect of the requirement or heritage order—
and may confirm or reverse the decision appealed against or modify the decision in such manner as the court thinks fit.
Section 195(1): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 195(2)(c): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 195(3): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
195A Alteration of heritage order
(1)
A heritage protection authority that is responsible for a heritage order may at any time give notice to the territorial authority of its requirement to alter the heritage order.
(2)
Sections 189 to 195 and 198AA to 198AD apply, with all necessary modifications, to a requirement to alter a heritage order as if it were a requirement for a new heritage order.
(3)
However, a territorial authority may at any time alter a heritage order in its district plan or a requirement in its proposed district plan if—
(a)
the alteration—
(i)
involves no more than a minor change to the effects on the environment associated with the heritage order concerned; or
(ii)
involves only minor changes or adjustments to the boundaries of the heritage order or requirement; and
(b)
written notice of the proposed alteration has been given to every owner or occupier of the land directly affected and those owners or occupiers agree with the alteration; and
(c)
the territorial authority and the heritage protection authority agree with the alteration.
(4)
Sections 189 to 195 and 198AA to 198AD do not apply to an alteration under subsection (3).
(5)
This section applies, with all necessary modifications, to a requirement by a territorial authority to alter its own heritage order or requirement within its own district.
Section 195A: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 118 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 195A(2): amended, on 3 March 2015, by section 115 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 195A(4): amended, on 3 March 2015, by section 115 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
195B Transfer of heritage order
(1)
The Minister may, on the Minister’s own initiative, transfer responsibility for an existing heritage order to another heritage protection authority.
(2)
However, the Minister must not exercise the power under subsection (1) if—
(a)
the heritage order relates to private land; and
(b)
the transfer of the order is to a body corporate approved under section 188.
(3)
In determining whether to transfer responsibility for an order under subsection (1), the Minister must take into account—
(a)
the heritage values of the place or area subject to the heritage order; and
(b)
the reasonable use of the place or area despite it being subject to a heritage order; and
(c)
any other matters that the Minister considers relevant, such as—
(i)
the effect of the heritage order on the property rights of the owner and occupier (if any) of the place or area:
(ii)
the ability of the heritage protection authority to whom the Minister proposes to transfer the heritage order to protect the place or area.
(4)
Before the Minister may make a determination to transfer responsibility for a heritage order under this section, the Minister must serve written notice of the Minister’s intention to do so on—
(a)
the heritage protection authority currently responsible for the heritage order; and
(b)
the heritage protection authority to whom the Minister proposes to transfer that responsibility; and
(c)
the owner and occupier (if any) of the place or area subject to the heritage order and any other person with a registered interest in that place or area; and
(d)
the territorial authority in whose district the place or area subject to the order is located.
(5)
The persons or organisations served with a notice under subsection (4) may, within 20 working days after being served, make a written objection or submission to the Minister on the Minister’s proposal.
(6)
The Minister must take into account all objections and submissions received within the specified time before making a final determination.
(7)
In subsection (2), private land has the meaning given in section 189(6).
Section 195B: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 99 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
195C Notice of determination
(1)
The Minister must publish a notice in the Gazette of the Minister’s determination under section 195B.
(2)
The territorial authority in whose district the place or area subject to an order under section 195B is located must note the transfer of responsibility for the heritage order by amending the district plan accordingly as soon as is reasonably practicable without using a process set out in Schedule 1.
Section 195C: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 99 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
196 Removal of heritage order
Section 182 shall apply, with all necessary modifications, in respect of the removal of heritage orders as if—
(a)
a heritage protection authority was a requiring authority; and
(b)
a heritage order was a designation, except that the removal of a heritage order from a district plan shall not take effect until 10 working days after notice of removal is received by the territorial authority or after the territorial authority gives notice of the removal of its heritage order in its own district.
Section 196(b): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 108 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
197 Compulsory acquisition powers
(1)
The acquisition of land by a heritage protection authority for the purposes of giving effect to a heritage order shall be deemed to be an acquisition of land, or an interest in land, for a public work for the purposes of the Public Works Act 1981.
(2)
Where a heritage protection authority is neither the Crown nor a local authority, section 186 shall apply, with all necessary modifications, as if every reference to a network utility operator were a reference to a heritage protection authority.
198 Environment Court may order land taken, etc
(1)
Upon application made to the Environment Court by the owner of an estate or interest in land (including a leasehold estate or interest) that is subject to a heritage order, or requirement under section 189 or section 189A, if the court is satisfied that—
(a)
the applicant was the owner or spouse, civil union partner, or de facto partner of the owner on the date when the heritage order was included in the district plan or the requirement was made; and
(b)
the applicant has tried but been unable to enter into an agreement for the sale of the estate or interest in the land subject to the heritage order or requirement at a price not less than the market value the land would have had if it were not subject to the heritage order or requirement; and
(c)
the heritage order or requirement renders or will render the land in respect of which it applies, incapable of reasonable use,—
the Environment Court may make an order giving the heritage protection authority the option of either withdrawing the requirement or causing the heritage order to be removed, as the case may be, or taking the land under the Public Works Act 1981.
(2)
Before making an order under subsection (1), the court may direct the owner to take further action to try to sell the estate or interest in the land.
(3)
If the court makes an order to take an estate or interest in land under the Public Works Act 1981, the owner of the land shall be deemed to have entered into an agreement with the heritage protection authority responsible for the heritage order or requirement for the purposes of section 17 of the Public Works Act 1981.
(4)
Where subsection (3) applies in respect of a heritage protection authority that is neither the Crown nor a local authority—
(a)
any agreement shall be deemed to have been entered into with the Minister for Land Information on behalf of the heritage protection authority as if the land were required for a government work; and
(b)
all costs and expenses incurred by the Minister for Land Information in respect of the acquisition of the land shall be recoverable from the heritage protection authority as a debt due to the Crown.
(5)
The amount of compensation payable for an estate or interest in land ordered to be taken under this section shall be assessed as if the heritage order or requirement had not been made.
Section 198 heading: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 198(1): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 198(1): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 109 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 198(1)(a): amended, on 26 April 2005, by section 7 of the Relationships (Statutory References) Act 2005 (2005 No 3).
Section 198(2): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 198(3): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 198(4)(a): amended, on 1 July 1996, pursuant to section 2(1) of the Survey Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 55).
Section 198(4)(b): amended, on 1 July 1996, pursuant to section 2(1) of the Survey Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 55).
Time limits from which time periods are excluded in relation to designations and heritage orders
Heading: inserted, on 3 March 2015, by section 116 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
198AA Time limits from which time periods are excluded in relation to designations and heritage orders
(1)
This section provides for the deferral of certain time limits relating to designations and heritage orders.
(2)
The first column of the table lists the provisions specifying time limits from which certain time periods must be excluded.
(3)
The second column lists the provisions describing time periods that must be excluded from the corresponding time limits.
| Provisions specifying time limits | Provisions describing time periods to be excluded | |
|---|---|---|
| Section 95 (which relates to the time limit for notification) as applied by section 169(1) or 190(1) to a notice of requirement given to a territorial authority | ||
| Section 198D(3) (which relates to the time limit for a territorial authority report on a notice of requirement, given to a territorial authority, to be directly referred to the Environment Court) | ||
| Section 198J(2) (which relates to the time limit for a territorial authority report on a notice of requirement, given by a territorial authority, to be directly referred to the Environment Court) | ||
| Section 168A(2AA)(a) or 189A(9A)(a) (which relates to the time limit for commencement of a hearing of a non-notified notice of requirement given by a territorial authority) | ||
| Section 168A(2AA)(b) or (c) or 189A(9A)(b) or (c) (which relates to the time limit for commencement of a hearing of a notified notice of requirement given by a territorial authority) | ||
| Section 169(3)(a) or 190(8)(a) (which relates to the time limit for commencement of a hearing of a non-notified notice of requirement given to a territorial authority) | ||
| Section 169(3)(b) or (c) or 190(8)(b) or (c) (which relates to the time limit for commencement of a hearing of a notified notice of requirement given to a territorial authority) |
Section 198AA: inserted, on 3 March 2015, by section 116 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
198AB Excluded time periods relating to provision of further information
Request for further information
(1)
Subsection (2) applies when—
(a)
a territorial authority has requested a requiring authority or heritage protection authority, under section 92(1), to provide further information on a notice of requirement; and
(b)
the request is the first request made by the territorial authority to the requiring authority or heritage protection authority under that provision—
(i)
at all; or
(ii)
after the closing date for submissions.
(2)
The period that must be excluded from every applicable time limit under section 198AA is the period—
(a)
starting with the date of the request under section 92(1); and
(b)
ending as follows:
(i)
if the requiring authority or heritage protection authority provides the information within 15 working days, the date on which it provides the information:
(ii)
if the requiring authority or heritage protection authority agrees within 15 working days to provide the information and provides the information, the date on which it provides the information:
(iii)
if the requiring authority or heritage protection authority agrees within 15 working days to provide the information and does not provide the information, the date set under section 92A(2)(a):
(iv)
if the requiring authority or heritage protection authority does not respond to the request within 15 working days, the date on which the period of 15 working days ends:
(v)
if the requiring authority or heritage protection authority refuses within 15 working days to provide the information, the date on which it refuses to provide the information.
Commissioning of report—other authority agrees
(3)
Subsection (4) applies when—
(a)
a territorial authority has notified a requiring authority or heritage protection authority, under section 92(2)(b), of its wish to commission a report; and
(b)
the requiring authority or heritage protection authority agrees, under section 92B(1), to the commissioning of the report.
(4)
The period that must be excluded from every applicable time limit under section 198AA is the period—
(a)
starting with the date of the notification under section 92(2)(b); and
(b)
ending with the date on which the territorial authority receives the report.
Commissioning of report—other authority disagrees
(5)
Subsection (6) applies when—
(a)
a territorial authority has notified a requiring authority or heritage protection authority, under section 92(2)(b), of its wish to commission a report; and
(b)
the requiring authority or heritage protection authority does not agree, under section 92B(1), to the commissioning of the report.
(6)
The period that must be excluded from every applicable time limit under section 198AA is the period—
(a)
starting with the date of the notification under section 92(2)(b); and
(b)
ending with the earlier of the following:
(i)
the date on which the period of 15 working days ends; and
(ii)
the date on which the territorial authority receives the requiring authority’s or heritage protection authority’s refusal, under section 92B(1), to agree to the commissioning of the report.
Section 198AB: inserted, on 3 March 2015, by section 116 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
198AC Excluded time periods relating to direct referral
Request for direct referral declined and no objection
(1)
Subsection (2) applies when—
(a)
a requiring authority or heritage protection authority makes a request under section 198B(1); and
(b)
the territorial authority declines the request under section 198C(4) to (5A); and
(c)
the requiring authority or heritage protection authority does not object under section 357(8).
(2)
The period that must be excluded from every applicable time limit under section 198AA is the period—
(a)
starting with the date on which the territorial authority receives the request; and
(b)
ending with the date on which the 15 working days referred to in section 357C(1) end.
Request for direct referral declined and objection dismissed
(3)
Subsection (4) applies when—
(a)
a requiring authority or heritage protection authority makes a request under section 198B(1); and
(b)
the territorial authority declines the request under section 198C(4) to (5A); and
(c)
the territorial authority dismisses the requiring authority’s or heritage protection authority’s objection under section 357D.
(4)
The period that must be excluded from every applicable time limit under section 198AA is the period—
(a)
starting with the date on which the territorial authority receives the request; and
(b)
ending with the date on which the territorial authority notifies the requiring authority or heritage protection authority of its decision to dismiss the objection.
Request for direct referral granted or objection upheld
(5)
Subsection (6) applies when—
(a)
a requiring authority or heritage protection authority makes a request under section 198B(1); and
(b)
either—
(i)
the territorial authority grants the request under section 198C(4) to (5A); or
(ii)
the territorial authority declines the request under section 198C(4) to (5A), but upholds the requiring authority’s or heritage protection authority’s objection under section 357D.
(6)
The period that must be excluded from every applicable time limit under section 198AA is the period—
(a)
starting with the date on which the territorial authority receives the request; and
(b)
ending with the earlier of the following:
(i)
the date on which the 15 working days referred to in section 198E(2)(a) end; and
(ii)
the date on which the requiring authority or heritage protection authority advises the territorial authority that it does not intend to lodge a notice of motion with the Environment Court under section 198E(2).
Decision to make direct referral to Environment Court
(7)
Subsection (8) applies when a territorial authority makes a decision under section 198H(1).
(8)
The period that must be excluded from every applicable time limit under section 198AA is the period—
(a)
starting with the date on which the territorial authority makes the decision; and
(b)
ending with the earlier of the following:
(i)
the date on which the 15 working days referred to in section 198K(1)(a) end; and
(ii)
the date on which the territorial authority decides not to lodge a notice of motion with the Environment Court under section 198K(1).
Section 198AC: inserted, on 3 March 2015, by section 116 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
198AD Excluded time periods relating to other matters
Approval sought from affected persons or groups
(1)
Subsection (2) applies when a requiring authority or heritage protection authority tries, for the purposes of section 149ZCF(3), 95F, or 95G, to obtain approval for an activity from any person or group that may otherwise be considered an affected person, affected protected customary rights group, or affected customary marine title group in relation to the activity.
(2)
The period that must be excluded from every applicable time limit under section 198AA is the time taken by the requiring authority or heritage protection authority in trying to obtain the approvals, whether or not they are obtained.
Referral to mediation
(3)
Subsection (4) applies when a territorial authority refers persons to mediation under section 99A.
(4)
The period that must be excluded from every applicable time limit under section 198AA is the period—
(a)
starting with the date of the reference; and
(b)
ending with the earlier of the following:
(i)
the date on which one of the persons referred to mediation gives the other persons referred and the mediator a written notice withdrawing the person’s consent to the mediation; and
(ii)
the date on which the mediator reports the outcome of the mediation to the territorial authority.
Section 198AD: inserted, on 3 March 2015, by section 116 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 198AD(1): amended, on 18 October 2017, by section 162 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Streamlining decision-making on designations and heritage orders
Heading: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 119 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
198A Sections 198B to 198G apply to requirements under section 168 or 189
(1)
Sections 198B to 198G apply when a requiring authority or heritage protection authority wants one of the following requirements to be the subject of a decision by the Environment Court instead of a recommendation by a territorial authority and a decision by the requiring authority or heritage protection authority:
(a)
a requirement for a designation under section 168 that has been notified:
(b)
a requirement for a heritage order under section 189 that has been notified:
(c)
a requirement under section 181 (other than a notice to which section 181(3) applies) for an alteration to a designation to which section 168 applied that has been notified:
(d)
a requirement under section 195A (other than a notice to which section 195A(3) applies) for an alteration to a heritage order to which section 189 applied that has been notified.
(2)
If the notice of requirement is called in under section 142(2), sections 198B to 198G cease to apply to it.
Section 198A: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 119 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
198B Requiring authority or heritage protection authority’s request
(1)
The requiring authority or heritage protection authority must request the relevant territorial authority to allow the requirement to be the subject of a decision by the Environment Court instead of a recommendation by the territorial authority and a decision by the requiring authority or heritage protection authority.
(2)
The requiring authority or heritage protection authority must make the request in the period—
(a)
starting on the date on which the requiring authority or heritage protection authority gives notice under section 168 or 189; and
(b)
ending 5 working days after the date on which the period for submissions on the requirement closes.
(3)
The requiring authority or heritage protection authority must make the request electronically or in writing on the prescribed form.
Section 198B: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 119 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
198C Territorial authority’s decision on request
(1)
If the territorial authority receives the request after it has determined that the requirement will not be notified, it must return the request.
(2)
If the territorial authority receives the request before it has determined whether the requirement will be notified, it must defer its decision on the request until after it has decided whether to notify the requirement and then apply either subsection (3) or (4).
(3)
If the territorial authority decides not to notify the requirement, it must return the request.
(4)
If the territorial authority decides to notify the requirement, it must give the requiring authority or heritage protection authority its decision on the request within 15 working days after the date of the decision on notification.
(5)
In any other case, the territorial authority must give the requiring authority or heritage protection authority its decision on the request within 15 working days after receiving the request.
(5A)
Despite the discretion to grant a request under subsection (4) or (5), if regulations have been made under section 360(1)(hm),—
(a)
the territorial authority must grant the request if the value of the investment in the proposal is likely to meet or exceed a threshold amount prescribed by those regulations; but
(b)
that obligation to grant the request does not apply if the territorial authority determines, having regard to any matters prescribed by those regulations, that exceptional circumstances exist.
(6)
No submitter has a right to be heard by the territorial authority on a request.
(7)
If the territorial authority returns or declines the request, it must give the requiring authority or heritage protection authority its reasons, in writing or electronically, at the same time as it gives the authority its decision.
(8)
If the territorial authority declines the request under subsections (4) to (5A), the requiring authority or heritage protection authority may object to the territorial authority under section 357.
Section 198C: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 119 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 198C(5A): inserted, on 4 September 2013, by section 39(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 198C(8): amended, on 4 September 2013, by section 39(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
198D Territorial authority’s subsequent processing
(1)
If the territorial authority does not grant the request under section 198B, it must continue to process the requirement.
(2)
If the territorial authority decides to grant the request under section 198B, it must continue to process the requirement and must comply with subsections (3) to (7).
(3)
The territorial authority must prepare a report on the requirement within the longer of the following periods:
(a)
the period that ends 20 working days after the date on which the period for submissions on the requirement closes:
(b)
the period that ends 20 working days after the date on which the territorial authority decides to grant the request.
(4)
In the report, the territorial authority must—
(a)
address issues that are set out in section 171 or 191 to the extent that they are relevant to the requirement; and
(b)
suggest conditions that it considers should be imposed if the Environment Court confirms the requirement (with or without modifications); and
(c)
provide a summary of submissions received.
(5)
As soon as is reasonably practicable after the report is prepared, the territorial authority must provide a copy to—
(a)
the requiring authority or heritage protection authority; and
(b)
every person who made a submission on the requirement.
(6)
The territorial authority must ensure that it provides reasonable assistance to the Environment Court in relation to any matters raised in the authority’s report.
(7)
In providing that assistance, the territorial authority—
(a)
is a party to the proceedings; and
(b)
must be available to attend hearings to—
(i)
discuss or clarify any matter in its report:
(ii)
give evidence about its report:
(iii)
discuss submissions received and address issues raised by the submissions:
(iv)
provide any other relevant information requested by the court.
Section 198D: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 119 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 198D(2): amended, on 4 September 2013, by section 40(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 198D(4): amended, on 4 September 2013, by section 40(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 198D(4)(b): amended, on 4 September 2013, by section 40(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 198D(4)(c): inserted, on 4 September 2013, by section 40(4) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 198D(6): inserted, on 4 September 2013, by section 40(5) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 198D(7): inserted, on 4 September 2013, by section 40(5) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
198E Environment Court decides
(1)
Subsection (2) applies to a requiring authority or heritage protection authority who—
(a)
receives a report under section 198D(5); and
(b)
continues to want the requirement to be the subject of a decision by the Environment Court instead of a recommendation by the territorial authority and a decision by the requiring authority or heritage protection authority.
(2)
The requirement is referred to the Environment Court by the requiring authority or heritage protection authority,—
(a)
within 15 working days after receiving the report, lodging with the Environment Court a notice of motion in the prescribed form applying for confirmation of the requirement and specifying the grounds upon which the application for confirmation is made, and a supporting affidavit as to the matters giving rise to that application; and
(b)
as soon as is reasonably practicable after lodging the notice of motion, serving a copy of the notice of motion and affidavit on—
(i)
the territorial authority that granted the requiring authority’s or heritage protection authority’s request under section 198B; and
(ii)
every person who made a submission to the territorial authority on the requirement; and
(c)
telling the Registrar of the Environment Court by written notice when the copies have been served.
(3)
A territorial authority served under subsection (2)(b)(i) must, without delay, provide the Environment Court with—
(a)
the requirement to which the notice of motion relates; and
(b)
the authority’s report on the requirement; and
(c)
all the submissions on the requirement that the authority received; and
(d)
all the information and reports on the requirement that the authority was supplied with.
(4)
Section 274 applies to the notice of motion, and any person who has made a submission to the territorial authority on the requirement and wishes to be heard on the matter by the Environment Court must give notice to the court in accordance with that section.
(6)
If considering a matter that is a notice of requirement for a designation or to alter a designation, the court—
(a)
must have regard to the matters set out in section 171(1) and comply with section 171(1A) and (2AAA) as if it were a territorial authority; and
(b)
may—
(i)
cancel the requirement; or
(ii)
confirm the requirement; or
(iii)
confirm the requirement, but modify it or impose conditions on it as the court thinks fit; and
(c)
may waive the requirement for an outline plan to be submitted under section 176A.
(6A)
However, if the requiring authority is the Minister of Education or the Minister of Defence, the court may not impose a condition under subsection (6)(b)(iii) requiring a financial contribution (as defined in section 108(9)).
(7)
If considering a matter that is a notice of requirement for a heritage order or to alter a heritage order, the court—
(a)
must have regard to the matters set out in section 191(1); and
(b)
may—
(i)
cancel the requirement; or
(ii)
confirm the requirement; or
(iii)
confirm the requirement, but modify it or impose conditions on it as the court thinks fit (including a condition that the heritage protection authority reimburse the owner of the place concerned for any additional costs of upkeep of the place resulting from the making or the modifying of the order).
Section 198E: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 119 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 198E(2): replaced, on 4 September 2013, by section 41(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 198E(2)(a): amended, on 3 March 2015, by section 117 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 198E(4): amended, on 4 September 2013, by section 41(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 198E(5): amended, on 4 September 2013, by section 41(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 198E(6)(a): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 98 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 198E(6A): inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 61 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
198F Residual powers of territorial authority
The territorial authority that would have dealt with the requirement had the Environment Court not done so under section 198E has all the functions, duties, and powers in relation to the designation or heritage order resulting from the requirement as if it had dealt with the requirement itself.
Section 198F: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 119 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
198G When territorial authority must deal with requirement
(1)
This section applies when—
(a)
a requiring authority or heritage protection authority receives a report under section 198D(5); and
(b)
either—
(i)
the requiring authority or heritage protection authority advises the territorial authority that it does not intend to lodge a notice of motion with the Environment Court under section 198E(2); or
(ii)
the requiring authority or heritage protection authority does not lodge a notice of motion with the Environment Court under section 198E(2).
