These tools and resources can help you prepare a complete resource consent application. Reviewing similar consents, understanding application requirements and using the right guidance can help reduce delays and requests for further information.
Search existing resource consents to see how similar activities have been assessed, what supporting information was provided and what consent conditions may apply.
The Canterbury Maps website provides free access to maps, records, information and data from the local government councils in the Canterbury region.
Interactive maps provide many easy-to-use ways to look at and find information resources held by the councils.
The maps can be used from any computer, touchscreen or mobile device with an internet connection, using a map viewer similar in operation to Google Maps. No special license, subscription or software is required.
Our well search displays a summary of information that we have on a specified well or bore, including the location, dimensions and construction of wells, along with water level and bore log data, some of which can be downloaded.
Information about aquifer testing:
Review of aquifer tests forms. These forms include the information to request a pre-application review of an aquifer test:
Guidelines and analysis tools for reviewing aquifer tests:
This Excel-based tool allows the analysis of aquifer test data with multiple flow rates including recovery, using a range of solutions for different aquifer conditions. It can be used to test the sensitivity of parameters.
This dewatering guidance document is aimed at providing external consultants/applicants with useful analytical tools and information to assist with the assessment and preparation of dewatering consent applications in Canterbury.
Dewatering is managed in the majority of the Canterbury Region under the Land and Water Regional Plan. In some cases other plans, or even Water Conservations Orders manage the abstraction of water, with some including specificity around dewatering.
Download dewatering guidance (PDF file, 2.88MB)
Our groundwater Well Interference Assessment tool is a web application that allows you to assess the potential effects of a groundwater abstraction on neighbouring bores in accordance with the plan requirements.
View instructions for the tool (PDF file, 464KB)
Our Excel-based drawdown tool calculates pumping-induced drawdown versus time and drawdown versus distance for radial flow to a well under confined or leaky conditions. It uses the Theis or Hantush-Jacob functions supplied by Dr Bruce Hunt of the University of Canterbury.
Download and use the drawdown tool (XLS file, 146.5KB)
This is an Excel-based analysis tool that can be used to calculate the effect of pumping on nearby waterbodies. It incorporates solutions by Theis (1935)/Jenkins; Hunt (1999); Hunt (2003); and Ward-Lough (2011).
Download and use version 4 of the stream depletion tool (XLS file, 572KB)
This is an Excel-based analysis that can be used to calculate pumping-induced drawdown and volume distribution in a two-aquifer system. It uses the Hunt & Scott (2007) solution.
IrriCalc is used to establish annual volumes required for irrigation in accordance with method 2 of Schedule 10 of the Canterbury Land and Water Regional Plan. It is a soil moisture balance model developed by Aqualinc Research Limited (ARL).
A set of criteria has been developed in consultation between Environment Canterbury, ARL and Irrigation NZ to provide consultants and farmers with requirements for a model and data used to calculate seasonal irrigation volumes.
The annual volume calculated using the model must be compliant with the following criteria:
Download the IrriCalc Guidance Document (PDF file, 59.29KB) for detailed information.
This tool allows you to calculate an annual volume required for irrigation in accordance with method 3 of Schedule 10 of the Canterbury Land and Water Regional Plan.
You will need the following information from your pumping schedule:
To find this information:
You will also need to know:
Information on Profile Available Water (PAW) and effective irrigation season rainfall can be obtained using Canterbury Maps.
To use the calculator download the Annual volume calculator analysis (XLS file, 61KB) and follow the instructions (PDF file, 575 KB).
If you want to calculate an annual volume for more than one consent, or if the properties are geographically separate, you will have to run a separate calculation for each consent/property.
The erosion and sediment control toolbox provides practical resources for anyone involved with any type of earthworks on the land or near water — projects large and small. It provides guidance for minimising the adverse effects of erosion and sedimentation while planning, constructing and maintaining a project.
People who are constructing houses on small sites or companies managing the construction of commercial sites can refer to the Erosion and Sediment Control Guideline for Small Sites (PDF file, 1.78MB).
The Canterbury Maps website provides free access to maps, records, information and data from the local government councils in the Canterbury region.
Interactive maps provide many easy-to-use ways to look at and find information resources held by the councils.
The maps can be used from any computer, touchscreen or mobile device with an internet connection, using a map viewer similar in operation to Google Maps. No special license, subscription or software is required.
Use our technical advice and guidance notes to understand what activities may require a resource consent and how to prepare a consent application.
Use this template to complete a fish screening facility design proposal and submit to us as part of a take and use surface water resource consent application – Fish Screen Facility design proposal template (DOC file, 232KB).
Complete this form when a fish screening facility has been installed and submit to us – Confirmation of Fish Screen Facility installation form (DOC file, 115KB).
Use these resources to develop and implement a Dust Management Plan for quarry activities.
Use this template to prepare a Dust Management Plan for your quarry. The template provides a practical structure for identifying dust risks, documenting control measures, monitoring performance, and responding to complaints or changing site conditions.
Read this guidance to understand the purpose of each section of the Dust Management Plan template, what information should be included, and why it is important for effective dust management and good environmental practice.
If you're unsure whether you need a resource consent, what information to provide, or which tools to use, we're here to help.
Discuss your proposal with us before applying to identify information requirements and potential issues early.
Get general advice about resource consent requirements and application processes.