(c)
[Repealed](2)
The territorial authority must deal with the requirement.
Section 198G: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 119 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 198G(1)(b)(i): amended, on 3 March 2015, by section 118(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 198G(1)(b)(ii): amended, on 3 March 2015, by section 118(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 198G(1)(c): repealed, on 3 March 2015, by section 118(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
198H Sections 198I to 198M apply to requirements under section 168A or 189A
(1)
Sections 198I to 198M apply when a territorial authority makes a decision that one of the following requirements is to be the subject of a decision by the Environment Court instead of a decision by the territorial authority:
(a)
a requirement for a designation under section 168A that has been notified:
(b)
a requirement for a heritage order under section 189A that has been notified:
(c)
a requirement under section 181 (other than a notice to which section 181(3) applies) for an alteration to a designation to which section 168A applied that has been notified:
(d)
a requirement under section 195A (other than a notice to which section 195A(3) applies) for an alteration to a heritage order to which section 189A applied that has been notified.
(2)
If the notice of requirement is called in under section 142(2), sections 198I to 198M cease to apply to it.
Section 198H: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 119 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
198I Territorial authority’s decision
(1)
The territorial authority must make its decision in the period—
(a)
starting on the date on which the territorial authority decides to notify the requirement under section 168A(1A) or 189A(2); and
(b)
ending 5 working days after the date on which the period for submissions on the requirement closes.
(2)
No submitter has a right to be heard by the territorial authority on a decision under section 198H.
Section 198I: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 119 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
198J Territorial authority’s subsequent processing
(1)
The territorial authority must continue to process the requirement and must comply with subsections (2) to (6).
(2)
The territorial authority must prepare a report on the requirement within the longer of the following periods:
(a)
the period that ends 20 working days after the date on which the period for submissions on the requirement closes:
(b)
the period that ends 20 working days after the date on which the territorial authority makes its decision under section 198H(1).
(3)
In the report, the territorial authority must—
(a)
address issues that are set out in section 168A(3) or 189A(10) to the extent that they are relevant to the requirement; and
(b)
suggest conditions that it considers should be imposed if the Environment Court confirms the requirement (with or without modifications); and
(c)
provide a summary of submissions received.
(4)
As soon as is reasonably practicable after the report is prepared, the territorial authority must provide a copy to every person who made a submission on the requirement.
(5)
The territorial authority must ensure that it provides reasonable assistance to the Environment Court in relation to any matters raised in the authority’s report.
(6)
In providing that assistance, the territorial authority—
(a)
is a party to the proceedings; and
(b)
must be available to attend hearings to—
(i)
discuss or clarify any matter in its report:
(ii)
give evidence about its report:
(iii)
discuss submissions received and address issues raised by the submissions:
(iv)
provide any other relevant information requested by the court.
Section 198J: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 119 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 198J(1): amended, on 4 September 2013, by section 42(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 198J(3): amended, on 4 September 2013, by section 42(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 198J(3)(b): amended, on 4 September 2013, by section 42(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 198J(3)(c): inserted, on 4 September 2013, by section 42(4) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 198J(5): inserted, on 4 September 2013, by section 42(5) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 198J(6): inserted, on 4 September 2013, by section 42(5) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
198K Environment Court decides
(1)
If the territorial authority continues to want the requirement to be determined by the Environment Court, the requirement is referred to the court by the territorial authority,—
(a)
within 15 working days after preparing the report, lodging with the Environment Court a notice of motion in the prescribed form applying for confirmation of the requirement and specifying the grounds upon which the application for confirmation is made, and a supporting affidavit as to the matters giving rise to that application; and
(b)
as soon as is reasonably practicable after lodging the notice of motion, serving a copy of the notice of motion and affidavit on every person who made a submission to the territorial authority on the requirement; and
(c)
telling the Registrar of the Environment Court by written notice when the copies have been served.
(2)
The territorial authority must, without delay, provide the Environment Court with—
(a)
the requirement to which the notice of motion relates; and
(b)
the territorial authority’s report on the requirement; and
(c)
all the submissions on the requirement that the territorial authority received; and
(d)
all the information and reports on the requirement that the territorial authority was supplied with.
(3)
Section 274 applies to the notice of motion, and any person who has made a submission to the territorial authority on the requirement and wishes to be heard on the matter by the Environment Court must give notice to the court in accordance with that section.
(5)
If considering a matter that is a notice of requirement for a designation or to alter a designation, the court—
(a)
must have regard to the matters set out in section 171(1) and comply with section 171(1A) and (2AAA) as if it were a territorial authority; and
(b)
may—
(i)
cancel the requirement; or
(ii)
confirm the requirement; or
(iii)
confirm the requirement, but modify it or impose conditions on it as the court thinks fit; and
(c)
may waive the requirement for an outline plan to be submitted under section 176A.
(5A)
However, if the requiring authority is the Minister of Education or the Minister of Defence, the court may not impose a condition under subsection (5)(b)(iii) requiring a financial contribution (as defined in section 108(9)).
(6)
If considering a matter that is a notice of requirement for a heritage order or to alter a heritage order, the court—
(a)
must have regard to the matters set out in section 191(1); and
(b)
may—
(i)
cancel the requirement; or
(ii)
confirm the requirement; or
(iii)
confirm the requirement, but modify it or impose conditions on it as the court thinks fit (including a condition that the heritage protection authority reimburse the owner of the place concerned for any additional costs of upkeep of the place resulting from the making or the modifying of the order).
Section 198K: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 119 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 198K(1): replaced, on 4 September 2013, by section 43(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 198K(1)(a): amended, on 3 March 2015, by section 119 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 198K(3): amended, on 4 September 2013, by section 43(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 198K(4): amended, on 4 September 2013, by section 43(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 198K(5)(a): amended, on 27 August 2025, by section 99 of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43).
Section 198K(5A): inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 62 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
198L Residual powers of territorial authority
The territorial authority that would have dealt with the requirement had the Environment Court not done so under section 198K has all the functions, duties, and powers in relation to the designation or heritage order resulting from the requirement as if it had dealt with the requirement itself.
Section 198L: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 119 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
198M When territorial authority must deal with requirement
(1)
This section applies when—
(a)
a territorial authority prepares a report under section 198J; and
(b)
the territorial authority does not lodge a notice of motion with the Environment Court under section 198K(1).
(c)
[Repealed](2)
The territorial authority must deal with the requirement.
Section 198M: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 119 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 198M(1)(b): amended, on 3 March 2015, by section 120(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 198M(1)(c): repealed, on 3 March 2015, by section 120(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Part 9 Water conservation orders
199 Purpose of water conservation orders
(1)
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Part 2, the purpose of a water conservation order is to recognise and sustain—
(a)
outstanding amenity or intrinsic values which are afforded by waters in their natural state:
(b)
where waters are no longer in their natural state, the amenity or intrinsic values of those waters which in themselves warrant protection because they are considered outstanding.
(2)
A water conservation order may provide for any of the following:
(a)
the preservation as far as possible in its natural state of any water body that is considered to be outstanding:
(b)
the protection of characteristics which any water body has or contributes to, and which are considered to be outstanding,—
(i)
as a habitat for terrestrial or aquatic organisms:
(ii)
as a fishery:
(iii)
for its wild, scenic, or other natural characteristics:
(iv)
for scientific and ecological values:
(v)
for recreational, historical, spiritual, or cultural purposes:
(c)
the protection of characteristics which any water body has or contributes to, and which are considered to be of outstanding significance in accordance with tikanga Maori.
200 Meaning of water conservation order
In this Act, the term water conservation order means an order made under section 214 for any of the purposes set out in section 199 and that imposes restrictions or prohibitions on the exercise of regional councils’ powers under paragraphs (e) and (f) of section 30(1) (as they relate to water) including, in particular, restrictions or prohibitions relating to—
(a)
the quantity, quality, rate of flow, or level of the water body; and
(b)
the maximum and minimum levels or flow or range of levels or flows, or the rate of change of levels or flows to be sought or permitted for the water body; and
(c)
the maximum allocation for abstraction or maximum contaminant loading consistent with the purposes of the order; and
(d)
the ranges of temperature and pressure in a water body.
201 Application for water conservation order
(1)
Any person may, upon payment of any prescribed fee, apply to the Minister for the making of a water conservation order in respect of any water body.
(2)
An application under subsection (1) shall—
(a)
identify the water body concerned; and
(b)
state the reasons for the application with reference, where practicable, to the matters set out in sections 199, 200, and 207; and
(c)
describe the provisions which, in the applicant’s opinion, should be included in a water conservation order and the effect that such provisions would have on the water body.
(3)
The Minister may by notice in writing require the applicant to supply such further information in respect of the application as the Minister considers necessary.
202 Minister’s obligations upon receipt of application
(1)
After receipt of an application (and any further information required by the Minister) under section 201 and after making such inquiry in respect of the application as the Minister considers necessary, the Minister shall as soon as practicable either—
(a)
appoint a special tribunal to hear and report on the application; or
(b)
reject the application—
and notify the applicant of his or her decision, and where the application is rejected, of his or her reasons for the rejection.
(2)
Before appointing a special tribunal under subsection (1)(a), the Minister shall, where appropriate, consult with the Minister for Māori Development and the Minister of Conservation regarding the membership of the tribunal.
Section 202(2): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 63 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
203 Special tribunal
(1)
A special tribunal appointed under section 202 shall—
(a)
comprise no fewer than 3, and no more than 5, members; and
(b)
have a chairperson appointed either by the Minister or, if the Minister declines to do so, by the members.
(2)
Every special tribunal shall be a statutory Board within the meaning of the Fees and Travelling Allowances Act 1951 and there may, if the Minister so directs, be paid to any member of a special tribunal, out of money appropriated by Parliament for the purpose,—
(a)
remuneration by way of fees, salary, or allowances in accordance with that Act; and
(b)
travelling allowances and travelling expenses in accordance with that Act in respect of time spent travelling in the service of the tribunal—
and the provisions of that Act apply accordingly.
(3)
A member of a special tribunal is not liable for anything the member does, or omits to do, in good faith in performing or exercising the functions, duties, and powers of the tribunal.
Section 203(3): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 120 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
204 Public notification of application
(1)
As soon as practicable after its appointment, a special tribunal shall ensure that—
(a)
public notice of the application is given; and
(ab)
a copy of the short summary of the notice referred to in section 2AB(1)(b), along with details of the Internet site where the notice can be accessed, is published in a daily newspaper in each of the cities of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin; and
(b)
such other public notification of the application as the tribunal considers appropriate is given; and
(c)
notice of the application is served on—
(i)
the applicant; and
(ii)
the relevant regional council; and
(iii)
the relevant territorial authorities; and
(iv)
the relevant iwi authorities; and
(v)
such persons as the tribunal considers appropriate.
(2)
Every notice for the purposes of this section shall be in the prescribed form and shall state—
(a)
a description of the application, and where the application and any relevant information held by the special tribunal may be viewed; and
(b)
that submissions on the application may be made in writing by any person; and
(c)
the effect of section 205(3); and
(d)
that the matters to be considered by the tribunal may be wider than the matters raised in the application; and
(e)
the closing date for the receipt by the tribunal of such submissions; and
(f)
the address for service of the tribunal and each applicant.
(3)
Section 92 shall, with all necessary modifications, apply in respect of a water conservation order as if—
(a)
every reference therein to a consent authority were a reference to the special tribunal; and
(b)
every reference therein to a consent were a reference to the order.
Section 204(1)(a): replaced, on 18 October 2017, by section 163 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 204(1)(ab): inserted, on 18 October 2017, by section 163 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
205 Submissions to special tribunal
(1)
Any person may make submissions to the special tribunal about an application which is notified in accordance with section 204.
(2)
Sections 37, 96(5) and (6), and 98 shall, with all necessary modifications, apply in respect of every submission made under subsection (1) as if—
(a)
every reference therein to a consent authority were a reference to the tribunal; and
(b)
every reference therein to a consent were a reference to an order; and
(c)
the reference in section 96(6)(a) to section 97 were a reference to subsection (7) of this section.
(3)
Any person who supports the making of a water conservation order but who would prefer—
(a)
that the order instead preserve a different but related water body in the same catchment; or
(b)
that different features and qualities of the water body be preserved,—
shall endeavour, in his or her submission,—
(c)
to make that preference known to the tribunal; and
(d)
to specify the reasons for the preference, referring, where practicable, to the matters set out in sections 199, 200, and 207; and
(e)
to describe the provisions which, in the person’s opinion, should be included in the water conservation order and the effect that those provisions would have on the water body.
(4)
Any submission that does not contain all the matters referred to in subsection (3) may nevertheless be considered by the tribunal.
(5)
Any person who makes a submission opposing the making of an order shall specify the reasons why he or she considers the proposed order is not justified in terms of section 199 and section 207.
(6)
The special tribunal may, by notice in writing, require any person making a submission to supply such further information in respect of the submission as the special tribunal considers necessary.
(7)
The closing date for serving submissions on a special tribunal is the 20th working day after notification of the application under section 204 is complete or such later date as is notified under section 37.
Section 205(2): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 121(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 205(2)(b): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 121(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 205(2)(c): inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 121(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
206 Conduct of hearing
(1)
The Minister shall, without delay, provide a special tribunal with the application in respect of which it has been appointed and any other relevant information received or held by the Minister.
(2)
[Repealed](3)
Sections 39, 40 to 42, 99 to 100, and 101 shall, with all necessary modifications, apply in respect of an application to a special tribunal as if—
(a)
every reference in those sections to a consent authority were a reference to the special tribunal; and
(b)
every reference in those sections to a resource consent were a reference to a water conservation order.
(3A)
However, section 101(2) does not apply to the application, and the date for the commencement of the hearing is as follows:
(a)
if the special tribunal gives a direction under section 41B, the date must be within 40 working days after the closing date for submissions on the application:
(b)
if the special tribunal does not give a direction under section 41B, the date must be within 25 working days after the closing date for submissions on the application.
(4)
In addition, any hearing must be held at a place determined by the special tribunal that is near the water body to which the application relates.
Section 206(2): repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 122(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 206(3): amended, on 3 March 2015, by section 121(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 206(3A): inserted, on 3 March 2015, by section 121(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 206(4): replaced, on 3 March 2015, by section 121(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
207 Matters to be considered
In considering an application for a water conservation order, a special tribunal shall have particular regard to the purpose of a water conservation order and the other matters set out in section 199 and shall also have regard to—
(a)
the application and all submissions; and
(b)
the needs of primary and secondary industry, and of the community; and
(c)
the relevant provisions of every national policy statement, New Zealand coastal policy statement, regional policy statement, regional plan, district plan, and any proposed plan.
Section 207: amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 110(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 207(c): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 110(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
208 Special tribunal to report on application
(1)
As soon as reasonably practicable, a special tribunal shall prepare a report on the application for a water conservation order and give notice in accordance with subsection (2).
(2)
A notice for the purposes of subsection (1) shall—
(a)
either include a draft water conservation order, or state that the tribunal recommends that the application be declined; and
(b)
state the reasons for the tribunal’s conclusion; and
(c)
be sent to the applicant, the Minister, the regional council, the relevant territorial authorities, the relevant iwi authorities, and every person who made a submission on the application.
209 Right to make submissions to Environment Court
(1)
Any of the following persons may make a submission to the Environment Court in accordance with subsection (2) in respect of the whole or any part of a report of a special tribunal under section 208:
(a)
the applicant for the proposed water conservation order to which the report relates:
(b)
any person who made a submission to the special tribunal under section 205:
(c)
any other person to whom the Environment Court grants leave to make a submission on the grounds that the person could not reasonably have been expected to know that the report of the special tribunal would affect the person or an aspect of the public interest which that person represents.
(2)
A submission shall be lodged with the Environment Court within 15 working days of receipt of the notification of the decision in accordance with section 208(2).
(3)
A person who makes a submission shall, within 5 working days of the submission being lodged with the Environment Court, serve a copy of it on the applicant for the proposed water conservation order, the Minister, the regional council, the relevant territorial authorities, the relevant iwi authorities, every person who made a submission on the application, and every other person known by the person making the submission to have made a submission to the Environment Court.
Section 209 heading: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 209(1): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 209(1)(c): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 209(2): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 209(3): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
210 Environment Court to hold inquiry
If 1 or more submissions are lodged with the Environment Court in accordance with section 209, the court shall conduct a public inquiry in respect of the report to which the submissions relate.
Section 210 heading: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 210: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
211 Who may be heard at inquiry
The following persons have the right to be heard in person or be represented by another person at an inquiry conducted by the Environment Court under section 210:
(a)
the applicant for the proposed water conservation order to which the inquiry relates:
(b)
the Minister:
(c)
the regional council or territorial authority whose region or district may be affected by the proposed water conservation order:
(d)
every person who made a submission to the special tribunal under section 205:
(e)
any person who is granted leave to make a submission to the Environment Court under section 209(1)(c).
Section 211: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 211(e): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
212 Matters to be considered by Environment Court
In conducting its inquiry, the Environment Court shall have particular regard to the purpose of a water conservation order and the other matters set out in section 199, and shall also have regard to—
(a)
the needs of primary and secondary industry, and of the community; and
(b)
the relevant provisions of every national policy statement, New Zealand coastal policy statement, regional policy statement, regional plan, district plan, and any proposed plan; and
(c)
the report of the special tribunal and any draft water conservation order; and
(d)
the application and all submissions lodged with the Environment Court; and
(e)
such other matters as the Environment Court thinks fit.
Section 212: replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 111 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 212 heading: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 212: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 212(d): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 212(e): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
213 Court’s report
(1)
On completion of its inquiry, the Environment Court shall make a report to the Minister recommending that the special tribunal’s report be rejected, or accepted with or without modifications, and, where appropriate,—
(a)
include a draft water conservation order; or
(b)
recommend that the application for a water conservation order be declined.
(2)
The Environment Court shall ensure that its report is publicly notified in such manner as the Environment Court thinks fit.
Section 213: replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 112 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 213 heading: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 213(1): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 213(2): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
214 Making of water conservation order
(1)
The Governor-General may, by Order in Council made on the recommendation of the Minister, make a water conservation order in respect of any water body.
(2)
The Minister shall not make a recommendation for the purposes of subsection (1) except in accordance with—
(a)
the report of the special tribunal under section 208, where the Environment Court has not conducted an inquiry; or
(b)
where the Environment Court has conducted an inquiry, the report of the Environment Court under section 213.
(3)
A water conservation order is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 214(2)(a): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 214(2)(b): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 214(3): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
215 Minister’s obligation to state reasons for not accepting recommendation
If a special tribunal reports under section 208, or the Environment Court recommends under section 213, that a water conservation order be made and the Minister decides not to recommend that the Governor-General make the order, then the Minister shall,—
(a)
within 20 sitting days after making his or her decision, lay before the House of Representatives a written statement setting out the reasons for his or her decision; and
(b)
within 20 working days after making his or her decision, serve on the applicant and every person who made a submission to the special tribunal or the Environment Court, such a written statement.
Section 215: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 215(b): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
216 Revocation or variation of order
(1)
Until the expiration of 2 years after the date a water conservation order is made under section 214 (or under the corresponding provision of any former enactment),—
(a)
no application shall be made to the Minister to revoke any such order; and
(b)
the Minister shall reject any application made under subsection (2) to amend any such order unless, after having regard to the purposes of the order and the restrictions and prohibitions imposed by the order, the Minister is satisfied that the amendment to which the application relates—
(i)
will have no more than a minor effect; or
(ii)
is of a technical nature and would enable the order to better achieve any purpose for which it was made; and
(c)
no recommendation shall be made to the Governor-General—
(i)
to revoke any such order; or
(ii)
to amend any such order unless the Minister is satisfied that the amendment is of a minor nature or of a technical nature which would enable the order to better achieve any purpose for which it was made.
(2)
Except as provided in subsection (1), any person may at any time apply to the Minister for the revocation or amendment of any water conservation order, and every such application shall state the reasons for the application.
(3)
Upon receipt of an application made under subsection (2), if—
(a)
the Minister is of the opinion that the application should not be rejected but that, by reason of the minor effect of the amendment, it is unnecessary to hold an inquiry; and
(b)
the original applicant for the order (if that person can be located) and the regional council agree to the amendment—
the Minister may recommend that the order be amended, and the Governor-General may, by Order in Council made on the recommendation of the Minister, amend the order accordingly.
(4)
Except as provided in subsection (3), an application made under subsection (2) for the revocation or amendment of a water conservation order shall be dealt with in the same manner as an application for such an order, and sections 201 to 215 shall apply accordingly.
(5)
An order under subsection (3) is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 216(5): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
217 Effect of water conservation order
(1)
No water conservation order shall affect or restrict any resource consent granted or any lawful use established in respect of the water body before the order is made.
(2)
Where a water conservation order is operative, the relevant consent authority—
(a)
shall not grant a water permit, coastal permit, or discharge permit if the grant of that permit would be contrary to any restriction or prohibition or any other provision of the order:
(b)
shall not grant a water permit, a coastal permit, or a discharge permit to discharge water or contaminants into water, unless the grant of any such permit or the combined effect of the grant of any such permit and of existing water permits and discharge permits and existing lawful discharges into the water or taking, use, damming, or diversion of the water is such that the provisions of the water conservation order can remain without change or variation:
(c)
shall, in granting any water permit, coastal permit, or discharge permit to discharge water or contaminants into water, impose such conditions as are necessary to ensure that the provisions of the water conservation order are maintained.
Section 217(2)(a): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 113(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 217(2)(b): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 113(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 217(2)(b): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 113(2)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 217(2)(c): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 113(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Part 9A Freshwater farm plans
Part 9A: inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 64 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
217A Purpose
The purpose of this Part is to better control the adverse effects of farming on freshwater and freshwater ecosystems within specified districts, regions, or parts of New Zealand through the use of freshwater farm plans.
Section 217A: inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 64 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 217A: amended, on 21 August 2025, by section 60 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
217B Interpretation
In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires,—
approved industry organisation means an industry organisation approved under section 217KA
arable land use means the use of land to grow any of the following crops for harvest:
(a)
grain cereal, legumes, or pulse grain:
(b)
herbage seed:
(c)
oilseed:
(d)
maize grain, maize silage, cereal silage, or mangels:
(e)
crops grown for seed multiplication:
(f)
a crop prescribed in regulations made under section 217M(1)(a)
auditor means a person who—
(a)
is appointed under section 217K or by an approved industry organisation; and
(b)
meets the criteria prescribed in regulations made under section 217M(1)(h)
certification and audit services means the services prescribed for the purposes of section 217KA in regulations (if any) prescribed under section 217M
certified freshwater farm plan means a freshwater farm plan certified under section 217G, as amended from time to time in accordance with section 217E(2) or (3)
certifier means a person who—
(a)
is appointed under section 217K or by an approved industry organisation; and
(b)
meets the criteria prescribed in regulations made under section 217M(1)(h)
farm means a farm where all or part of the farm is—
(a)
arable land use; or
(b)
horticultural land use; or
(c)
pastoral land use; or
(d)
other agricultural land use prescribed in regulations made under section 217M(1)(b); or
(e)
any combination of the above
farm operator means the person with ultimate responsibility for the operation of a farm
freshwater farm plan means a freshwater farm plan required under section 217D
horticultural land use means the use of land to grow food or beverage crops for human consumption (other than arable crops), or flowers for commercial supply
pastoral land use means the use of land for the grazing of livestock
regulations means regulations made under section 217M
relevant regional council means the regional council (as defined in section 2) in whose jurisdiction the farm is located
specified instrument means any designation, national environmental standard, national planning standard, regulations made under Part 14, resource consent, rule in a plan, or water conservation order
statutory land use area threshold,—
(a)
in relation to a land use described in any of paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (e) of section 217D(1), means the area specified in that section for that land use:
(b)
in relation to the land use described in section 217D(1)(d), means the area prescribed in regulations made under section 217M for that land use.
Section 217B: inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 64 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 217B approved industry organisation: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 61 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 217B auditor paragraph (a): amended, on 24 August 2023, by section 805(4) of the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (2023 No 46).
Section 217B certifier paragraph (a): amended, on 24 August 2023, by section 805(4) of the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (2023 No 46).
Section 217B certification and audit services: inserted, on 24 August 2023, by section 805(4) of the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (2023 No 46).
Section 217B freshwater farm plan: inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 61 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 217B statutory land use area threshold: inserted, on 24 August 2023, by section 805(4) of the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (2023 No 46).
217C Application of this Part
(1)
This Part applies only—
(a)
to a region, district, or part of New Zealand specified in an Order in Council under this section; and
(b)
on and from the date specified in the Order in Council (but see section 217CA, which relates to when this Part ceases to apply).
(2)
The Governor-General may, by Order in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister, determine—
(a)
that this Part applies to a specified district, region, or part of New Zealand; and
(b)
the date on which this Part applies to that district, region, or part of New Zealand.
(2A)
The Governor-General may, by Order in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister, in relation to a region, district, or part of New Zealand to which this Part applies,—
(a)
disapply a statutory land use area threshold; or
(b)
disapply a statutory land use area threshold and prescribe a higher land use area threshold in its place.
(3)
Before making a recommendation under subsection (2) or (2A), the Minister must—
(a)
be satisfied that regulations are necessary to achieve the purpose of this Part in the specified district, region, or part of New Zealand; and
(b)
consult the Minister of Agriculture.
(4)
An order under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 217C: inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 64 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 217C(1)(b): amended, on 25 October 2024, by section 25 of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
Section 217C(2A): inserted, on 24 August 2023, by section 805(4) of the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (2023 No 46).
Section 217C(3): amended, on 24 August 2023, by section 805(4) of the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (2023 No 46).
Section 217C(4): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
217CA When this Part ceases to apply
(1)
The Governor-General may, by Order in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister, amend an Order in Council under section 217C to—
(a)
cease the application of this Part to a district, region, or part of New Zealand specified in that Order in Council; and
(b)
provide for the date on which this Part ceases to apply to the specified district, region, or part of New Zealand.
(2)
Before making a recommendation under subsection (1), the Minister must—
(a)
be satisfied that regulations are no longer necessary to achieve the purpose of this Part in the specified district, region, or part of New Zealand; and
(b)
consult the Minister of Agriculture.
(3)
An order under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 217CA: inserted, on 25 October 2024, by section 26 of the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 43).
217D Farm must have freshwater farm plan if it meets land use threshold
(1)
A farm must have a freshwater farm plan if—
(a)
50 or more hectares of the farm is pastoral, arable, or mixed land use; or
(b)
50 or more hectares of the farm is viticultural or orcharding land use; or
(c)
5 or more hectares of the farm is horticultural land use other than viticultural or orcharding land use; or
(d)
a prescribed area of the farm is other agricultural land use prescribed in regulations made under section 217M(1)(b); or
(e)
the farm holds a Dairy Supply Number.
(1A)
However,—
(a)
if an order made under section 217C(2A)(a) disapplies a statutory land use area threshold, a farm is not subject to that threshold; and
(b)
if an order made under section 217C(2A)(b) disapplies a statutory land use area threshold and prescribes a higher land use area threshold in its place, a farm is subject to the higher threshold.
(2)
A freshwater farm plan applies to the entire farm.
Section 217D: inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 64 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 217D heading: amended, on 21 August 2025, by section 62(1) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 217D(1): replaced, on 21 August 2025, by section 62(2) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 217D(1A): inserted, on 24 August 2023, by section 805(4) of the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (2023 No 46).
Section 217D(2): amended, on 21 August 2025, by section 62(3) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
217E Main duties of farm operators
(1AAA)
A farm operator who is required to have a freshwater farm plan must submit the plan for certification if—
(a)
the farm is undertaking activities identified in activity-based criteria prescribed in regulations; or
(b)
the farm is located in a catchment prescribed in regulations; or
(c)
the operator is required to submit the freshwater farm plan for certification to meet other regulatory requirements.
(1)
A farm operator of a farm that is required to have a freshwater farm plan must—
(a)
prepare a freshwater farm plan in accordance with this Part and regulations; and
(b)
[Repealed](c)
ensure that the farm operates in compliance with the freshwater farm plan; and
(d)
arrange for the farm to be audited in accordance with this Part and regulations for compliance with the freshwater farm plan.
(2)
A farm operator must keep the certified freshwater farm plan fit for purpose by—
(a)
amending the plan as necessary to reflect any changes in the farm; and
(b)
amending the plan as necessary to comply with this Part and regulations.
(3)
A farm operator must amend and recertify a certified freshwater farm plan if any circumstances prescribed by regulations apply.
(4)
A farm operator must comply with the same freshwater farm plan certification requirements under this Act as a farm operator referred to in subsection (1AAA) if—
(a)
the farm operator is not required under subsection (1AAA) to have the farm’s freshwater farm plan certified; but
(b)
the farm operator chooses to have the farm’s freshwater farm plan certified.
Section 217E: inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 64 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 217E(1AAA): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 63(1) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 217E(1): amended, on 21 August 2025, by section 63(2) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 217E(1)(b): repealed, on 21 August 2025, by section 63(3) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 217E(4): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 63(4) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
217F Contents of freshwater farm plan
A freshwater farm plan must—
(a)
identify any adverse effects of activities carried out on the farm on freshwater and freshwater ecosystems; and
(b)
specify requirements that—
(i)
are appropriate for the purpose of avoiding, remedying, or mitigating the adverse effects of those activities on freshwater and freshwater ecosystems; and
(ii)
are clear and measurable; and
(c)
demonstrate how any outcomes prescribed in regulations are to be achieved; and
(d)
comply with any other requirements in regulations; and
(e)
comply with section 217L.
Section 217F: inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 64 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
217G Certification of freshwater farm plan
(1)
A farm operator who must, under section 217E(1AAA), submit a freshwater farm plan for certification must do so within the prescribed time frame.
(2)
The certifier must certify a freshwater farm plan if the certifier is satisfied that the plan complies with the requirements in section 217F.
(3)
The certifier must, as soon as practicable, notify the relevant regional council—
(a)
that the freshwater farm plan has been certified; and
(b)
the date on which it was certified.
(4)
This section applies, with any necessary modifications, to a certified freshwater farm plan that is required by regulations to be amended and recertified.
Section 217G: inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 64 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 217G(1): replaced, on 21 August 2025, by section 64 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
217H Audit of farm for compliance with freshwater farm plan
(1)
A farm operator must—
(a)
arrange, within the prescribed time frame, for an auditor to audit the farm for compliance with the freshwater farm plan; and
(b)
arrange for further audits to be carried out at the frequency required by regulations.
(2)
The audit must be completed in the manner prescribed in regulations.
(3)
The farm operator must provide the auditor with reasonable access to the farm (or any part of it) for the purpose of any audit inspection.
(4)
[Repealed](5)
[Repealed]Section 217H: inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 64 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 217H heading: amended, on 21 August 2025, by section 65(1) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 217H(1)(a): amended, on 21 August 2025, by section 65(2) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 217H(3): replaced, on 21 August 2025, by section 65(3) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 217H(4): repealed, on 21 August 2025, by section 65(3) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 217H(5): repealed, on 21 August 2025, by section 65(3) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
217I Functions of regional councils
(1)
For the purposes of this Part, a regional council has the following functions:
(a)
to enforce the observance of the requirements of this Part and regulations to the extent that its powers under this Act enable it to do so; and
(b)
to monitor compliance by farm operators with their duties under this Part and with any requirements in regulations; and
(c)
to receive notifications of freshwater farm plans that have been certified; and
(ca)
to appoint certifiers and auditors under section 217K; and
(d)
to receive audit reports and related notifications from auditors; and
(e)
to monitor the delivery of certification or audit services, or both, by approved industry organisations in the council’s region for compliance with this Part and with any applicable requirements prescribed in regulations.
(2)
A regional council may do all or any of the following:
(a)
require a farm operator to produce a freshwater farm plan for inspection:
(b)
require information from an approved industry organisation that the council considers reasonably necessary for carrying out its functions under this section:
(c)
notify the Minister of any significant or persistent concerns regarding the performance under this Part of an approved industry organisation operating in the council’s region, including concerns arising in the course of the council’s exercise of its functions under subsection (1)(e).
Section 217I: inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 64 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 217I(1)(a): amended, on 21 August 2025, by section 66(1)(a) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 217I(1)(a): amended, on 21 August 2025, by section 66(1)(b) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 217I(1)(ca): inserted, on 24 August 2023, by section 805(4) of the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (2023 No 46).
Section 217I(1)(e): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 66(2) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 217I(2): replaced, on 21 August 2025, by section 66(3) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
217J Records that must be kept by regional council
A regional council must keep and maintain, in relation to each farm in its jurisdiction, a record of—
(a)
the date that each farm that is required under section 217D(1) to have a freshwater farm plan was last audited for compliance with the plan; and
(b)
if the farm’s freshwater farm plan is required under section 217E(1AAA) or (4) to be certified,—
(i)
whether the farm’s freshwater farm plan is certified; and
(ii)
if the farm’s freshwater farm plan is certified, the date the plan was last certified; and
(c)
[Repealed](d)
any other information required by regulations.
Section 217J: inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 64 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 217J(a): replaced, on 21 August 2025, by section 67 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 217J(b): replaced, on 21 August 2025, by section 67 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 217J(c): repealed, on 21 August 2025, by section 67 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
217K Regional council must appoint certifiers and auditors
(1)
A regional council must—
(a)
appoint 1 or more certifiers; and
(b)
appoint 1 or more auditors.
(2)
A regional council may make an appointment under this section only if satisfied that criteria prescribed in regulations have been met.
Section 217K: inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 64 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
217KA Minister may approve industry organisation to provide certification or audit services
(1)
The Minister may, on application, approve an industry organisation to provide certification or audit services, or both, under this Part to its members—
(a)
if the Minister is satisfied that the organisation meets any applicable eligibility requirements prescribed in regulations; and
(b)
after consulting regional councils and the Minister of Agriculture.
(2)
An approved industry organisation may appoint certifiers or auditors if it is satisfied that the applicable requirements have been met as prescribed in regulations.
(3)
The Minister may revoke an industry organisation’s approval—
(a)
if the Minister is satisfied that the applicable requirements for revocation have been met, as prescribed in regulations; and
(b)
after consulting regional councils, the Minister of Agriculture, and the industry organisation.
(4)
An approval or a revocation of approval of an industry organisation may apply either nationally or in respect of 1 or more regions.
(5)
Any appointment of certifiers or auditors that was made by an approved industry organisation under subsection (2) ceases to the extent that the industry organisation’s approval is revoked under subsection (3).
(6)
The Minister may request from an industry organisation information that the Minister considers reasonably necessary before deciding to approve the organisation or revoke its approval.
Section 217KA: replaced, on 21 August 2025, by section 68 of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
217L Relationship between freshwater farm plan and specified instruments
(1)
A freshwater farm plan may contain a requirement that—
(a)
relates to an activity carried out on the farm (an activity) even if there is no similar requirement relating to that activity in a provision of a specified instrument:
(b)
restricts an activity more than a provision of a specified instrument.
(2)
However, if a provision of a specified instrument restricts an activity more than a requirement of a freshwater farm plan, the provision of the specified instrument prevails.
(3)
To avoid doubt, compliance with a requirement of a certified freshwater farm plan—
(a)
does not of itself authorise a person to undertake an activity:
(b)
may be specified or included as a requirement or condition in any specified instrument relating to an activity.
Section 217L: inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 64 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 217L heading: amended, on 21 August 2025, by section 69(1) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 217L(1): amended, on 21 August 2025, by section 69(2) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
217M Regulations relating to freshwater farm plans
(1)
The Governor-General may, by Order in Council made on the recommendation of the Minister after consulting the Minister of Agriculture, make regulations that—
(a)
prescribe crops for the purpose of the definition of arable land use in section 217B:
(b)
prescribe agricultural land uses for the purpose of the definition of farm in section 217B:
(c)
prescribe the area of land described in section 217D(1)(d) (in relation to agricultural land use prescribed under paragraph (b)):
(ca)
prescribe the kinds of farm activities or catchments in respect of which a certified freshwater farm plan is required:
(d)
provide for the content of a freshwater farm plan, including (without limitation) specifying—
(i)
any requirements, including any actions, criteria, methods, or thresholds for the purpose of identifying, measuring, avoiding, remedying, or mitigating any adverse effects of activities carried out on the farm on freshwater and freshwater ecosystems; and
(ii)
outcomes that must be achieved for the purpose of avoiding, remedying, or mitigating those adverse effects on freshwater and freshwater ecosystems; and
(iii)
any other information that must be included in the plan for the purpose of this Part:
(e)
provide for the form and manner in which a freshwater farm plan that must be certified is certified, including (without limitation) prescribing—
(i)
time frames that must be complied with by the farm operator and certifier; and
(ii)
any fees payable by the farm operator or the manner of calculating those fees:
(f)
prescribe the circumstances in which a certified freshwater farm plan must be amended and recertified:
(fa)
prescribe requirements that must be met for the approval of industry organisations under section 217KA or the revocation of their approval, including any further obligations for approved industry organisations:
(g)
provide for the form and manner in which a farm must be audited for compliance with a freshwater farm plan, including (without limitation) prescribing—
(i)
the time frame by which a farm must be audited; and
(ii)
the frequency at which those audits must be carried out; and
(iii)
[Repealed](iv)
the period after which the auditor must provide their final report; and
(v)
any matters that an auditor must take into account when considering whether the farm achieves compliance with the freshwater farm plan; and
(va)
the information that the farm operator must provide to the auditor for the purpose of the audit; and
(vi)
any fees payable by the farm operator or the manner of calculating those fees:
(h)
prescribe criteria that apply to the appointment of a person as an auditor or certifier and their continuation in that role:
(i)
require auditors, certifiers, and farm operators to supply prescribed information to regional councils for the purpose of section 217I:
(j)
prescribe information that a regional council must keep in relation to farms in its jurisdiction:
(k)
prescribe infringement offences for the contravention of, or non-compliance with, a provision of this Part or of any regulations made under this section:
(l)
provide for any other matters that are contemplated by, or necessary for giving full effect to, this Part and for its due administration.
(2)
Regulations under this section may apply generally or to specified districts, regions, or parts of New Zealand.
(2A)
Regulations under this section may apply to all certifiers or auditors generally, or may apply only to certifiers and auditors appointed—
(a)
by a regional council under section 217K(1); or
(b)
by an approved industry organisation under section 217KA(2).
(3)
Regulations under this section may incorporate material by reference under Schedule 1AA (which applies as if references in that schedule to a national environmental standard, national policy statement, or New Zealand coastal policy statement were references to regulations under this section).
(4)
Regulations under this section are secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 217M: inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 64 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 217M(1)(ca): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 70(1) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 217M(1)(e): amended, on 21 August 2025, by section 70(2) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 217M(1)(fa): inserted, on 24 August 2023, by section 805(4) of the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (2023 No 46).
Section 217M(1)(fa): amended, on 21 August 2025, by section 70(3) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 217M(1)(g): amended, on 21 August 2025, by section 70(4) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 217M(1)(g)(iii): repealed, on 21 August 2025, by section 70(5) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 217M(1)(g)(iv): amended, on 21 August 2025, by section 70(6) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 217M(1)(g)(v): amended, on 21 August 2025, by section 70(7) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 217M(1)(g)(va): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 70(8) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 217M(2A): inserted, on 21 August 2025, by section 70(9) of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 41).
Section 217M(4): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Part 9B Effect of nitrogenous fertiliser on freshwater quality and freshwater ecosystems
Part 9B: inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 64 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
217N Purpose of this Part
The purpose of this Part is to enable better monitoring of the actions being taken to improve freshwater quality and freshwater ecosystems, through the collection of sales information on nitrogenous fertiliser to inform freshwater management and planning under this Act.
Section 217N: inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 64 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
217O Nitrogenous fertiliser defined
In this Part, nitrogenous fertiliser means fertiliser containing any nitrogenous substance (whether solid or fluid in form) applied to plants or soil as a source of nitrogen nutrition for plants, and with more than 5% of nitrogen weight for weight.
Section 217O: inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 64 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
217P Obligation to comply with regulations
If regulations made under section 217Q are in force, a person of a class specified in regulations must comply with any requirements in regulations relating to—
(a)
the collection of information relating to or arising from the sale and purchase of nitrogenous fertiliser; and
(b)
the provision of that information to the EPA, a regional council, a specified agency, or a specified person or class of persons.
Section 217P: inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 64 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
217Q Regulations relating to sales information on nitrogenous fertiliser
(1)
The Governor-General may, by Order in Council made on the recommendation of the Minister after consulting the Minister of Agriculture, make regulations that—
(a)
require persons of a specified class to collect any of the following information relating to or arising from the sale and purchase of nitrogenous fertiliser:
(i)
the date of purchase:
(ii)
where the purchase took place:
(iii)
the name of the seller:
(iv)
the name of the purchaser:
(v)
the type of fertiliser purchased:
(vi)
the volume of fertiliser purchased:
(vii)
where the fertiliser is intended to be applied; and
(b)
prescribe how the information is to be collected; and
(c)
require persons who are required under paragraph (a) to collect the information to provide it to any 1 or more of the following:
(i)
the EPA:
(ii)
a regional council:
(iii)
a specified person or class of persons:
(iv)
a specified agency; and
(d)
specify the manner in which, and the frequency at which, that information is to be provided; and
(e)
allow the collection of personal information of a purchaser only if their purchase exceeds a prescribed volume of nitrogenous fertiliser.
(2)
Regulations under this section are secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 217Q: inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 64 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 217Q(2): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Part 10 Subdivision and reclamations
218 Meaning of subdivision of land
(1)
In this Act, the term subdivision of land means—
(a)
the division of an allotment—
(i)
by an application to the Registrar-General of Land for the issue of a separate record of title for any part of the allotment; or
(ii)
by the disposition by way of sale or offer for sale of the fee simple to part of the allotment; or
(iii)
by a lease of part of the allotment which, including renewals, is or could be for a term of more than 35 years; or
(iv)
by the grant of a company lease or cross lease in respect of any part of the allotment; or
(v)
by the deposit of a unit plan, or an application to the Registrar-General of Land for the issue of a separate record of title for any part of a unit on a unit plan; or
(b)
an application to the Registrar-General of Land for the issue of a separate record of title in circumstances where the issue of that record of title is prohibited by section 226,—
and the term subdivide land has a corresponding meaning.
(2)
In this Act, the term allotment means—
(a)
any parcel of land under the Land Transfer Act 2017 that is a continuous area and whose boundaries are shown separately on a survey plan, whether or not—
(i)
the subdivision shown on the survey plan has been allowed, or subdivision approval has been granted, under another Act; or
(ii)
a subdivision consent for the subdivision shown on the survey plan has been granted under this Act; or
(b)
any parcel of land or building or part of a building that is shown or identified separately—
(i)
on a survey plan; or
(ii)
on a licence within the meaning of subpart 6 of Part 3 of the Land Transfer Act 2017; or
(c)
any unit on a unit plan; or
(d)
any parcel of land not subject to the Land Transfer Act 2017.
(3)
For the purposes of subsection (2), an allotment that is—
(a)
subject to the Land Transfer Act 2017 and is comprised in 1 record of title or for which 1 record of title could be issued under that Act; or
(b)
not subject to that Act and was acquired by its owner under 1 instrument of conveyance—
shall be deemed to be a continuous area of land notwithstanding that part of it is physically separated from any other part by a road or in any other manner whatsoever, unless the division of the allotment into such parts has been allowed by a subdivision consent granted under this Act or by a subdivisional approval under any former enactment relating to the subdivision of land.
(4)
For the purposes of subsection (2), the balance of any land from which any allotment is being or has been subdivided is deemed to be an allotment.
Section 218(1)(a)(i): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 218(1)(a)(i): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 218(1)(a)(iii): replaced, on 1 August 2003, by section 69 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 218(1)(a)(v): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 218(1)(a)(v): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 218(1)(a)(v): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 114(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 218(1)(b): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 218(1)(b): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 218(2)(a): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 218(2)(b)(ii): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 218(2)(d): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 218(3)(a): replaced, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 218(4): inserted, on 17 December 1997, by section 39 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
219 Information to accompany applications for subdivision consents
[Repealed]Section 219: repealed, on 1 August 2003, by section 70 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
220 Condition of subdivision consents
(1)
Without limiting section 108 or any provision in this Part, the conditions on which a subdivision consent may be granted may include any 1 or more of the following:
(a)
where an esplanade strip is required under section 230, a condition specifying the provisions to be included in the instrument creating the esplanade strip under section 232:
(aa)
a condition requiring an esplanade reserve to be set aside in accordance with section 236:
(ab)
a condition requiring the vesting of ownership of land in the coastal marine area or the bed of a lake or river in accordance with section 237A:
(ac)
a condition waiving the requirement for, or reducing the width of, an esplanade reserve or esplanade strip in accordance with section 230 or section 405A:
(b)
subject to subsection (2), a condition that any specified part or parts of the land being subdivided or any other adjoining land of the subdividing owner be—
(i)
transferred to the owner of any other adjoining land and amalgamated with that land or any part thereof; or
(ii)
amalgamated, where the specified parts are adjoining; or
(iii)
amalgamated, whether the specified parts are adjoining or not, for any purpose specified in a district plan or necessary to comply with any requirement of the district plan; or
(iv)
held in the same ownership, or by tenancy-in-common in the same ownership, for the purpose of providing legal access or part of the legal access to any proposed allotment or allotments in the subdivision:
(c)
a condition that any allotment be subject to a requirement as to the bulk, height, location, foundations, or height of floor levels of any structure on the allotments:
(d)
a condition that provision be made to the satisfaction of the territorial authority for the protection of the land or any part thereof, or of any land not forming part of the subdivision, against natural hazards from any source (being, in the case of land not forming part of the subdivision, natural hazards arising or likely to arise as a result of the subdividing of the land the subject of the subdivision consent):
(e)
a condition that filling and compaction of the land and earthworks be carried out to the satisfaction of the territorial authority:
(f)
a condition requiring that any easements be duly granted or reserved:
(g)
a condition requiring that any existing easements in respect of which the land is the dominant tenement and which the territorial authority considers to be redundant, be extinguished, or be extinguished in relation to any specified allotment or allotments.
(2)
For the purposes of subsection (1)(b)—
(a)
where any condition requires land to be amalgamated, the territorial authority shall, subject to subsection (3), specify (as part of that condition) that such land be held in 1 record of title or be subject to a covenant entered into between the owner of the land and the territorial authority that any specified part or parts of the land shall not, without the consent of the territorial authority, be transferred, leased, or otherwise disposed of except in conjunction with other land; and
(b)
land shall be regarded as adjoining other land notwithstanding that it is separated from the other land only by a road, railway, drain, water race, river, or stream.
(3)
Before deciding to grant a subdivision consent on a condition described in subsection (1)(b), the territorial authority shall consult with the Registrar-General of Land as to the practicality of that condition. If the Registrar-General of Land advises the territorial authority that it is not practical to impose a particular condition, the territorial authority shall not grant a subdivision consent subject to that condition, but may if it thinks fit grant a subdivision consent subject to such other conditions under subsection (1)(b) which the Registrar-General of Land advises are practical in the circumstances.
Section 220(1)(a): replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 116 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 220(1)(aa): inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 116 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 220(1)(ab): inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 116 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 220(1)(ac): inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 116 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 220(1)(d): amended, on 18 October 2017, by section 164(a) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 220(1)(d): amended, on 18 October 2017, by section 164(b) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 220(2)(a): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 220(3): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
221 Territorial authority to issue a consent notice
(1)
Where a subdivision consent is granted subject to a condition to be complied with on a continuing basis by the subdividing owner and subsequent owners after the deposit of a survey plan (not being a condition in respect of which a bond is required to be entered into by the subdividing owner, or a completion certificate is capable of being or has been issued), the territorial authority shall, for the purposes of section 224, issue a consent notice specifying any such condition.
(2)
Every consent notice must be signed by a person authorised by the territorial authority to sign consent notices.
(3)
At any time after the deposit of the survey plan,—
(a)
the owner may apply to a territorial authority to vary or cancel any condition specified in a consent notice:
(b)
the territorial authority may review any condition specified in a consent notice and vary or cancel the condition.
(3A)
Sections 88 to 121 and 127(4) to 132 apply, with all necessary modifications, in relation to an application made or review conducted under subsection (3).
(4)
Every consent notice shall be deemed—
(a)
to be an instrument creating an interest in the land within the meaning of section 51 of the Land Transfer Act 2017, and may be registered accordingly; and
(b)
to be a covenant running with the land when registered under the Land Transfer Act 2017, and shall, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in section 103 of the Land Transfer Act 2017, bind all subsequent owners of the land.
(5)
Where a consent notice has been registered under the Land Transfer Act 2017 and any condition in that notice has been varied or cancelled after an application or review under subsection (3) or has expired, the Registrar-General of Land shall, if he or she is satisfied that any condition in that notice has been so varied or cancelled or has expired, make an entry in the register and on any relevant instrument of title noting that the consent notice has been varied or cancelled or has expired, and the condition in the consent notice shall take effect as so varied or cease to have any effect, as the case may be.
Section 221(2): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 123 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 221(3): replaced, on 10 August 2005, by section 92(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 221(3A): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 92(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 221(4)(a): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 221(4)(b): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 221(5): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 221(5): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 221(5): amended, on 10 August 2005, by section 92(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
222 Completion certificates
(1)
Where under this Part, compliance with a condition of a subdivision consent is dependent on the completion by the owner of any work required by the territorial authority or on the making of a financial contribution (as defined in section 108(9)), the territorial authority may, for the purposes of section 224, issue a certificate to the effect that the owner has entered into a bond binding the owner to carry out and complete the work or make the financial contribution (as the case may be) to the satisfaction of the territorial authority within such period as the territorial authority may specify.
(2)
The territorial authority may from time to time extend any period specified by it under subsection (1), but any such extension shall not affect any security given for the performance of the bond.
(3)
The territorial authority may exercise all of the powers conferred upon a consent authority by section 108A as if the bond entered into under this section had been required as a condition of a subdivision consent.
(4)
The provisions of section 109 shall apply as if the bond entered into under this section had been required as a condition of a subdivision consent.
(5)
In this section, the term work includes anything, whether in the nature of works or otherwise, required by the territorial authority to be done by the owner as a condition of a subdivision consent; but does not include contributions of money or land (including esplanade reserves and esplanade strips) as a condition of a subdivision consent.
Section 222(1): amended, on 17 December 1997, by section 40(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 222(1): amended, on 17 December 1997, by section 40(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 222(3): amended, on 1 August 2003, by section 95 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 222(5): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 117 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Approval and deposit of survey plans
223 Approval of survey plan by territorial authority
(1)
An owner of any land may submit to a territorial authority for its approval, a survey plan in respect of that land if—
(a)
a subdivision consent has been obtained for the subdivision to which the survey plan relates, and that consent has not lapsed; or
(b)
a certificate of compliance has been obtained, and that certificate has not lapsed.
(1A)
Within 10 working days after receiving a survey plan submitted to it under subsection (1), a territorial authority must either—
(a)
approve the survey plan; or
(b)
decline the survey plan.
(2)
Subject to sections 237, 237A, 240, 241, and 243, a territorial authority shall approve a survey plan submitted to it under subsection (1) if it is satisfied that,—
(a)
where a subdivision consent has been obtained, the survey plan conforms with the subdivision consent; or
(b)
where a certificate of compliance has been obtained, the survey plan conforms with the certificate of compliance.
(3)
The chief executive or an authorised officer of the territorial authority must certify that a survey plan has been approved under this section.
(4)
A certification under subsection (3) may be made either—
(a)
by signing the plan or a copy of it; or
(b)
by any other means that—
(i)
identifies the person giving the certification and links the certificate to the survey plan; and
(ii)
is as reliable as is appropriate to the purposes of this section.
(5)
A certificate under subsection (3) is conclusive evidence that all roads, private roads, reserves, land vested in the authority in lieu of reserves, and private ways shown on the survey plan have been authorised and accepted by the territorial authority under this Act and under the Local Government Act 1974.
(6)
Nothing in subsection (3) affects any obligation of the subdividing owner under any condition of a subdivision consent or bond entered into relating to the subdivision.
Section 223(1A): inserted, on 1 August 2003, by section 71 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 223(2): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 118 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 223(3): replaced, on 1 June 2002, by section 65(4) of the Land Transfer (Computer Registers and Electronic Lodgement) Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 11).
Section 223(3): amended, on 1 July 2003, by section 262 of the Local Government Act 2002 (2002 No 84).
Section 223(4): replaced, on 1 June 2002, by section 65(4) of the Land Transfer (Computer Registers and Electronic Lodgement) Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 11).
Section 223(5): inserted, on 1 June 2002, by section 65(4) of the Land Transfer (Computer Registers and Electronic Lodgement) Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 11).
Section 223(6): inserted, on 1 June 2002, by section 65(4) of the Land Transfer (Computer Registers and Electronic Lodgement) Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 11).
224 Restrictions upon deposit of survey plan
No survey plan shall be deposited for the purposes of section 11(1)(a)(i) or (iii) unless—
(a)
[Repealed](b)
where land shown on the survey plan will vest in the Crown or a territorial authority, there is endorsed on the survey plan or deposited with the Registrar-General of Land, written consent to the subdivision given by—
(i)
in the case of land subject to the Land Transfer Act 2017, every registered owner of an interest, including any encumbrance, in the land; or
(ii)
in the case of land not subject to that Act, every person having an interest, including any encumbrance, in the land that is evidenced by an instrument registered under the Deeds Registration Act 1908; and
(c)
there is lodged with the Registrar-General of Land a certificate signed by the chief executive or other authorised officer of the territorial authority stating that it has approved the survey plan under section 223 (which approval states the date of the approval), and all or any of the conditions of the subdivision consent have been complied with to the satisfaction of the territorial authority and that in respect of such conditions that have not been complied with—
(i)
a completion certificate has been issued in relation to such of the conditions to which section 222 applies:
(ii)
a consent notice has been issued in relation to such of the conditions to which section 221 applies:
(iii)
a bond has been entered into by the subdividing owner in compliance with any condition of a subdivision consent imposed under section 108(2)(b); and
(d)
there is lodged for registration with the Registrar-General of Land a consent notice in respect of any conditions of a kind referred to in paragraph (c)(ii); and
(e)
in relation to any unit plan, the requirements of the Unit Titles Act 2010 relating to the deposit of a unit plan have been complied with; and
(f)
in the case of a subdivision of land to be effected by the grant of a cross lease or company lease, or by the deposit of a unit plan, the territorial authority is satisfied on reasonable grounds that every existing building or part of an existing building (including any building or part thereof under construction) to which the cross lease, company lease, or unit title plan relates complies with or will comply with the provisions of the building code described in section 116A of the Building Act 2004, and a certificate signed by a person authorised by the territorial authority to sign such certificates is lodged with the Registrar-General of Land; and
(g)
where land is shown upon the survey plan to be subject to an esplanade strip, there is lodged for registration with the Registrar-General of Land an instrument creating that strip; and
(h)
less than 3 years has elapsed since the territorial authority approved the plan under section 223.
Section 224: amended, on 21 December 2021, by section 14 of the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 59).
Section 224: amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 124(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 224(a): repealed, on 1 June 2002, by section 65(4) of the Land Transfer (Computer Registers and Electronic Lodgement) Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 11).
Section 224(b): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 224(b)(i): replaced, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 224(b)(ii): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 119(1)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 224(c): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 224(c): amended, on 1 July 2003, by section 262 of the Local Government Act 2002 (2002 No 84).
Section 224(c): amended, on 1 June 2002, by section 65(4) of the Land Transfer (Computer Registers and Electronic Lodgement) Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 11).
Section 224(c): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 119(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 224(c)(iii): amended, on 17 December 1997, by section 42(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 224(d): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 224(d): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 119(2)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 224(e): amended, on 20 June 2011, by section 233(1) of the Unit Titles Act 2010 (2010 No 22).
Section 224(e): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 119(2)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 224(f): replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 119(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 224(f): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 124(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 224(f): amended, on 14 April 2005, by section 14(2) of the Building Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 31).
Section 224(f): amended, on 31 March 2005, by section 414 of the Building Act 2004 (2004 No 72).
Section 224(f): amended, on 17 December 1997, by section 42(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 224(g): inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 119(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 224(g): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 224(g): amended, on 1 June 2002, by section 65(4) of the Land Transfer (Computer Registers and Electronic Lodgement) Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 11).
Section 224(h): inserted, on 1 June 2002, by section 65(4) of the Land Transfer (Computer Registers and Electronic Lodgement) Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 11).
225 Agreement to sell land or building before deposit of plan
(1)
Any agreement to sell any land or any building or part of any building that constitutes a subdivision and is made before the appropriate survey plan is approved under section 223, shall be deemed to be made subject to a condition that the survey plan will be deposited under the Land Transfer Act 2017 or in the Deeds Register Office, as the case may be; and no such agreement is illegal or void by reason that it was entered into before the survey plan was deposited.
(2)
Subject to subsection (1), any agreement to sell any allotment in a proposed subdivision made before the appropriate survey plan is approved under section 223 shall be deemed to be made subject to the following conditions:
(a)
that the purchaser may, by notice in writing to the vendor, cancel the agreement at any time before the end of 14 days after the date of the making of the agreement:
(b)
that the purchaser may, at any time after the expiration of 2 years after the date of granting of the resource consent or 1 year after the date of the agreement, whichever is the later, by notice in writing to the vendor, rescind the contract if the vendor has not made reasonable progress towards submitting a survey plan to the territorial authority for its approval or has not deposited the survey plan within a reasonable time after the date of its approval.
(3)
An agreement may be rescinded under subsection (2) notwithstanding that the parties cannot be restored to the position that they were in immediately before the agreement was made, and in any such case the rights and obligations of each party shall, in the absence of agreement between the parties, be as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Section 225(1): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
226 Restrictions upon issue of certificates of title for subdivision
(1)
The Registrar-General of Land shall not issue a record of title for any land that is shown as a separate allotment on a survey plan (being a record of title issued to give effect to the subdivision shown on that survey plan), unless he or she is satisfied, after due inquiry, that—
(a)
the plan has been deposited in accordance with section 224 or has been approved by the Chief Surveyor for the purposes of section 228 and the provisions of section 228(2) have been complied with; or
(b)
the plan has been deposited in accordance with section 306 of the Local Government Act 1974 or was a Crown plan to which section 306(7) of the Local Government Act 1974 applied; or
(ba)
the plan has been approved under Part 25 of the Municipal Corporations Act 1954; or
(bb)
the plan has been approved under Part 2 of the Counties Amendment Act 1961; or
(bc)
the plan did not require the approval of the Council under Part 2 of the Counties Amendment Act 1961 and was deposited under the Land Transfer Act 2017 after the said Part 2 came into force; or
(c)
the plan has been deposited in accordance with the Unit Titles Act 2010; or
(d)
the record of title is issued to enable effect to be given to any agreement for sale and purchase or agreement to lease or other contract to create an interest in land or a building or part of a building made before the commencement of this Act; or
(e)
the territorial authority has given a certificate signed by the principal administrative officer or other authorised officer to the effect—
(i)
that there is no district plan for the area to which the survey plan relates, and that the allotment is in accordance with the requirements and provisions of the proposed district plan; or
(ii)
that the allotment is in accordance with the requirements and provisions of the district plan and the proposed district plan (if any) for the area to which the survey plan relates; or
(iii)
that the allotment is in accordance with a permission or permissions granted under Part 2 or Part 4 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1977.
(2)
Nothing in section 11 shall apply to the issue of a record of title pursuant to subsection (1).
Section 226 heading: amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 120 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 226(1): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 226(1): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 226(1)(ba): inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 120 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 226(1)(bb): inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 120 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 226(1)(bc): inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 120 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 226(1)(bc): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 226(1)(c): amended, on 20 June 2011, by section 233(1) of the Unit Titles Act 2010 (2010 No 22).
Section 226(1)(d): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 226(1)(e): amended, on 1 August 2003, by section 72 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 226(2): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
226A Savings in respect of cross leases, company leases, and retirement village leases
(1)
Nothing in section 11 or this Part shall apply—
(a)
to the registration of a memorandum of cross lease or company lease, in renewal or in substitution for a cross lease or company lease, and the issue of a record of title therefor in respect of a building or part of a building shown on a plan—
(i)
deposited or lodged in the land registry office for cross lease or company lease purposes before the commencement of this Act; or
(ii)
to which paragraph (b) or paragraph (c) of section 408(1) applies; or
(b)
to the registration of a lease of a residence within retirement village premises shown on a plan deposited before the commencement of this Act or the issue of a certificate of title therefor; or
(c)
to the renewal or substitution of a company lease in respect of a building or part of a building if the original company lease was in existence before the commencement of this Act (whether or not the renewal or substitution is part of the original company lease or a subsequent company lease).
(2)
The Registrar-General of Land shall not register a lease or issue a record of title for a residence within retirement village premises, in respect of a plan deposited before the commencement of this Act, unless a certificate is endorsed on the lease instrument, and signed by the lessor or by a Solicitor of the High Court, that subsection (1)(b) applies.
(3)
For the purposes of this section, retirement village premises means premises (including any land and associated buildings) within a complex of premises for occupation as residences predominantly by persons who are retired and any spouses or partners of such persons.
Section 226A: inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 121 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 226A(1)(a): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 226A(1)(b): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 226A(1)(c): inserted, on 1 August 2003, by section 73 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 226A(2): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 226A(2): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
227 Cancellation of prior approvals
(1)
Where—
(a)
before or after the date of commencement of this Act, a survey plan has been deposited under the Land Transfer Act 2017 or under any other authority or in the Deeds Register Office; and
(b)
a survey plan of the same land is deposited in accordance with section 224,—
the approval given to the first-mentioned survey plan on or before the date of deposit of the second-mentioned survey plan shall, except as to conditions to which sections 221, and 243 or the equivalent provisions of any former enactment apply,—
(c)
be deemed to be cancelled; or
(d)
where the land in the second-mentioned survey plan is part only of the land in the first-mentioned survey plan, be deemed to be cancelled so far as it relates to the land in the second-mentioned survey plan.
(2)
Subsection (1) does not apply to the deposit of a unit plan, or to a survey plan which gives effect to the grant of a lease to which section 218(1)(a)(iii) applies, or a cross lease or company lease.
Section 227(1): amended, on 17 December 1997, by section 43 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 227(1)(a): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 227(2): inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 122 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
228 Subdivision by the Crown
(1)
Where a survey plan of a subdivision by or on behalf of a Minister of the Crown of land not subject to the Land Transfer Act 2017 has been approved by a territorial authority under section 223,—
(a)
subject to subsection (2), the approval by the Chief Surveyor of the land district in which the land is situated of the survey plan of the subdivision has legal effect as if it were the deposit of a survey plan in accordance with section 224; and
(b)
the land is then deemed to be subject to the Land Transfer Act 2017 and, subject to subsection (2), a record of title for the land may be issued by the Registrar-General of Land in the name of the Sovereign at the request of—
(i)
the Director-General of Conservation if the land is a conservation area within the meaning of the Conservation Act 1987, or a reserve under the Reserves Act 1977, or a national park under the National Parks Act 1980, or a wildlife sanctuary or wildlife refuge under the Wildlife Act 1953; or
(ii)
the Surveyor-General or other officer authorised in writing by the Surveyor-General in every other case.
(2)
Section 224 shall apply, with all necessary modifications, to a survey plan to which this section applies and the Registrar-General of Land shall not issue a record of title for any land that is shown as a separate allotment on a survey plan approved by a Chief Surveyor unless section 224 is complied with.
Section 228(1): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 228(1): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 123(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 228(1)(a): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 228(1)(b): editorial change made by the PCO, on 8 August 2024, under sections 86(1) and 87(a) of the Legislation Act 2019 (2019 No 58).
Section 228(1)(b): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 228(1)(b): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 228(1)(b)(i): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 123(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 228(1)(b)(ii): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 123(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 228(2): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 228(2): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Esplanade reserves
229 Purposes of esplanade reserves and esplanade strips
An esplanade reserve or an esplanade strip has 1 or more of the following purposes:
(a)
to contribute to the protection of conservation values by, in particular,—
(i)
maintaining or enhancing the natural functioning of the adjacent sea, river, or lake; or
(ii)
maintaining or enhancing water quality; or
(iii)
maintaining or enhancing aquatic habitats; or
(iv)
protecting the natural values associated with the esplanade reserve or esplanade strip; or
(v)
mitigating natural hazards; or
(b)
to enable public access to or along any sea, river, or lake; or
(c)
to enable public recreational use of the esplanade reserve or esplanade strip and adjacent sea, river, or lake, where the use is compatible with conservation values.
Section 229: replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 124 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
230 Requirement for esplanade reserves or esplanade strips
(1)
For the purposes of sections 77, 229 to 237H, and 405A, the size of any allotment shall be determined before any esplanade reserve or esplanade strip is set aside or created, as the case may be.
(2)
The provisions of sections 229 to 237H shall only apply where section 11(1)(a) applies to the subdivision.
(3)
Except as provided by any rule in a district plan made under section 77(1), or a resource consent which waives, or reduces the width of, the esplanade reserve, where any allotment of less than 4 hectares is created when land is subdivided, an esplanade reserve 20 metres in width shall be set aside from that allotment along the mark of mean high water springs of the sea, and along the bank of any river or along the margin of any lake, as the case may be, and shall vest in accordance with section 231.
(4)
For the purposes of subsection (3), a river means a river whose bed has an average width of 3 metres or more where the river flows through or adjoins an allotment; and a lake means a lake whose bed has an area of 8 hectares or more.
(5)
If any rule made under section 77(2) so requires, but subject to any resource consent which waives, or reduces the width of, the esplanade reserve or esplanade strip, where any allotment of 4 hectares or more is created when land is subdivided, an esplanade reserve or esplanade strip shall be set aside or created from that allotment along the mark of mean high water springs of the sea and along the bank of any river and along the margin of any lake, and shall vest in accordance with section 231 or be created in accordance with section 232, as the case may be.
Section 230: replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 124 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 230(1): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
231 Esplanade reserves to vest on subdivision
(1)
An esplanade reserve required under section 230 or section 236—
(a)
shall be set aside as a local purpose reserve for esplanade purposes under the Reserves Act 1977; and
(b)
shall vest in and be administered by the territorial authority.
(2)
Nothing in this Part shall prevent the change of classification or purpose of an esplanade reserve in accordance with the Reserves Act 1977 or the exercise of any other power under that Act.
(3)
Every survey plan submitted to the territorial authority under section 223 shall show the area of land to be so set aside.
Section 231: replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 124 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
232 Creation of esplanade strips
(1)
An esplanade strip of the width specified in a rule in a district plan made under section 77 may be created for any purpose specified in section 229 by the registration of an instrument between the territorial authority, and the subdividing owner, prepared in accordance with this section.
(2)
Every such instrument shall—
(a)
be in accordance with Schedule 10; and
(b)
be in the prescribed form; and
(c)
be created in favour of the territorial authority; and
(d)
create an interest in land, and may be registered under the Land Transfer Act 2017; and
(e)
when registered with the Registrar-General of Land, run with and bind the land that is subject to the instrument; and
(f)
bind every mortgagee or other person having an interest in the land, without that person’s consent.
(3)
Where an esplanade strip is created, that strip may be closed to public entry under section 237C.
(4)
When deciding under section 220(1)(a) which matters shall be provided for in the instrument, the territorial authority shall consider—
(a)
(b)
any other matters that the territorial authority considers appropriate to include in the instrument.
(5)
When deciding under subsection (4) which provisions (if any) to modify or exclude or what other matters to include, the territorial authority shall consider—
(a)
any relevant rules in the district plan; and
(b)
the provisions and other matters included in any existing instrument for an esplanade strip, or easement for an access strip, in the vicinity; and
(c)
the purpose or purposes of the strip, including the needs of potential users of the strip; and
(d)
the use of the strip and adjoining land by the owner and occupier; and
(e)
the use of the river, lake, or coastal marine area within or adjacent to the strip; and
(f)
the management of any reserve in the vicinity.
Section 232: replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 124 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 232(2)(d): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 232(2)(e): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
233 Effect of change to boundary of esplanade strip
(1)
Where, for any reason, the mark of any mean high water springs or the bank of any river or the margin of any lake alters, and the alteration affects an existing esplanade strip within an allotment, a new esplanade strip coinciding with such alteration shall be deemed to have been created simultaneously with each and every such alteration within the allotment.
(2)
Any instrument creating any existing esplanade strip shall continue in existence and shall apply to a new esplanade strip created under subsection (1) without alteration, except as to location of the strip.
(3)
Every esplanade strip created by subsection (1) shall be of such dimensions and be situated and subject to the same conditions as if it had been created by an instrument continued under subsection (2) and shall extinguish in whole or in part, as the case may require, the existing esplanade strip which would have continued but for the alterations referred to in subsection (1).
(4)
Subject to this section, the provisions of this Act shall apply to every esplanade strip created by subsection (1).
(5)
Any person having an interest in land affected by the new esplanade strip created under subsection (1) shall be bound by the instrument applying to that strip.
Section 233: replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 124 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
234 Variation or cancellation of esplanade strips
(1)
The registered owner of any land subject to an esplanade strip may apply to the territorial authority to vary or cancel the instrument creating the strip.
(2)
The application shall include—
(a)
a description of the strip and its location; and
(b)
an assessment of the effects of varying or cancelling the strip.
(3)
The territorial authority may at any time initiate a proposal to vary or cancel the instrument creating an esplanade strip by preparing a statement covering the matters specified in subsection (2); and references to an application in this section shall include a statement made under this subsection.
(4)
Upon receipt of an application under subsection (1) by the territorial authority, or after the preparation of a statement by the territorial authority under subsection (3), the provisions of sections 127 to 132 shall apply as appropriate, with all necessary modifications.
(5)
The territorial authority, when considering an application to vary or cancel any instrument creating an esplanade strip shall have regard to—
(a)
those matters set out in section 104(1), with all necessary modifications; and
(b)
the purpose or purposes, as set out in section 229, for which the strip was created; and
(c)
any change in circumstances which has made the strip or any of the conditions in the instrument creating the strip inappropriate or unnecessary.
(6)
After considering the application for variation or cancellation of an instrument creating an esplanade strip, the territorial authority—
(a)
may grant the application, with or without modifications; or
(b)
may decline the application.
(7)
When all the appeals (if any) are finally determined, the territorial authority shall lodge for registration with the Registrar-General of Land a certificate, signed by the chief executive or other authorised officer of the territorial authority, specifying the variations to the instrument or that the instrument is cancelled, as the case may be.
(8)
The Registrar-General of Land shall make an appropriate entry in the register and on the instrument noting that the instrument has been varied or cancelled, and the instrument shall take effect as so varied or cease to have any effect, as the case may be.
Section 234: replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 124 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 234(1): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 234(7): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 234(7): amended, on 1 July 2003, by section 262 of the Local Government Act 2002 (2002 No 84).
Section 234(8): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
235 Creation of esplanade strips by agreement
(1)
An esplanade strip may at any time be created for any of the purposes specified in section 229 by agreement between the registered owner of any land and the local authority, and the provisions of sections 229, 232, 233, 234, 237(2), and 237C shall apply, with all necessary modifications.
(2)
No instrument for an esplanade strip by agreement may be registered with the Registrar-General of Land unless every person having a registered interest in the land has endorsed his or her consent on the instrument.
Section 235: replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 124 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 235(1): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 235(1): amended, on 1 August 2003, by section 74 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 235(1): amended, on 17 December 1997, by section 44 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 235(2): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
236 Where land previously set aside or reserved
Where—
(a)
land along the mean high water mark or the mark of mean high water springs of the sea, or along the bank of any river, or along the margin of any lake, has—
(i)
been set aside as an esplanade reserve under this Part, or has been reserved for the purpose specified in section 289 of the Local Government Act 1974, or for public purposes pursuant to section 29(1) of the Counties Amendment Act 1961 or section 11 of the Land Subdivision in Counties Act 1946; or
(ii)
been set aside or reserved for public recreation purposes pursuant to any other enactment (whether passed before or after the commencement of this Act and whether or not in force at the commencement of this Act); or
(iii)
been reserved from sale or other disposition pursuant to section 24 of the Conservation Act 1987, or section 58 of the Land Act 1948, or the corresponding provisions of any former Act; and
(b)
a survey plan of land adjoining that land previously set aside or reserved is submitted to the territorial authority under section 223—
then, notwithstanding that any land of the kind referred to in paragraph (a) has been previously reserved or set aside but subject to any rule in a district plan or any resource consent, there may, as a condition of consent under section 220(1)(aa), be set aside on the survey plan an esplanade reserve adjoining the land previously set aside or reserved, which shall—
(c)
be of a width that is the difference between the width of the land previously set aside or reserved and—
(i)
the width required by a rule in a district plan under section 77 for an esplanade reserve, if any, where any allotment 4 hectares or more is created when land is subdivided; or
(ii)
the width required by a rule in a district plan under section 77 for an esplanade reserve, if any, where any allotment less than 4 hectares is created when land is subdivided; or
(iii)
where any allotment less than 4 hectares is created when land is subdivided, and there is no rule in a district plan under section 77, then 20 metres as required under section 230.
Section 236: replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 124 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 236: amended, on 17 December 1997, by section 45 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
237 Approval of survey plans where esplanade reserve or esplanade strips required
(1)
Subject to subsection (3), the territorial authority shall not approve a survey plan unless any esplanade reserve or esplanade strip required under this Part is shown on the survey plan.
(2)
Notwithstanding anything in the Land Transfer Act 2017, an esplanade strip shall not be required to be surveyed, but where an esplanade strip is shown on the survey plan, it shall be clearly identified in such manner as the Chief Surveyor considers appropriate.
(3)
Where—
(a)
an esplanade reserve or esplanade strip is required under this Part in respect of a subdivision which is to be effected by the grant of a cross lease or company lease or by the deposit of a unit plan; and
(b)
it is not practical to show the esplanade reserve or esplanade strip on the survey plan submitted for approval under section 223 (in this section referred to as the primary survey plan)—
the territorial authority, after consultation with the Registrar-General of Land, shall not approve the primary survey plan until a separate survey plan showing the esplanade reserve or esplanade strip has been prepared and submitted to the territorial authority for approval under this section.
(4)
Where the territorial authority approves a separate survey plan under subsection (3)—
(a)
a memorandum to that effect shall be endorsed on the primary survey plan and the separate survey plan; and
(b)
the Registrar-General of Land shall not deposit the primary survey plan and (in respect of a subdivision by the Crown) the Registrar-General of Land shall not issue a record of title for any separate allotment on the primary survey plan approved by the Chief Surveyor for the purposes of section 228, unless the separate survey plan on which the esplanade reserve or esplanade strip is shown is deposited prior to, or at the same time as, the primary survey plan.
(5)
Subject to this section, nothing in section 11 or this Part applies to a separate survey plan approved by a territorial authority under this section.
Section 237: replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 124 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 237(2): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 237(3): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 237(4)(b): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 237(4)(b): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
237A Vesting of land in common marine and coastal area or bed of lake or river
(1)
Where a survey plan is submitted to a territorial authority in accordance with section 223, and any part of the allotment being subdivided is the bed of a river or lake or is within the coastal marine area, the survey plan shall—
(a)
show as vesting in the territorial authority—
(i)
such part of the allotment as forms part of the bed of a river or lake and adjoins an esplanade reserve shown as vesting in the territorial authority; or
(ii)
such part of the allotment as forms part of the bed of a river or lake and is required to be so vested as a condition of a resource consent:
(b)
show any part of the allotment that is in the coastal marine area as part of the common marine and coastal area.
(2)
Any requirement to vest the bed under subsection (1)(a)(i) shall be subject to any rule in a district plan or any resource consent which provides otherwise.
Section 237A: inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 124 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 237A heading: replaced, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 237A(1)(b): replaced, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 237A(2): amended, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
237B Access strips
(1)
A local authority may agree with the registered owner of any land to acquire an easement over the land, and may agree upon the conditions upon which such an easement may be enjoyed.
(2)
Any such easement shall—
(a)
be executed by the local authority and the registered owner; and
(b)
be in the prescribed form; and
(c)
contain the relevant provisions in accordance with Schedule 10.
(3)
When deciding which matters shall be provided for in the easement, the parties shall consider—
(a)
(b)
any other matters that the local authority and registered proprietor consider appropriate to include in the easement.
(4)
When deciding under subsection (3) which provisions (if any) to modify or exclude or what other matters to include, the parties shall consider—
(a)
any relevant rules in the district plan; and
(b)
the provisions and other matters included in any existing instrument for an esplanade strip, or easement for an access strip, in the vicinity; and
(c)
the purpose of the strip, including the needs of potential users of the strip; and
(d)
the use of the strip and adjoining land by the owner and occupier; and
(e)
where appropriate, the use of the river, lake, or coastal marine area within or adjacent to the access strip; and
(f)
the management of any reserve in the vicinity.
(5)
Any such easement shall take effect when registered at the office of the Registrar-General of Land.
(6)
An access strip may be closed to public entry under section 237C.
(7)
No easement for an access strip may be registered with the Registrar-General of Land unless every person having a registered interest in the land has endorsed his or her consent on the easement.
(8)
The registered owner and the local authority may, by agreement, vary or cancel the easement if the matters in subsection (4) and any change in circumstances have been taken into account; and in any such case the provisions of section 234(7) and (8) shall apply, with all necessary modifications.
Section 237B: inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 124 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 237B(1): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 237B(2)(a): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 237B(5): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 237B(7): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 237B(8): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
237C Closure of strips to public
(1)
An esplanade strip or access strip may be closed to the public for the times and periods specified in the instrument or easement under Schedule 10, or by the local authority during periods of emergency or public risk likely to cause loss of life, injury, or serious damage to property.
(2)
The local authority shall ensure, where practicable, that any closure specified in the instrument or easement, or any closure for safety or emergency reasons, is adequately notified (including notification that it is an offence to enter the strip during the period of closure) to the public by signs erected at all entry points to the strip, unless the instrument or easement provides that another person is responsible for such notification.
Section 237C: inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 124 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
237D Transfers to the Crown or regional council
(1)
Notwithstanding the provisions of the Reserves Act 1977, the Minister of Conservation or a regional council may, with the prior written agreement of the territorial authority, declare by notice in the Gazette that an esplanade reserve, or any part of an esplanade reserve,—
(a)
shall cease to be vested in and administered by the territorial authority but instead shall vest in the Crown or the regional council; and
(b)
shall have such classification under the Reserves Act 1977 as may be specified in the Gazette notice, or shall be included in any existing reserve under that Act,—
and, subject to the provisions of the Reserves Act 1977, the reserve shall be administered in accordance with that classification.
(2)
The Minister of Conservation or a regional council may, with the prior written agreement of the territorial authority, declare by notice in the Gazette that the bed of any river or lake shall cease to be vested in the territorial authority but instead shall vest in the Crown or the regional council, as the case may be.
(3)
The notice shall be registered in the office of the Registrar-General of Land.
Section 237D: inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 124 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 237D(1): amended, on 10 August 2005, by section 94 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 237D(3): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
237E Compensation for taking of esplanade reserves or strips on allotments of less than 4 hectares
(1)
Where an allotment of less than 4 hectares is created when land is subdivided, no compensation for esplanade reserves or esplanade strips shall be payable for any area of land within 20 metres from the mark of mean high water springs of the sea or from the bank of any river or from the margin of any lake, as the case may be.
(2)
Where an esplanade reserve or esplanade strip of a width greater than 20 metres is required to be set aside on an allotment of less than 4 hectares created when land is subdivided, the territorial authority shall pay compensation for the area of the esplanade reserve or esplanade strip above 20 metres, to the registered owner of that allotment, unless the registered owner agrees otherwise.
Section 237E: inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 124 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 237E(2): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
237F Compensation for taking of esplanade reserves or strips on allotments of 4 hectares or more
Where any esplanade reserve or esplanade strip of any width is required to be set aside or created on an allotment of 4 hectares or more created when land is subdivided, the territorial authority shall pay to the registered owner of that allotment compensation for any esplanade reserve or any interest in land taken for any esplanade strip, unless the registered owner agrees otherwise.
Section 237F: inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 124 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 237F: amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
237G Compensation
(1)
This section applies if—
(a)
the bed of a river or lake—
(i)
is vested in the Crown in accordance with section 237A(1)(a); and
(ii)
adjoins, or would adjoin if it were not for an esplanade reserve, any allotment of 4 hectares or more when land is subdivided; or
(b)
land that is within the coastal marine area—
(i)
becomes part of the common marine and coastal area in accordance with section 237A(1)(b); and
(ii)
adjoins, or would adjoin if it were not for an esplanade reserve, any allotment of 4 hectares or more created when land is subdivided.
(2)
In the case of land referred to in subsection (1)(a), the Crown or territorial authority, as the case may be, must pay compensation to the registered owner of that land, unless the registered owner agrees otherwise.
(3)
In the case of land referred to in subsection (1)(b), the Crown must pay compensation to the registered owner of that land, unless the registered owner agrees otherwise.
Section 237G: replaced, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 237G(2): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 237G(3): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
237H Valuation
(1)
If the territorial authority or Crown, as the case may be, and the registered owner cannot agree as to the amount of compensation, including any additional survey costs, payable under section 237E, section 237F, or section 237G, the amount shall be determined by a registered valuer agreed on by the parties (or, failing agreement, nominated by the President of the New Zealand Institute of Valuers), who shall provide a copy of the determination to all parties.
(2)
The territorial authority or Crown, as the case may be, or the registered owner who is dissatisfied with the determination under subsection (1) may, within 20 working days after service of the determination, object to the determination to the registered valuer in writing, stating the grounds of objection.
(3)
Sections 34, 35, 36, and 38 of the Rating Valuations Act 1998 (and any regulations made under that Act relating to reviews and objections), as far as they are applicable and with all necessary modifications, are to apply to the objection as if—
(a)
the registered valuer had been appointed by a territorial authority to review the objection; and
(b)
the review had been made under section 34 of that Act; and
(c)
the references to a territorial authority in sections 34(4), 35, and 36 of that Act were references to the registered valuer.
(4)
For the purposes of this section and of sections 237E to 237G, the amount of compensation shall be equal to—
(a)
in the case of an esplanade reserve, the value of the land set aside:
(b)
in the case of an esplanade strip, the value of the interest in land created—
and any additional survey costs incurred by reason of the esplanade reserve or esplanade strip, as the case may be, as at the date of the deposit of the survey plan.
Section 237H: inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 124 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 237H(1): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 237H(1): amended, on 1 July 1998, by section 54(1) of the Rating Valuations Act 1998 (1998 No 69).
Section 237H(2): replaced, on 1 July 1998, by section 54(1) of the Rating Valuations Act 1998 (1998 No 69).
Section 237H(2): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 237H(3): replaced, on 1 July 1998, by section 54(1) of the Rating Valuations Act 1998 (1998 No 69).
Vesting of roads and reserves
238 Vesting of roads
(1)
When the Registrar-General of Land deposits a survey plan, or a Chief Surveyor approves a survey plan to which section 228 applies, the land shown on the survey plan as road to be vested in a local authority or the Crown vests, free from all interests in land including any encumbrances (without the necessity of any instrument of release or discharge or otherwise),—
(a)
in the case of a regional road, in the territorial authority or regional council, as the case may be:
(b)
in the case of a Government road declared as such under any Act, in the Crown:
(c)
in the case of a State highway, in the Crown or the territorial authority, as the case may be:
(d)
in the case of any other road, in the territorial authority.
(2)
[Repealed]Section 238: amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 125 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 238(1): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 238(2): repealed, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
239 Vesting of reserves or other land
(1)
When the Registrar-General of Land deposits a survey plan, or a Chief Surveyor approves a survey plan to which section 228 applies,—
(a)
any land shown on the survey plan as reserve to be vested in the territorial authority or the Crown, vests in the territorial authority or the Crown, as the case may be, free from all interests in land, including any encumbrances (without the necessity of any instrument of release or discharge or otherwise) for the purposes shown on the survey plan, and subject to the Reserves Act 1977; and
(b)
any land shown on the survey plan as land to be vested in the territorial authority or in the Crown in lieu of reserves, shall vest in the territorial authority or in the Crown, as the case may be, free from all interests in land, including any encumbrances (without the necessity of an instrument of release or discharge or otherwise); and
(c)
any land or any part of the bed of a river (not being part of the coastal marine area) or lake, shown on the survey plan as land to be vested in the territorial authority or the Crown, shall vest in the territorial authority or the Crown, as the case may be, free from all interests in land, including any encumbrances (without the necessity of an instrument of release or discharge or otherwise); and
(d)
to avoid doubt, any land shown on the survey plan as land in the coastal marine area becomes part of the marine and coastal area.
(2)
Notwithstanding subsection (1), the land may be vested subject to any specified interest which the territorial authority has certified, on the survey plan, shall remain with the land.
(3)
Any land vested in the Crown vests under the Land Act 1948 unless this Act provides otherwise.
Section 239(1): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 239(1)(a): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 126(1)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 239(1)(b): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 126(1)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 239(1)(b): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 126(1)(c) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 239(1)(c): replaced, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 239(1)(d): inserted, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Section 239(2): inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 126(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 239(3): replaced, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
Conditions as to amalgamation of land
240 Covenant against transfer of allotments
(1)
Where a subdivision consent includes a condition under section 220(1)(b) which requires that the owner enter into a covenant with the territorial authority of the kind referred to in section 220(2)(a), the territorial authority—
(a)
shall not approve the survey plan unless the owner has entered into such a covenant; and
(b)
when the covenant has been entered into, shall endorse on the survey plan a certificate to this effect.
(2)
Where a survey plan is endorsed with a certificate of the kind referred to in subsection (1)(b),—
(a)
the Registrar-General of Land shall not deposit the survey plan under the Land Transfer Act 2017, and (in respect of a subdivision by the Crown) shall not issue a record of title for any separate allotment on a survey plan approved by the Chief Surveyor for the purposes of section 228; and
(b)
the Registrar-General of Land shall not deposit the survey plan in the Deeds Register Office,—
unless the covenant referred to in the certificate has been lodged for registration.
(3)
Every covenant referred to in subsection (1) shall be in writing, be signed by the owner, be signed by the chief executive or other authorised officer of the territorial authority, and be deemed—
(a)
to be an instrument capable of registration under the Land Transfer Act 2017 and, when so registered, to create in favour of the territorial authority an interest in the land in respect of which it is registered, within the meaning of section 51 of that Act; and
(b)
to run with the land and bind subsequent owners.
(4)
The territorial authority may at any time, whether before or after the survey plan has been deposited in the Land Registry Office or the Deeds Register Office, cancel, in whole or in part, any covenant imposed under this section or under the corresponding provision of any former enactment.
(5)
When a territorial authority cancels a covenant in whole or in part, then—
(a)
where the survey plan has not been approved by the Chief Surveyor, a memorandum of the cancellation shall be endorsed on the survey plan:
(b)
where the survey plan has been approved by the Chief Surveyor or deposited, the territorial authority must forward to the Registrar-General of Land a certificate signed by the chief executive or other authorised officer of the territorial authority to the effect that the covenant has been cancelled in whole or in part, and the Registrar-General of Land must note the records accordingly.
Section 240(2)(a): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 240(2)(a): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 240(2)(b): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 240(3): amended, on 1 July 2003, by section 262 of the Local Government Act 2002 (2002 No 84).
Section 240(3): amended, on 17 December 1997, by section 46(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 240(3)(a): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 240(4): inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 127 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 240(5): inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 127 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 240(5)(b): replaced, on 17 December 1997, by section 46(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 240(5)(b): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 240(5)(b): amended, on 1 July 2003, by section 262 of the Local Government Act 2002 (2002 No 84).
241 Amalgamation of allotments
(1)
Where a subdivision consent includes a condition under section 220(1)(b) which requires, in accordance with section 220(2)(a), that land be held in a particular record of title,—
(a)
the condition shall be endorsed on the survey plan; and
(b)
the Registrar-General of Land shall not deposit the survey plan under the Land Transfer Act 2017 or in the Deeds Register Office, as the case may be; and
(c)
in respect of a subdivision of the Crown, the Registrar-General of Land shall not issue a record of title for any separate allotment on a survey plan approved by the Chief Surveyor for the purposes of section 228,—
until he or she is satisfied that the condition has been complied with as fully as may be possible in the office of the Registrar-General.
(2)
When a condition of the kind referred to in subsection (1), or a similar condition under the corresponding provision of any previous enactment, has been complied with,—
(a)
the separate parcels of land included in the record of title in accordance with the condition shall not be capable of being disposed of individually, or of again being held under separate records of title, except with the approval of the territorial authority; and
(b)
on the issue of the record of title, the Registrar-General of Land shall enter on the record of title a memorandum that the land is subject to this section.
(3)
The territorial authority may at any time, whether before or after the survey plan has been deposited in the Land Registry Office or the Deeds Register Office, cancel, in whole or in part, any condition described in subsection (2).
(4)
When a territorial authority cancels a condition in whole or in part, then—
(a)
where the survey plan has not been approved by the Chief Surveyor, a memorandum of the cancellation shall be endorsed on the survey plan:
(b)
where the survey plan has been approved by the Chief Surveyor or deposited, the territorial authority must forward to the Registrar-General of Land a certificate signed by the chief executive or other authorised officer of the territorial authority to the effect that the condition has been cancelled in whole or in part, and the Registrar-General of Land must note the records accordingly.
Section 241(1): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 241(1): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 241(1)(b): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 241(1)(b): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 241(1)(c): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 241(1)(c): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 241(2): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 128(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 241(2)(a): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 241(2)(b): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 241(2)(b): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 241(3): inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 128(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 241(4): inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 128(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 241(4)(b): replaced, on 17 December 1997, by section 47 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 241(4)(b): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 241(4)(b): amended, on 1 July 2003, by section 262 of the Local Government Act 2002 (2002 No 84).
242 Prior registered instruments protected
(1)
Where—
(a)
for the purpose of complying with a condition of a kind referred to in section 220(1)(b),—
(i)
a covenant is registered in accordance with section 240, to the effect that specified land shall not, without the approval of the territorial authority, be transferred, leased, or otherwise disposed of except in conjunction with other land; or
(ii)
specified land is amalgamated in 1 record of title with any other land in accordance with section 241; and
(b)
that other land is already subject to a registered instrument under which a power to sell, a right of renewal, or a right or obligation to purchase is lawfully conferred or imposed; and
(c)
that power, right, or obligation becomes exercisable but is not able to be exercised or fully exercised because of section 240(2) or section 241(2)—
the specified land shall be deemed to be and always to have been part of the other land that is subject to that instrument, and all rights and obligations in respect of, and encumbrances on, that other land shall be deemed also to be rights and obligations in respect of, or encumbrances on, the specified land; and the Registrar-General of Land shall enter upon all relevant records of title a memorandum to the effect that the land therein is subject to this subsection.
(2)
Where any instrument to which subsection (1) applies is a mortgage, charge, or lien, it shall be deemed to have priority over any mortgage, charge, or lien against the specified land which is registered subsequent to the issue of the record of title pursuant to section 241 or the registration of the covenant entered into pursuant to section 240, as the case may be; and the Registrar-General of Land shall enter upon all relevant records of title a memorandum to the effect that the land therein is subject to this subsection.
(3)
Where a memorandum has been entered on a record of title under this section, and the Registrar-General of Land then receives notification pursuant to section 240(5) or section 241(4), the Registrar-General of Land shall note the memorandum accordingly.
Section 242(1): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 242(1): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 242(1)(a)(ii): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 242(2): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 242(2): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 242(3): inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 129 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 242(3): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 242(3): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Conditions as to easements
243 Survey plan approved subject to grant or reservation of easements
Where a subdivision consent is granted or any record of title is issued subject to a condition that any specified easements be granted or reserved, the following provisions apply:
(a)
no such easement shall—
(i)
be surrendered by the owner of the dominant tenement; or
(ii)
in the case of an easement in gross, be surrendered by the grantee of the easement; or
(iii)
be merged by transfer to the owner of the dominant or servient tenement; or
(iv)
be varied—
except with the written consent of the territorial authority:
(b)
the territorial authority shall not approve the survey plan unless there is endorsed on the survey plan a memorandum showing, with respect to each such easement, which is the dominant tenement and which is the servient tenement or, in the case of an easement in gross, the name of the proposed grantee and which is the servient tenement:
(c)
the Registrar-General of Land shall refuse to register any instrument of transfer or conveyance or lease or other disposition of any allotment shown on the survey plan, unless the Registrar is satisfied that all easements so specified which are appurtenant to that allotment or to which that allotment is subject have been duly granted or reserved or will by the registration of that instrument be granted or reserved:
(d)
the Registrar-General of Land must endorse on any relevant records of title, a memorial that the easement is subject to the provisions of this section:
(e)
the territorial authority may at any time, whether before or after the survey plan has been deposited in the Land Registry Office or the Deeds Register Office, revoke the condition in whole or part:
(f)
when a territorial authority cancels a condition in whole or in part, then—
(i)
where the survey plan has not been approved by the Surveyor-General, a memorandum of the cancellation must be endorsed on the survey plan or notice of the cancellation must be forwarded by that authority to the Surveyor-General, who must update his or her records accordingly:
(ii)
where the survey plan has been approved by the Chief Surveyor or deposited, the territorial authority must forward to the Registrar-General of Land a certificate signed by the chief executive or other authorised officer of the territorial authority to the effect that the condition has been cancelled in whole or in part, and the Registrar-General of Land must note the records accordingly.
Section 243: amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 243: amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 130(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 243(a)(iii): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 130(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 243(c): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 243(d): replaced, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 243(f): replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 130(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 243(f)(i): replaced, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 243(f)(ii): replaced, on 17 December 1997, by section 48 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 243(f)(ii): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 243(f)(ii): amended, on 1 July 2003, by section 262 of the Local Government Act 2002 (2002 No 84).
Company leases and cross leases[Repealed]
Heading: repealed, on 1 July 1992, pursuant to section 92(1) of the Building Act 1991 (1991 No 150).
244 Company leases and cross leases
[Repealed]Section 244: repealed, on 1 July 1992, by section 92(1) of the Building Act 1991 (1991 No 150).
Reclamations
245 Consent authority approval of a plan of survey of a reclamation
(1)
The holder of every resource consent granted for a reclamation shall as soon as reasonably practicable after completion of the reclamation, submit to the consent authority for its approval a plan of survey in respect of the land that has been reclaimed.
(2)
The plan of survey referred to in subsection (1) shall be prepared in accordance with regulations made under the Cadastral Survey Act 2002 relating to survey plans within the meaning of those regulations, and shall show and define—
(a)
the area reclaimed, including its location and the position of all new boundaries; and
(b)
the location and size of the portion of any area which is required as a condition of a resource consent to be set aside as an esplanade reserve or created as an esplanade strip.
(3)
[Repealed](4)
A consent authority shall approve a plan of survey submitted to it under subsection (1) if, and only if, it is satisfied that—
(a)
the reclamation conforms with the resource consent and any relevant provisions of any regional plan; and
(b)
the plan of survey conforms with subsections (2) and (3) and the resource consent; and
(c)
in respect of any condition of the resource consent that has not been complied with—
(i)
a bond has been given under section 108(2)(b); or
(ii)
a covenant has been entered into under section 108(2)(d).
(5)
A regional council (as the consent authority) approves a plan of survey by—
(a)
affixing its common seal to the plan of survey (or a copy of it); and
(b)
having its chief executive sign and date a certificate stating that—
(i)
the reclamation conforms with the resource consent and the relevant provisions of any regional plan; and
(ii)
in respect of any condition of the resource consent that has not been complied with, a bond has been given under section 108(2)(b) or a covenant has been entered into under section 108(2)(d).
(6)
After signing the certificate referred to in subsection (5)(b), the consent authority shall forward a copy of that certificate to the relevant territorial authority.
Section 245(2): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 245(2)(b): replaced, on 7 July 1993, by section 131(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 245(3): repealed, on 7 July 1993, by section 131(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 245(4)(c)(i): amended, on 17 December 1997, by section 49(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 245(4)(c)(ii): amended, on 17 December 1997, by section 49(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 104).
Section 245(5): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 125(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 245(6): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 125(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
246 Restrictions on deposit of plan of survey for reclamation
(1)
The holder of every resource consent granted for a reclamation shall take all steps necessary to ensure that the plan of survey is deposited under the Land Transfer Act 2017 or with the Registrar-General of Land as soon as reasonably practicable after the date the plan of survey is approved by the relevant consent authority under section 245.
(2)
No plan of survey of a reclamation shall be deposited under the Land Transfer Act 2017 or with the Registrar-General of Land unless—
(a)
within the preceding 3 years the relevant consent authority has approved the plan of survey under section 245; and
(b)
there is lodged with the Registrar-General of Land a copy of the certificate issued under section 245(5)(b).
(3)
On the deposit of a plan of survey under the Land Transfer Act 2017 or by the Registrar-General of Land, the land shown on that plan as esplanade reserve shall be deemed to be set apart and vested in the Crown as local purpose reserve within the meaning of section 23 of the Reserves Act 1977 for the purposes described in section 229 of this Act.
(4)
Subsection (3) shall apply notwithstanding section 167 of the Land Act 1948.
Section 246(1): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 246(1): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 246(2): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 246(2): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 246(2)(b): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 126 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 246(2)(b): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 246(3): amended, on 12 November 2018, by section 250 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 (2017 No 30).
Section 246(3): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 246(3): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 132 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Part 11 Environment Court
Part 11 heading: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
247 Planning Tribunal re-named Environment Court
There shall continue to be a court of record called the Environment Court which shall be the same court as the court called the Planning Tribunal immediately before the commencement of this section and which, in addition to the jurisdiction and powers conferred on it by or pursuant to this Act or any other Act, shall continue to have all the powers inherent in a court of record.
Section 247: replaced, on 2 September 1996, by section 6(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
248 Membership of Environment Court
The Environment Court shall consist of the following members:
(a)
Environment Judges appointed in accordance with sections 249 and 250:
(b)
Environment Commissioners appointed in accordance with section 254.
Section 248 heading: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 248: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 248(a): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 65 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 248(a): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 248(b): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(c) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Environment Judges and alternate Environment Judges
Heading: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
249 Eligibility for appointment as an Environment Judge or alternate Environment Judge
(1)
A person shall not be appointed or hold office as an Environment Judge unless he or she is, or is eligible to be, a District Court Judge. If an appointee is not a District Court Judge at the time of appointment as an Environment Judge, he or she shall be appointed as a District Court Judge at that time.
(2)
A person may not be appointed or hold office as an alternate Environment Judge unless—
(a)
the person is a District Court Judge, an acting District Court Judge, a Maori Land Court Judge, or an acting Maori Land Court Judge; or
(b)
the person is a retired Environment Judge under the age of 75 years and the Chief Environment Court Judge certifies to the Attorney-General that the appointment is necessary for the proper conduct of the Environment Court.
Section 249 heading: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 249(1): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 249(2): replaced, on 1 July 2020, by section 66 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
250 Appointment of Environment Judges and alternate Environment Judges
(1)
The Governor-General may, on the recommendation of the Attorney-General, after consulting the Minister for the Environment and the Minister for Māori Development,—
(a)
appoint a person as an Environment Judge in accordance with section 249(1); or
(b)
appoint a person as an alternate Environment Judge—
(i)
in accordance with section 249(2)(a); or
(ii)
in accordance with section 249(2)(b).
(2)
A person appointed under subsection (1)(a) or (b)(i) holds office as an Environment Judge or as an alternate Environment Judge for the term that the person holds office as a District Court Judge, an acting District Court Judge, a Maori Land Court Judge, or an acting Maori Land Court Judge, unless the person sooner resigns or is removed from office under this Act.
(2A)
When acting as an Environment Judge, an alternate Environment Judge appointed under subsection (1)(b)(ii) has the jurisdiction, powers, protections, privileges, and immunities of a District Court Judge under the District Court Act 2016.
(2B)
A retired Environment Judge—
(a)
may be appointed as an alternate Environment Judge for a term of not more than 2 years and may be reappointed for 1 or more terms; but
(b)
must not be appointed—
(i)
for a term that extends beyond the date on which the Judge reaches the age of 75 years; or
(ii)
for multiple terms collectively totalling more than 5 years.
(3)
At any one time—
(a)
no more than 10 Environment Judges shall hold office; and
(b)
any number of alternate Environment Judges shall hold office.
(4)
For the purposes of subsection (3)(a),—
(a)
an Environment Judge who is acting on a full-time basis counts as 1:
(b)
an Environment Judge who is acting on a part-time basis counts as an appropriate fraction of 1:
(c)
the aggregate number (for example, 7.5) must not exceed the maximum number of Environment Judges that is for the time being permitted.
(5)
The Attorney-General must publish information explaining his or her process for—
(a)
seeking expressions of interest for the appointment of Environment Judges and alternate Environment Judges; and
(b)
nominating a person for appointment as an Environment Judge or an alternate Environment Judge.
(6)
Environment Judges and alternate Environment Judges must not practise as lawyers.
Section 250 heading: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 250(1): replaced, on 1 July 2020, by section 67 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 250(2): replaced, on 1 July 2020, by section 67 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 250(2A): inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 67 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 250(2B): inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 67 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 250(3)(a): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 127 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 250(3)(a): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 250(3)(b): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 250(4): inserted, on 20 May 2004, by section 3(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 46).
Section 250(5): inserted, on 1 March 2017, by section 5 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 68).
Section 250(6): inserted, on 1 March 2017, by section 5 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 68).
250A Judge not to undertake other employment or hold other office
(1)
Environment Judges and alternate Environment Judges must not undertake any other paid employment or hold any other office (whether paid or not) without the approval of the Chief Environment Court Judge.
(2)
An approval under subsection (1) may be given only if the Chief Environment Court Judge is satisfied that undertaking the employment or holding the office is consistent with the Judge’s judicial office.
(3)
However, subsection (1) does not apply to another office if an enactment permits or requires the office to be held by a Judge.
Section 250A: inserted, on 1 March 2017, by section 6 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 68).
Section 250A(1): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 68 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 250A(2): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 68 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
250B Protocol relating to activities of Judges
(1)
The Chief Justice must develop and publish a protocol containing guidance on—
(a)
the employment, or types of employment, that he or she considers may be undertaken consistent with being an Environment Judge or alternate Environment Judge; and
(b)
the offices, or types of offices, that he or she considers may be held consistent with being an Environment Judge or alternate Environment Judge.
(2)
The Chief Justice may develop and publish a protocol under subsection (1) only after consultation with the Chief Environment Court Judge.
Section 250B: inserted, on 1 March 2017, by section 6 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 68).
Section 250B(2): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 69 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
251 Chief Environment Court Judge
(1)
The Governor-General may, on the recommendation of the Attorney-General, appoint an Environment Judge as the Chief Environment Court Judge.
(2)
The Chief Environment Court Judge shall be responsible for ensuring the orderly and expeditious discharge of the business of the court and accordingly may, subject to the provisions of this or any other Act and to such consultation with the Environment Judges as is appropriate and practicable, make arrangements as to the Environment Judge or Judges and member or members who is or are to exercise the court’s jurisdiction in particular matters or classes of matters and in particular places and areas.
Section 251 heading: replaced, on 1 July 2020, by section 70(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 251(1): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 70(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 251(1): amended, on 20 May 2004, by section 4 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 46).
Section 251(1): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 251(2): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 70(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 251(2): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 251(2): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
251A Appointment of acting Chief Environment Court Judge
(1)
This section applies if—
(a)
the Chief Environment Court Judge is unable to exercise the duties of office because of illness or absence from New Zealand, or for any other reason; or
(b)
the office of Chief Environment Court Judge is vacant.
(2)
The Governor-General may appoint another Environment Judge to act in place of the Chief Environment Court Judge until the Chief Environment Court Judge resumes the duties of that office or a successor is appointed, as the case may be.
(3)
While acting in place of the Chief Environment Court Judge, the acting Chief Environment Court Judge—
(a)
may perform the functions and duties of the Chief Environment Court Judge; and
(b)
may for that purpose exercise all the powers of the Chief Environment Court Judge.
Section 251A: inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 95 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 251A heading: amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 71(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 251A(1)(a): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 71(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 251A(1)(b): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 71(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 251A(2): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 71(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 251A(3): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 71(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 251A(3)(a): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 71(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 251A(3)(b): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 71(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
252 When an alternate Environment Judge may act
(1)
An alternate Environment Judge may act as an Environment Judge when the Chief Environment Court Judge, in consultation with the Chief District Court Judge or Chief Maori Land Court Judge, considers it necessary for the alternate Environment Judge to do so.
(2)
When an alternate Environment Judge acts as an Environment Judge he or she is to be considered a member of the Environment Court for all purposes.
Section 252 heading: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 252(1): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 72 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 252(1): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 252(2): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 252(2): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Environment Commissioners and Deputy Environment Commissioners
Heading: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(c) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
253 Eligibility for appointment as Environment Commissioner or Deputy Environment Commissioner
When considering whether a person is suitable to be appointed as an Environment Commissioner or Deputy Environment Commissioner of the Environment Court, the Attorney-General shall have regard to the need to ensure that the court possesses a mix of knowledge and experience in matters coming before the court, including knowledge and experience in—
(a)
economic, commercial, and business affairs, local government, and community affairs:
(b)
planning, resource management, and heritage protection:
(c)
environmental science, including the physical and social sciences:
(d)
architecture, engineering, surveying, minerals technology, and building construction:
(da)
alternative dispute resolution processes:
(e)
matters relating to the Treaty of Waitangi and kaupapa Maori.
Section 253 heading: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(c) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 253: amended, on 20 September 2007, by section 4 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2007 (2007 No 77).
Section 253: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 253: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(c) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 253(da): inserted, on 2 September 1996, by section 8 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
254 Appointment of Environment Commissioner or Deputy Environment Commissioner
(1)
The Governor-General may, on the recommendation of the Attorney-General, after consultation with the Minister for the Environment and the Minister for Māori Development, appoint a person as an Environment Commissioner or a Deputy Environment Commissioner of the Environment Court for a period not exceeding 5 years.
(2)
A person may be reappointed as an Environment Commissioner or a Deputy Environment Commissioner any number of times.
(3)
At any one time any number of Environment Commissioners or Deputy Environment Commissioners may hold office.
(4)
If an Environment Commissioner or Deputy Environment Commissioner is not reappointed, he or she may continue in office until his or her successor comes into office, notwithstanding that the term for which he or she was appointed may have expired.
Section 254 heading: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(c) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 254(1): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 73 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 254(1): amended, on 20 May 2004, by section 5 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 46).
Section 254(1): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 254(1): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(c) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 254(2): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(c) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 254(3): replaced, on 2 September 1996, by section 9 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 254(4): inserted, on 2 September 1996, by section 9 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
255 When a Deputy Environment Commissioner may act
(1)
A Deputy Environment Commissioner may act in place of an Environment Commissioner when—
(a)
the Environment Commissioner is unavailable; or
(b)
the Chief Environment Court Judge considers it necessary that the Deputy Environment Commissioner do so.
(2)
When a Deputy Environment Commissioner is acting for an Environment Commissioner, the Deputy Environment Commissioner shall be considered as an Environment Commissioner of the Environment Court for all purposes.
Section 255 heading: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(c) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 255(1): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(c) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 255(1)(a): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(c) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 255(1)(a): amended, on 2 September 1996, by section 10 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 255(1)(b): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 74 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 255(1)(b): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(c) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 255(2): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 255(2): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(c) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
256 Oath of office
A person appointed as an Environment Commissioner or a Deputy Environment Commissioner of the Environment Court shall, before undertaking any duties as such, take an oath of office that he or she will honestly and impartially perform the duties of the office.
Section 256: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 256: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(c) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Removal and resignation of members
257 Resignation
An Environment Judge, alternate Environment Judge, Environment Commissioner, or Deputy Environment Commissioner may resign his or her office as such by giving written notice to the Attorney-General.
Section 257: amended, on 20 May 2004, by section 6 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 46).
Section 257: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 257: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(c) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
258 Removal of members
(1)
The Governor-General may, if he or she thinks fit, remove an Environment Judge, alternate Environment Judge, Environment Commissioner, or Deputy Environment Commissioner from his or her office as such for inability or misbehaviour.
(2)
The removal under subsection (1) of a District Court Judge from office as an Environment Judge or an alternate Environment Judge does not operate to cancel his or her appointment as a District Court Judge.
Section 258(1): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 258(1): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(c) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 258(2): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Special advisors
259 Special advisors
(1)
The Chief Environment Court Judge may appoint as a special advisor a person who is able to assist the Environment Court in a proceeding before it.
(2)
A special advisor is not a member of the court but may sit with it and assist it in any way the court determines.
Section 259(1): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 75 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 259(1): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 259(2): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Officers of court
Heading: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
260 Registrar and other officers
(1)
The Environment Court—
(a)
shall have a Registrar; and
(aa)
may have 1 or more Deputy Registrars; and
(b)
may have other persons to assist it in an administrative capacity.
(2)
The Registrar, a Deputy Registrar, and every other person assisting the court shall—
(a)
be appointed under the Public Service Act 2020; and
(b)
be officers of the court.
(2A)
A Deputy Registrar has all the powers, functions, duties, and immunity of the Registrar subject to the control of the Registrar.
(3)
An officer of the court may also hold another office or employment in the public service.
Section 260(1): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 260(1)(aa): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 96(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 260(2): amended, on 10 August 2005, by section 96(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 260(2): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 260(2)(a): amended, on 7 August 2020, by section 135 of the Public Service Act 2020 (2020 No 40).
Section 260(2)(b): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 260(2A): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 96(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 260(3): amended, on 7 August 2020, by section 135 of the Public Service Act 2020 (2020 No 40).
Section 260(3): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Miscellaneous provisions relating to court
Heading: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
261 Protection from legal proceedings
(1)
No action lies against any member of the Environment Court for anything they say, do, or omit to say or do, while acting in good faith in the performance of their duties.
(2)
In addition, a member of the Environment Court who is a District Court Judge also has the immunities conferred by section 23 of the District Court Act 2016 (which confers on District Court Judges, at all times, the same immunities as a Judge of the High Court).
(3)
No action lies against the Registrar for anything the Registrar says or does, or omits to say or do, while acting in good faith under section 278(3), section 281(5), or section 281A.
(4)
No action lies against a special advisor appointed under section 259 for anything the special advisor says or does, or omits to say or do, while acting in good faith in the performance of the special advisor’s duties.
Section 261(1): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 261(2): inserted, on 20 May 2004, by section 7 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 46).
Section 261(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 261(3): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 97 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 261(4): inserted, on 1 July 2020, by section 76 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
262 Environment Court members who are ratepayers
A member of the Environment Court is not to be considered to have an interest in a proceeding before the court solely on the ground that the member is a ratepayer.
Section 262 heading: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 262: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
263 Remuneration of Environment Commissioners, Deputy Environment Commissioners, and special advisors
(1)
Each Environment Commissioner and Deputy Environment Commissioner—
(a)
must be paid a salary, or a fee, or an allowance, at the rate determined by the Remuneration Authority; and
(b)
must be paid any additional allowances (including travelling allowances and expenses) in accordance with the Fees and Travelling Allowances Act 1951.
(2)
Expenses may be incurred, without further appropriation than this section, to meet the salaries, fees, or allowances determined under subsection (1)(a).
(3)
Each special advisor must be paid, out of money appropriated by Parliament for the purpose, remuneration by way of a salary, a fee, or an allowance, and travelling allowances and expenses, in accordance with the Fees and Travelling Allowances Act 1951.
(4)
For the purposes of subsections (1)(b) and (3), the Fees and Travelling Allowances Act 1951 applies as if each Environment Commissioner, Deputy Environment Commissioner, and special advisor were a member of a statutory Board as defined in section 2 of that Act.
Section 263: replaced, on 1 December 2022, by section 28 of the Remuneration Authority Legislation Act 2022 (2022 No 74).
264 Annual report of Registrar
(1)
The Registrar shall no later than 31 August in each year, deliver to the Minister of the Crown who is responsible for the Ministry of Justice a report stating such information relating to the administration, workload, and resources of the Environment Court during the year ending on the preceding 30 June as the Minister of the Crown who is responsible for the Ministry of Justice may require.
(2)
The Minister of the Crown who is responsible for the Ministry of Justice shall lay before the House of Representatives each report received by him or her under this section within 10 sitting days of receiving it.
Section 264(1): amended, on 1 October 2003, pursuant to section 14(1) of the State Sector Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 41).
Section 264(1): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 264(1): amended, on 1 July 1995, by section 10(1) of the Department of Justice (Restructuring) Act 1995 (1995 No 39).
Section 264(2): amended, on 1 October 2003, pursuant to section 14(1) of the State Sector Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 41).
Section 264(2): amended, on 1 July 1995, by section 10(1) of the Department of Justice (Restructuring) Act 1995 (1995 No 39).
Constitution of court
Heading: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
265 Environment Court sittings
(1)
The quorum for the Environment Court is—
(a)
1 Environment Judge and 1 Environment Commissioner sitting together; or
(b)
1 Environment Judge sitting alone for the purposes of section 279 or proceedings under Part 12; or
(c)
1 Environment Commissioner sitting alone in accordance with a direction of the Chief Environment Court Judge or an Environment Judge under section 280.
(2)
When an Environment Judge sits with an Environment Commissioner or special advisor, the Environment Judge shall preside at the sitting.
(3)
A decision of a majority of the members of the Environment Court present at a sitting is the decision of the court but, if there is no majority, the decision of the presiding member is the decision of the court.
Section 265 heading: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 265(1): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 265(1)(a): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 265(1)(a): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(c) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 265(1)(b): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 265(1)(b): amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 133 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 265(1)(c): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 77 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 265(1)(c): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 100 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 265(1)(c): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(c) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 265(2): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 265(2): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(c) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 265(3): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
266 Constitution of the Environment Court not to be questioned
(1)
It is in the sole discretion of the member of the Environment Court presiding at a sitting of the court to decide whether the court has been properly constituted and convened.
(2)
The exercise of discretion under subsection (1) may not be questioned in proceedings before the court or in another court.
Section 266 heading: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 266(1): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 266(2): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Conferences and additional dispute resolution
267 Conferences
(1)
An Environment Judge—
(a)
must, as soon as practicable after the lodging of proceedings, consider whether to convene a conference presided over by a member of the court; and
(b)
may, at any time after the lodging of proceedings, require the parties, or any Minister, local authority, or other person that or who has given notice of intention to appear under section 274, to be present at a conference presided over by a member of the court.
(1A)
Each person required to be present at a conference must—
(a)
be present in person; or
(b)
have at least 1 representative present who has the authority to make decisions on behalf of the person represented on any matters that may reasonably be expected to arise at the conference.
(2)
Any party may request an Environment Judge to convene a conference under subsection (1).
(3)
The member of the court presiding at any conference under subsection (1) may, after giving the parties an opportunity to be heard, do all or any of the following things:
(a)
direct that such amendments to pleadings be made as appear to the member to be necessary:
(b)
direct that any admissions which have been made by any party and which do not appear in the pleadings, be recorded in such a manner as the member thinks fit:
(c)
define the issues to be tried:
(d)
direct that any issue, whether of fact or of law or of both, be tried before any other issue:
(e)
fix the dates by which the respective parties shall deliver to the court and to the other parties, statements of the evidence to be given on behalf of the respective parties:
(f)
direct the order in which the parties shall present their respective cases:
(g)
direct the order in which a party may cross-examine witnesses called on behalf of any other party:
(h)
limit the number of addresses and cross-examinations of witnesses by parties having the same interest:
(i)
direct that the evidence, or the evidence of any particular witness or witnesses, shall be given orally in open hearing, or by affidavit, or by pre-recorded statement or report duly sworn by the witness before or at the hearing, or partly by one and partly by another or other of such modes of testifying; except that in every case any opposite party shall (if that party so requires) have the opportunity of cross-examining any witness:
(j)
determine any question of admissibility of any evidence proposed to be tendered at the hearing by any party:
(k)
require further or better particulars of any matters connected with the proceedings:
(l)
adjourn the conference to allow for consultations among the parties:
(m)
give such further or other directions as he or she considers necessary.
(4)
The member of the court presiding at any conference under subsection (1)—
(a)
shall ensure that the parties are given an opportunity to make all admissions and all agreements as to the conduct of the proceedings which ought reasonably to be made by them; and
(b)
with a view to such special order (if any) as to costs as may be just being made at the hearing, may cause a record to be made, in such form as the member may direct, of any refusal to make any admission or agreement.
Section 267(1): replaced, on 19 April 2017, by section 101 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 267(1A): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 101 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 267(2): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 267(3): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 267(3)(e): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 267(4): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
268 Alternative dispute resolution
(1)
At any time after proceedings are lodged, the Environment Court may, for the purpose of facilitating the resolution of any matter, ask a member of the Environment Court or another person to conduct an ADR process before or at any time during the course of a hearing.
(2)
The Environment Court may act under this section on its own motion or on request.
(3)
A member of the Environment Court who conducts an ADR process is not disqualified from resuming his or her role to decide a matter if—
(a)
the parties agree that the member should resume his or her role and decide the matter; and
(b)
the member concerned and the court are satisfied that it is appropriate for him or her to do so.
(4)
In this section and section 268A, ADR process means an alternative dispute resolution process (for example, mediation) designed to facilitate the resolution of a matter.
Section 268: replaced, on 19 April 2017, by section 102 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
268A Mandatory participation in alternative dispute resolution processes
(1)
This section applies to an ADR process conducted under section 268.
(2)
Each party to the proceedings must participate in the ADR process in person or by a representative, unless leave is granted under this section.
(3)
Each person required to participate in an ADR process must—
(a)
be present in person; or
(b)
have at least 1 representative present who has the authority to make decisions on behalf of the person represented on any matters that may reasonably be expected to arise in the ADR process.
(4)
A party to the proceedings may apply to the Environment Court for leave not to participate in the ADR process.
(5)
The Environment Court may grant leave if it considers that it is not appropriate for the party to participate in the ADR process.
Section 268A: inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 102 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Procedure and powers
269 Court procedure
(1)
Except as expressly provided in this Act, the Environment Court may regulate its own proceedings in such manner as it thinks fit.
(1A)
However, the Environment Court must regulate its proceedings in a manner that best promotes their timely and cost-effective resolution.
(2)
Environment Court proceedings may be conducted without procedural formality where this is consistent with fairness and efficiency.
(3)
The Environment Court shall recognise tikanga Maori where appropriate.
(4)
The Environment Court may use or allow the use in any proceedings, or conference under section 267, of any telecommunication facility which will assist in the fair and efficient determination of the proceedings or conference.
Section 269 heading: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 269(1): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 269(1A): inserted, on 4 September 2013, by section 44 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 269(2): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 269(3): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 269(4): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
270 Hearing matters together
(1)
The Environment Court shall hear together 2 or more proceedings relating to the same subject matter unless in the court’s opinion it is impractical, unnecessary, or undesirable.
(2)
Subsection (1) applies whenever the Environment Court has jurisdiction to hear the proceedings, whether or not they arise under this Act or another Act or regulation or a combination of Acts and regulations.
Section 270(1): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 270(2): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
271 Local hearings
The Environment Court shall conduct any conference or hearing at a place as near to the locality of the subject matter to which the proceedings relate as the court considers convenient unless the parties otherwise agree.
Section 271: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
271A Submitter may be party to proceedings
[Repealed]Section 271A: repealed, on 1 August 2003, by section 75 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
272 Hearing of proceedings
(1)
The Environment Court shall hear and determine all proceedings as soon as practicable after the date on which the proceedings are lodged with it unless, in the circumstances of a particular case, it is not considered appropriate to do so.
(2)
The time and place of hearing of proceedings before the court shall be fixed by the Registrar in accordance with regulations made under this Act.
(3)
The Registrar shall give not less than 15 working days notice of the time and place fixed for a hearing to every party to the proceedings concerned, except that an Environment Judge may reduce that period in any particular case if he or she thinks fit.
(4)
If a person who has initiated proceedings before the court fails without sufficient cause to appear before the court at the time and place fixed for the hearing, the court may dismiss the proceedings.
Section 272(1): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 272(2): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 272(3): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 272(4): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
273 Successors to parties to proceedings
(1)
Proceedings brought before the Environment Court shall be deemed to be also brought on behalf of the personal representatives of the person bringing the same and on behalf of the successors, if any, to the rights or interests affected thereby.
(2)
Every party appearing in proceedings before the Environment Court shall be deemed to do so also on behalf of the party’s personal representatives and the successors, if any, to the rights or interests affected thereby.
Section 273(1): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 273(1): amended, on 2 September 1996, by section 12 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 273(2): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 273(2): amended, on 2 September 1996, by section 12 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
274 Representation at proceedings
(1)
The following persons may be a party to any proceedings before the Environment Court:
(a)
the Minister:
(b)
a local authority:
(c)
the Attorney-General representing a relevant aspect of the public interest:
(d)
a person who has an interest in the proceedings that is greater than the interest that the general public has, but the person’s right to be a party is limited by section 308C if the person is a person A as defined in section 308A and the proceedings are an appeal against a decision under this Act in favour of a person B as defined in section 308A:
(da)
a person who has an interest in the proceedings that is greater than the interest that the general public has, but the person’s right to be a party is limited by section 308CA if the person is person A as defined in section 308A and the proceedings are for an application for a resource consent or a notice of requirement by person B as defined in section 308A:
(e)
a person who made a submission to which the following apply:
(i)
it was made about the subject matter of the proceedings; and
(ii)
section 308B(2) and clauses 6(4) and 29(1B) of Schedule 1 were irrelevant to it:
(f)
a person who made a submission to which the following apply:
(i)
it was made about the subject matter of the proceedings; and
(ii)
section 308B(2) or clauses 6(4) or 29(1B) of Schedule 1 was relevant to it; and
(iii)
it was made in compliance with whichever of section 308B(2) or clauses 6(4) or 29(1B) of Schedule 1 was relevant to it.
(2)
A person described in subsection (1) may become a party to the proceedings by giving notice within 15 working days after—
(a)
the period for lodging a notice of appeal ends, if the proceedings are an appeal:
(b)
the decision to hold an inquiry, if the proceedings are an inquiry:
(c)
the proceedings are commenced, in any other case.
(2A)
A notice given under subsection (2) must be given to—
(a)
the Environment Court; and
(b)
the relevant local authority; and
(c)
the appellant, in the case of an appeal, or the person who commenced proceedings, in any other case.
(2B)
The person giving notice under subsection (2) must, no later than 5 working days after the deadline for giving that notice, give the same notice to all other parties.
(3)
The notice given under subsection (2) must state—
(a)
the proceedings in which the person has an interest; and
(b)
whether the person supports or opposes the proceedings and the reasons for that support or opposition; and
(c)
if applicable, the grounds for seeking representation under subsection (1)(c) or (d); and
(d)
an address for service.
(4)
A person who becomes a party to the proceedings under this section may appear and call evidence in accordance with subsections (4A) and, if relevant, (4B).
(4A)
Evidence must not be called under subsection (4) unless it is on matters within the scope of the appeal, inquiry, or other proceeding.
(4B)
However, in the case of a person described in subsection (1)(e) or (f), evidence may be called only if it is both—
(a)
within the scope of the appeal, inquiry, or other proceeding; and
(b)
on matters arising out of that person’s submissions in the previous related proceedings or on any matter on which that person could have appealed.
(5)
A person who becomes a party to the proceedings under this section may not oppose the withdrawal or abandonment of the proceedings unless the proceedings were brought by a person who made a submission in the previous proceedings on the same matter.
(6)
For the purposes of determining whether a person has an interest in proceedings greater than the interest that the general public has, the Environment Court must have regard to every relevant statutory acknowledgment (within the meaning of an Act specified in Schedule 11) in accordance with the provisions of the relevant Act in that schedule.
(7)
Subsections (2) to (2B) are subject to section 281.
Section 274: replaced, on 1 August 2003, by section 76 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 274(1): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 128(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 274(1)(da): inserted, on 4 September 2013, by section 45(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 274(2): replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 128(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 274(2): amended, on 4 September 2013, by section 45(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 274(2A): inserted, on 4 September 2013, by section 45(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 274(2B): inserted, on 4 September 2013, by section 45(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 274(3)(b): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 128(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 274(4): replaced, on 10 August 2005, by section 99 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 274(4A): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 99 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 274(4B): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 99 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 274(4B): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 128(3) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 274(6): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 128(4) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 274(7): replaced, on 4 September 2013, by section 45(4) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
275 Personal appearance or by representative
A person who has a right to appear or is allowed to appear before the Environment Court may appear in person or be represented by another person.
Section 275: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
276 Evidence
(1)
The Environment Court may—
(a)
receive anything in evidence that it considers appropriate to receive; and
(b)
call for anything to be provided in evidence which it considers will assist it to make a decision or recommendation; and
(c)
call before it a person to give evidence who, in its opinion, will assist it in making a decision or recommendation.
(1A)
The court may, whether or not the parties consent,—
(a)
accept evidence that was presented at a hearing held by the consent authority under section 39:
(b)
direct how evidence is to be given to the court.
(2)
The Environment Court is not bound by the rules of law about evidence that apply to judicial proceedings.
(3)
The Environment Court may receive evidence written or spoken in Maori and Te Ture mō Te Reo Māori 2016/the Māori Language Act 2016 shall apply accordingly.
(4)
This section applies subject to section 277A.
Section 276(1): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 276(1A): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 100 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 276(2): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 276(3): amended, on 30 April 2016, by section 50 of Te Ture mō Te Reo Māori 2016/the Māori Language Act 2016 (2016 No 17).
Section 276(3): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 276(4): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 103 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
276A Evidence of documents
A copy of, or extract from, a policy statement or plan, certified to be a true copy by the principal administrative officer or by any other authorised officer of the relevant local authority, is admissible in evidence in legal proceedings to the same extent as the original document.
Section 276A: inserted, on 1 August 2003, by section 77 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
277 Hearings and evidence generally to be public
(1)
All hearings of the Environment Court shall be held in public except as provided in subsection (2).
(2)
The Environment Court may—
(a)
order that any evidence be heard in private:
(b)
prohibit or restrict the publication of any evidence—
if it considers that the reasons for doing so outweigh the public interest in a public hearing and publication of evidence.
Section 277(1): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 277(2): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
277A Powers of Environment Court in relation to evidence heard on appeal by way of rehearing
[Repealed]Section 277A: repealed, on 30 November 2022, by section 110 of the Statutes Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 75).
278 Environment Court has powers of District Court
(1)
The Environment Court and Environment Judges have the same powers that the District Court has in the exercise of its civil jurisdiction, including, without limitation, the power to commission a report from an independent expert on any matter raised in an appeal, as provided for by subpart 4 of Part 9 of the District Court Rules 2014.
(1A)
Despite rule 9.31 of the District Court Rules 2014, an independent expert from whom a report is commissioned under subsection (1) must be available to be cross-examined by any party.
(2)
An application for an order for discovery or production of documents may be made only with the leave of an Environment Judge.
(3)
If the Registrar is directed to do so by an Environment Judge, the Registrar may act on behalf of the Environment Court or an Environment Judge in doing any act preliminary or incidental to any proceedings, including—
(a)
the issuing of summonses requiring the attendance of witnesses; and
(b)
the making of an order for the production of documents; and
(c)
the convening of a conference under section 267.
(4)
An order made by the Registrar under subsection (3) or an application granted under section 281 must be treated as if it were an order of the Environment Court.
(5)
The Registrar may take a statutory declaration or an affidavit.
Section 278 heading: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 278 heading: amended, on 2 September 1996, by section 14 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 278(1): replaced, on 2 September 1996, by section 14 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 278(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 278(1): amended, on 10 August 2005, by section 101(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 278(1A): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 101(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 278(1A): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 278(2): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 278(3): replaced, on 10 August 2005, by section 101(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 278(4): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 101(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 278(5): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 101(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
279 Powers of Environment Judge sitting alone
(1)
An Environment Judge sitting alone may make any of the following orders:
(a)
an order in the course of proceedings:
(b)
an order that is not opposed:
(c)
an order in respect of a matter which the parties to the proceedings agree should be heard and decided by an Environment Judge sitting alone:
(d)
an order giving directions as to service of anything:
(e)
an order in any proceedings when the matter at issue is substantially a question of law only:
(f)
an order made on the application of a party to proceedings directing that any proceedings should be heard and decided by an Environment Judge sitting alone because the matter at issue is substantially a question of law only:
(fa)
an order, in any proceedings where questions of law and other matters are raised, directing that any proceedings should be heard and decided by 1 Environment Judge and 1 Environment Commissioner sitting together:
(g)
an order as to costs:
(h)
an order made on an application for a rehearing:
(i)
an order on any appeal against any requirement to pay an administrative charge:
(j)
a declaration relating to any inconsistency between a plan and a policy statement:
(k)
an order directing that any determination under section 91 (deferral pending application for additional consents) be revoked.
(2)
An Environment Judge sitting alone may—
(a)
exercise any powers conferred by the Chief Environment Court Judge that could have been conferred on an Environment Commissioner under section 280; and
(b)
waive a requirement or give a direction under section 281.
(3)
An Environment Judge sitting alone may, having regard to the matters set out in section 42 and to such other matters as the Environment Judge thinks fit,—
(a)
on an application made under section 42(4), and on such terms as the Judge thinks fit, make an order cancelling or varying any order made by a local authority under that section:
(b)
on an application made under section 42(5), and on such terms as the Judge thinks fit, make an order described in section 42(2) and having the same effect as an order made under section 42:
(c)
on an application made at any stage of proceedings before the Environment Court, and on such terms as the Judge thinks fit, make an order described in section 42(2) and having the same effect as an order made under section 42—
or may decline to make any such order.
(4)
An Environment Judge sitting alone may, at any stage of the proceedings and on such terms as the Judge thinks fit, order that the whole or any part of that person’s case be struck out if the Judge considers—
(a)
that it is frivolous or vexatious; or
(b)
that it discloses no reasonable or relevant case in respect of the proceedings; or
(c)
that it would otherwise be an abuse of the process of the Environment Court to allow the case to be taken further.
(5)
In the case of an appeal under section 120, in addition to exercising the powers conferred by subsections (1) to (4), an Environment Judge sitting alone may—
(a)
exercise any other powers of the Environment Court that may be conferred by the Chief Environment Court Judge either generally or in relation to a particular matter; and
(b)
exercise those powers on any terms and conditions that the Chief Environment Court Judge may think fit.
Section 279 heading: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 279 heading: amended, on 7 July 1993, by section 134 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 279(1): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 279(1)(c): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 279(1)(f): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 279(1)(fa): inserted, on 7 July 1993, by section 134 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 65).
Section 279(1)(fa): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 279(1)(fa): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(c) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 279(2): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 279(2)(a): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 78 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 279(2)(a): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(c) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 279(3): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 279(3)(c): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 279(4): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 279(4)(c): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 279(5): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 105 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 279(5)(a): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 78 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 279(5)(b): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 78 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
280 Powers of Environment Commissioner sitting without Environment Judge
(1)
An Environment Commissioner or Environment Commissioners sitting without an Environment Judge may exercise such powers as may be conferred by the Chief Environment Court Judge either generally or in relation to a particular matter, and on such terms and conditions as the Chief Environment Court Judge may think fit, including a power to—
(a)
issue summonses requiring the attendance of witnesses; and
(b)
convene a conference under section 267.
(1AA)
If proceedings relate to an appeal under section 120, 1 or more Environment Commissioners sitting without an Environment Judge may,—
(a)
in relation to a particular matter, exercise any of the powers conferred by section 279(1) to (4) on an Environment Judge sitting alone that may be conferred by the Environment Judge after a conference held under section 267 in relation to that matter; and
(b)
exercise the powers referred to in paragraph (a) on any terms and conditions that the Environment Judge may think fit.
(1A)
[Repealed](1B)
An Environment Commissioner may take a declaration or an affidavit.
(2)
Any party may, within 15 working days of the exercise of any power under this section, apply in writing to an Environment Judge for leave to make an application for a review of the exercise of that power by a fully constituted Environment Court.
(3)
If leave is granted by an Environment Judge, the party may, within a further 7 working days, apply in writing for a review of the exercise of that power by a fully constituted Environment Court.
(4)
The Environment Court, on any such review, may substitute or set aside the Environment Commissioner’s decision and make such further or other orders as the case may require.
Section 280 heading: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 280 heading: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(c) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 280(1): replaced, on 10 August 2005, by section 102 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 280(1): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 79 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
Section 280(1AA): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 106(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 280(1A): repealed, on 19 April 2017, by section 106(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 280(1B): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 102 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 280(2): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 280(2): amended, on 2 September 1996, by section 15(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 280(3): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 280(3): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 280(4): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 280(4): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(c) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
281 Waivers and directions
(1)
A person may apply to the Environment Court to—
(a)
waive a requirement of this Act or another Act or a regulation about—
(i)
the time within which anything shall be served; or
(ii)
the time within which an appeal or submission to the Environment Court must be lodged; or
(iia)
the time within which a person must give notice under section 274 that the person wishes to be a party to the proceedings; or
(iii)
the method of service; or
(iv)
the documents that shall be served; or
(v)
the persons on whom anything shall be served; or
(vi)
the information, or the accuracy of information, that shall be supplied; or
(b)
give a direction about—
(i)
the time within which or the method by which anything is to be served; or
(ii)
what shall be served, whether or not the direction complies with this Act or any other Act or a regulation; or
(iii)
the terms, including terms as to adjournment, costs, or other things, on which any information shall be supplied.
(2)
The Environment Court shall not grant an application under this section unless it is satisfied that none of the parties to the proceedings will be unduly prejudiced.
(3)
Without limiting subsection (2), the Environment Court shall not grant an application under this section to waive a requirement as to the time within which anything shall be lodged with the court (to which subsection (1)(a)(ii) applies) unless it is satisfied that—
(a)
the appellant or applicant and the respondent consent to that waiver; or
(b)
any of those parties who have not so consented will not be unduly prejudiced.
(4)
Without limiting subsections (2) and (3), the Environment Court may waive a requirement as to time under this section whether or not an application is made under this section before the requirement has been breached.
(5)
A Registrar may exercise a power in this section if conferred by the Chief Environment Court Judge either generally or in relation to a specific matter and, in either case, on such terms and conditions as the Chief Environment Court Judge thinks fit.
Section 281(1): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 281(1)(a)(ii): replaced, on 1 August 2003, by section 79 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 281(1)(a)(iia): inserted, on 1 August 2003, by section 79 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 23).
Section 281(2): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 281(3): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 281(4): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 281(5): inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 103 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 281(5): amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 80 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
281A Registrar may waive, reduce, or postpone payment of fee
(1)
A person may apply to the Registrar for a waiver, reduction, or postponement of the payment to the court of any fee prescribed by regulations made under this Act.
(2)
The application must be made in the prescribed form (if any).
(3)
The Registrar may waive, reduce, or postpone the payment of the fee only if the Registrar is satisfied, after applying any prescribed criteria, that—
(a)
the person responsible for paying the fee is unable to pay the fee in whole or in part; or
(b)
in the case of proceedings concerning a matter of public interest, the proceedings are unlikely to be commenced or continued if the powers are not exercised.
Section 281A: replaced, on 19 April 2017, by section 107 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
281B Review of exercise of power by Registrar
(1)
A person directly affected by the exercise of a power by a Registrar may apply to an Environment Judge to reconsider the matter.
(2)
The application must be by notice to the Registrar and other persons affected, within 10 working days after the Registrar’s determination or action.
(3)
The Environment Judge may confirm, modify, or reverse the decision of the Registrar.
Section 281B: inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 104 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 281B(2): amended, on 4 September 2013, by section 46 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
282 Application of Contempt of Court Act 2019
(1)
Subparts 2 and 4 of Part 2 and sections 25 and 26(1) and (2) of the Contempt of Court Act 2019 apply with the necessary modifications to proceedings of the Environment Court.
(2)
Those provisions apply to proceedings of the Environment Court as if—
(a)
references to a court include the Environment Court; and
(b)
references to a Judge include an Environment Judge and an Alternate Environment Judge; and
(c)
references to a judicial officer include an Environment Commissioner and a Deputy Environment Commissioner; and
(d)
references to an officer of the court include an officer of the Environment Court.
Section 282: replaced, on 26 August 2020, by section 29 of the Contempt of Court Act 2019 (2019 No 44).
283 Non-attendance or refusal to co-operate
(1)
Except as provided in subsection (2), no person shall, without reasonable cause—
(a)
fail to appear in accordance with a summons issued by an Environment Judge or an Environment Commissioner, or fail to produce anything that he or she is required to produce by such a summons; or
(b)
refuse to be sworn or give evidence at proceedings before the court; or
(c)
refuse to answer any questions put by a member of the court during proceedings before the court.
(2)
A person need not comply with subsection (1) if he or she was not given travelling expenses in accordance with the scale for witnesses in civil cases under the District Court Act 2016 either—
(a)
at the time the summons was served; or
(b)
at some reasonable time before the hearing.
Section 283(1)(a): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 283(1)(a): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(c) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 283(1)(b): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 283(1)(c): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 283(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
284 Witnesses’ allowances
(1)
A witness attending the Environment Court in accordance with a summons is entitled to be paid, by the party requiring his or her attendance, expenses for travelling and maintenance while absent from his or her usual residence.
(2)
Payment of expenses shall be made in accordance with the scale of allowances for witnesses in civil cases under the District Court Act 2016.
(3)
When a witness is called or evidence is obtained by the court, the court may direct that the expenses incurred—
(a)
form part of the costs of the proceedings; or
(b)
be paid from money appropriated by Parliament for the purpose.
Section 284(1): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 284(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 284(3): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
284A Security for costs
[Repealed]Section 284A: repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 129 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
285 Awarding costs
(1)
The Environment Court may order any party to proceedings before it to pay to any other party the costs and expenses (including witness expenses) incurred by the other party that the court considers reasonable.
(2)
Subsection (1) does not apply if the Environment Court makes an order under section 308H(2).
(3)
The Environment Court may order any party to proceedings before it to pay to the Crown all or any part of the court’s costs and expenses.
(4)
Subsection (3) does not apply if the Environment Court makes an order under section 308H(3).
(5)
In proceedings under section 87G, 149T, 198E, or 198K, the Environment Court must,—
(a)
when deciding whether to make an order under subsection (1) or (3),—
(i)
apply a presumption that costs under subsections (1) and (3) are not to be ordered against a person who is a party under section 274(1); and
(ii)
apply a presumption that costs under subsection (3) are to be ordered against the applicant; and
(b)
when deciding on the amount of any order it decides to make, have regard to the fact that the proceedings are at first instance.
(6)
The Environment Court may order a party who fails to proceed with a hearing at the time the court arranges, or who fails to give adequate notice of the abandonment of the proceedings, to pay to any other party or to the Crown any of the costs and expenses incurred by the other party or the Crown.
(7)
The Environment Court may order an applicant to pay the costs and expenses that a consent authority or a territorial authority incurred in assisting the court in relation to a report provided by the authority under section 87F, 165ZFE(6), 198D, or 198J and that the court considers reasonable.
(8)
In deciding whether to make an order under subsection (7), the court must apply a presumption that such costs are to be ordered against the applicant.
Section 285: replaced, on 1 October 2009, by section 130 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 285(7): inserted, on 4 September 2013, by section 47 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
Section 285(8): inserted, on 4 September 2013, by section 47 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 63).
286 Enforcing orders for costs
An order for costs made by the Environment Court may be filed in the District Court at the office of the court named in the order and then becomes enforceable as a judgment of the District Court in its civil jurisdiction.
Section 286: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 286: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
287 Reference of questions of law to High Court
(1)
The Environment Court may, in any proceedings before it, state a case for the opinion of the High Court on any question of law that arises in those proceedings; and for that purpose may either conclude the proceedings subject to that opinion, or adjourn them until after that opinion has been given.
(2)
The case shall be settled and signed by an Environment Judge and sent to the Registrar at the appropriate registry of the High Court.
(3)
The settling and signing of the case by an Environment Judge is deemed to be the statement of the case by the court.
(4)
The Environment Court may, in relation to any case stated under this section, after giving notice to the parties of its intention to do so, request the Registrar at the appropriate registry of the High Court for a fixture for the determination of the case.
(5)
For the purposes of this section, the appropriate registry of the High Court is the office of the High Court nearest to the place where the appeal, inquiry, or other proceedings was or is being conducted.
Section 287(1): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 287(1): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 287(2): amended, on 10 August 2005, by section 105(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 287(2): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 287(3): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 287(3): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 287(4): amended, on 10 August 2005, by section 105(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 287(4): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 287(5): replaced, on 10 August 2005, by section 105(3) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
288 Privileges and immunities
Witnesses and counsel appearing before the Environment Court have the same privileges and immunities as they have when they appear in the same capacity in proceedings in the District Court.
Section 288: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 288: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
288A Information regarding reserved judgments
The Chief Environment Court Judge must, in consultation with the Chief Justice,—
(a)
publish information about the process by which parties to proceedings before the court may obtain information about the status of any reserved judgment in those proceedings; and
(b)
periodically publish information about the number of judgments of the court that he or she considers are outstanding beyond a reasonable time for delivery; and
(c)
publish information about reserved judgments that he or she considers is useful.
Section 288A: inserted, on 1 March 2017, by section 8 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 68).
Section 288A: amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 81 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
288B Recusal guidelines
The Chief Environment Court Judge must, in consultation with the Chief Justice, develop and publish guidelines to assist Judges to decide if they should recuse themselves from a proceeding.
Section 288B: inserted, on 1 March 2017, by section 8 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 68).
Section 288B: amended, on 1 July 2020, by section 82 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 30).
288C Judge may make order restricting commencement or continuation of proceeding
(1)
A Judge may make an order restricting a person from commencing or continuing civil proceedings in the Environment Court.
(2)
The order may have—
(a)
a limited effect (a limited order); or
(b)
an extended effect (an extended order).
(3)
A limited order restrains a party from continuing or commencing civil proceedings on a particular matter in the Environment Court.
(4)
An extended order restrains a party from continuing or commencing civil proceedings on a particular or related matter in the Environment Court.
(5)
Nothing in this section limits the court’s inherent power to control its own proceedings.
Section 288C: inserted, on 1 March 2017, by section 8 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 68).
288D Grounds for making section 288C order
(1)
A Judge may make a limited order under section 288C if, in proceedings about the same matter in the court, the Judge considers that at least 2 or more of the proceedings are or were totally without merit.
(2)
A Judge may make an extended order under section 288C if, in at least 2 proceedings about any matter considered by the court, the Judge considers that the proceedings are or were totally without merit.
(3)
In determining whether the proceedings are or were totally without merit, the Judge may take into account the nature of any other interlocutory application, appeals, or criminal prosecutions involving the party to be restrained, but is not limited to those considerations.
(4)
The proceedings concerned must be proceedings commenced or continued by the party to be restrained, whether against the same person or different persons.
(5)
For the purpose of this section and sections 288E and 288F, an appeal in a civil proceeding must be treated as part of that proceeding and not as a distinct proceeding.
Section 288D: inserted, on 1 March 2017, by section 8 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 68).
288E Terms of section 288C order
(1)
An order made under section 288C may restrain a party from commencing or continuing any civil proceeding (whether generally or against any particular person or persons) of any type specified in the order without first obtaining the leave of the court.
(2)
An order made under section 288C, whether limited or extended, has effect for a period of up to 3 years as specified by the Judge, but the Judge making it may specify a longer period (which must not exceed 5 years) if he or she is satisfied that there are exceptional circumstances justifying the longer period.
Section 288E: inserted, on 1 March 2017, by section 8 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 68).
288F Procedure and appeals relating to section 288C orders
(1)
A party to any proceeding may apply for a limited order or an extended order.
(2)
A Judge may make an order under section 288C (a section 288C order) either on an application under subsection (1) or on his or her own initiative.
(3)
An application for leave to continue or commence a civil proceeding by a party subject to a section 288C order may be made without notice, but the court may direct that the application for leave be served on any specified person.
(4)
An application for leave must be determined on the papers, unless the Judge considers that an oral hearing should be conducted because there are exceptional circumstances and it is appropriate to do so in the interests of justice.
(5)
A Judge’s determination of an application for leave is final.
(6)
A section 288C order does not prevent or affect the commencement of a private criminal prosecution in any case.
(7)
The party against whom a section 288C order is made may appeal against the order to the High Court.
(8)
The appellant in an appeal under subsection (7) or the applicant for the section 288C order concerned may, with the leave of the High Court, appeal against the determination of that appeal to the Court of Appeal.
(9)
A court determining an appeal under this section has the same powers as the court appealed from has to determine an application or appeal, as the case may be.
Section 288F: inserted, on 1 March 2017, by section 8 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 68).
Appeals, inquiries, and other proceedings before Environment Court
Heading: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
289 Reply to appeal or request for inquiry
[Repealed]Section 289: repealed, on 1 October 2009, by section 131 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
290 Powers of court in regard to appeals and inquiries
(1)
The Environment Court has the same power, duty, and discretion in respect of a decision appealed against, or to which an inquiry relates, as the person against whose decision the appeal or inquiry is brought.
(2)
The Environment Court may confirm, amend, or cancel a decision to which an appeal relates.
(3)
The Environment Court may recommend the confirmation, amendment, or cancellation of a decision to which an inquiry relates.
(4)
Nothing in this section affects any specific power or duty the Environment Court has under this Act or under any other Act or regulation.
Section 290 heading: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 290(1): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 290(2): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 290(3): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 290(4): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
290AA Powers of court in regard to certain appeals under clause 14 of Schedule 1
The Environment Court, when hearing an appeal under clause 14(1) of Schedule 1 relating to a matter included in a document under section 55(2B), may consider only the question of law raised.
Section 290AA: inserted, on 1 October 2009, by section 132 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
290A Environment Court to have regard to decision that is subject of appeal or inquiry
In determining an appeal or inquiry, the Environment Court must have regard to the decision that is the subject of the appeal or inquiry.
Section 290A: inserted, on 10 August 2005, by section 106 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
291 Other proceedings before court
(1)
Except as otherwise provided in this Act, or any other Act, or regulation, every originating application to the Environment Court shall be made by notice of motion. The notice of motion shall specify the order sought, the grounds upon which the application is made, and the persons upon whom the notice is to be served. Every notice of motion shall be supported by an affidavit as to the matters giving rise to the application.
(2)
The applicant shall as soon as reasonably practicable after lodging a notice of motion with the Registrar, serve copies of the notice and affidavit upon such persons, if any, as are parties to the application and advise the Registrar accordingly.
(3)
An Environment Judge may at any time direct the applicant to serve a copy of the notice of motion and affidavit upon any other person.
(4)
Every person upon whom a notice of motion has been served shall, if he or she desires to be heard on the application, within 15 working days after the date of service upon him or her, give written notice in the prescribed form to the Registrar and the applicant of his or her desire to be heard and of the matters he or she wishes to advance.
Section 291 heading: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 291(1): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 291(3): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Court’s powers in regard to plans and policy statements
Heading: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
292 Remedying defects in plans
(1)
The Environment Court may, in any proceedings before it, direct a local authority to amend a regional plan or district plan to which the proceedings relate for the purpose of—
(a)
remedying any mistake, defect, or uncertainty; or
(b)
giving full effect to the plan.
(2)
The local authority to whom a direction is made under subsection (1) shall comply with the direction without using the process in Schedule 1.
Section 292(1): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 292(2): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
293 Environment Court may order change to proposed policy statements and plans
(1)
After hearing an appeal against, or an inquiry into, the provisions of any proposed policy statement or plan that is before the Environment Court, the court may direct the local authority to—
(a)
prepare changes to the proposed policy statement or plan to address any matters identified by the court:
(b)
consult the parties and other persons that the court directs about the changes:
(c)
submit the changes to the court for confirmation.
(2)
The court—
(a)
must state its reasons for giving a direction under subsection (1); and
(b)
may give directions under subsection (1) relating to a matter that it directs to be addressed.
(3)
Subsection (4) applies if the Environment Court finds that a proposed policy statement or plan that is before the court departs from—
(a)
a national policy statement:
(b)
a New Zealand coastal policy statement:
(ba)
a national planning standard:
(c)
a relevant regional policy statement:
(d)
a relevant regional plan:
(e)
a water conservation order.
(4)
The Environment Court may allow a departure to remain if it considers that it is of minor significance and does not affect the general intent and purpose of the proposed policy statement or plan.
(5)
In subsections (3) and (4), departs and departure mean that a proposed policy statement or plan—
(a)
does not give effect to a national policy statement, a New Zealand coastal policy statement, a national planning standard, or a relevant regional policy statement; or
(b)
is inconsistent with a relevant regional plan or water conservation order.
Section 293: replaced, on 10 August 2005, by section 107 of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 293 heading: amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 133(1) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 293(1): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 133(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 293(1)(a): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 133(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 293(3): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 133(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 293(3)(b): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 108(1) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 293(3)(ba): inserted, on 19 April 2017, by section 108(2) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
Section 293(4): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 133(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 293(5): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 133(2) of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 293(5)(a): amended, on 19 April 2017, by section 108(3) of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).
293A Determinations on recognition orders and agreements made under Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011
(1)
This section applies to a determination made by the Environment Court on—
(a)
an appeal relating to—
(i)
a submission made in reliance on section 85B(1)(a):
(ii)
a request made in reliance on section 85B(1)(b):
(b)
an application made under section 85B(1)(c).
(2)
The Environment Court must—
(a)
determine the matters referred to in subsection (1) in accordance with clause 15 of Schedule 1; and
(b)
consider the matters set out in section 85B(2).
(3)
An application made under section 85B(1)(c) must be—
(a)
made in accordance with section 291; and
(b)
without limiting the discretion as to service under section 291, served on every relevant local authority.
Section 293A: inserted, on 17 January 2005, by section 29 of the Resource Management (Foreshore and Seabed) Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 94).
Section 293A heading: replaced, on 1 April 2011, by section 128 of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (2011 No 3).
294 Review of decision by court
(1)
Where, after any decision has been given by the Environment Court, new and important evidence becomes available or there has been a change in circumstances that in either case might have affected the decision, the court shall have power to order a rehearing of the proceedings on such terms and conditions as it thinks reasonable.
(2)
Any party may apply to the court on any of those grounds for a rehearing of the proceedings; and in any such case the court, after notice to the other parties concerned and after hearing such evidence as it thinks fit, shall determine whether and (if so) on what conditions the proceedings shall be reheard.
(3)
The decision of the court on any such proceedings shall have the same effect as a decision of the court on the original proceedings.
Section 294 heading: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 294(1): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 294(2): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 294(3): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Decisions of Environment Court
Heading: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
295 Environment Court decisions are final
A decision of the Environment Court under this Act, or another Act, or regulation, on any matter other than an inquiry, is final unless it is reheard under section 294 or appealed under section 299.
Section 295 heading: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 295: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
296 No review of decisions unless right of appeal or reference to inquiry exercised
If there is a right to refer any matter for inquiry to the Environment Court or to appeal to the court against a decision of a local authority, consent authority or any person under this Act or under any other Act or regulation—
(a)
no application for review under the Judicial Review Procedure Act 2016 may be made; and
(b)
no proceedings seeking a writ of, or in the nature of, mandamus, prohibition, or certiorari, or a declaration or injunction in relation to that decision, may be heard by the High Court—
unless the right has been exercised by the applicant in the proceedings and the court has made a decision.
Section 296: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 296(a): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 24 of the Judicial Review Procedure Act 2016 (2016 No 50).
297 Decisions of court to be in writing
Every decision, determination, or order of the Environment Court, unless it is pronounced orally at a sitting of the court, and every report, recommendation, or determination made by the court on an inquiry, shall be in writing signed by the member who presided at the hearing or inquiry or by a majority of the members who sat on the hearing or inquiry and shall be authenticated with the seal of the court.
Section 297 heading: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 297: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
298 Documents judicially noticed
The Environment Court shall continue to have a seal, and a document to which the seal of the court has been affixed shall be judicially noticed.
Section 298: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Appeals from Environment Court decisions
Heading: amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
299 Appeal to High Court on question of law
(1)
A party to a proceeding before the Environment Court under this Act or any other enactment may appeal on a question of law to the High Court against any decision, report, or recommendation of the Environment Court made in the proceeding.
(2)
The appeal must be made in accordance with the High Court Rules 2016, except to any extent that those rules are inconsistent with sections 300 to 307.
Section 299: replaced, on 1 January 2004, by section 48(1) of the Supreme Court Act 2003 (2003 No 53).
Section 299(1): amended, on 1 October 2009, by section 150 of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 31).
Section 299(2): amended, on 18 October 2016, by section 183(c) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48).
300 Notice of appeal
(1)
An appellant shall file a notice of appeal within 15 working days after the date on which the appellant is notified of the Environment Court’s decision or report and recommendation.
(2)
The appeal shall be filed with the Registrar of the High Court.
(3)
Within the time specified in subsection (1) the appellant shall serve a copy of the notice on the authority whose decision was the subject of the Environment Court’s decision or report and recommendation.
(4)
Before or within 5 working days after the appeal is filed the appellant shall serve a copy of the notice on—
(a)
every other party to the proceedings or any person who appeared before the Environment Court; and
(b)
the Registrar of the Environment Court.
(5)
The notice of appeal shall specify—
(a)
the decision or report and recommendation, or part of the decision or report and recommendation, appealed against; and
(b)
the error of law alleged by the appellant; and
(c)
the question of law to be resolved; and
(d)
the grounds of appeal with sufficient particularity for the court and other parties to understand them; and
(e)
the relief sought.
(6)
The Registrar of the Environment Court shall send a copy of the whole of the decision appealed against to the Registrar of the High Court as soon as reasonably practicable after receiving the notice of appeal.
Section 300(1): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 300(2): amended, on 10 August 2005, by section 109(1) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 300(3): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 300(4)(a): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 300(4)(b): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 300(5)(d): amended, on 2 September 1996, by section 17(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 300(5)(e): inserted, on 2 September 1996, by section 17(b) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
Section 300(6): amended, on 10 August 2005, by section 109(2) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 87).
Section 300(6): amended, on 2 September 1996, pursuant to section 6(2)(a) of the Resource Management Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 160).
301 Right to appear and be heard on appeal
(1)
A party to any proceedings or any person who appeared before the Environment Court, who wishes to appear on an appeal to the High Court shall give notice of intention to appear to—
(a)
the appellant; and
(b)
the Registrar of the High Court;