Preparing your application
Learn what you need to include in your resource consent application, who you might need to consult with, and details about engaging with Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu.
Required information
Schedule 4 of the Resource Management Act (RMA) sets out detailed requirements for what must be included in an application.
An application that includes all the requirements of the RMA ensures that the consent authority has the information required to decide whether to accept the application for processing and ultimately whether to grant or decline the application.
If the necessary information is not included in your application when you apply, we may have to return the incomplete application or request further information which can cause delays and associated increases in processing costs.
Describe the activity
When you apply for a consent you must provide clear details of what you want to do and where. The more information you can provide, the better understanding we will have of your proposal and therefore be able to process your application quicker.
In particular, we require a map clearly showing the location of proposed works and a legal description of the site.
The description will depend on the activity, but in general, we need to know:
- what you want to do
- how you want to do it
- where you want to do it
- when you want to do it
- why you want to do it.
Describe the environment
We need to understand what the receiving environment is for your proposed activity. This will depend on the activity but to help you with your application, we have produced general guidance for all activities on what makes a good application. Visit our guidance for resource management practitioners page to find out more.
Note that requirements based on different activities will be added to the guidance for resource management practitioners page as they are developed.
Identify plans and rules
In general, for a new consent, you will need to:
- identify the relevant regional plan
- identify the relevant rules in the plan, and what those rules require
- identify the applicable provisions of any national environmental standards.
You can contact our Advisory Team for help with identifying relevant rules.
Provide an environmental assessment
An Assessment of Environmental Effects (AEE) is a written statement identifying the effects of your proposed activity or activities on the environment, tangata whenua and your neighbours, and ways that any effects can be avoided or reduced.
An application for resource consent must include an AEE.
Read the Ministry for the Environment guide.
Search existing consents
Our consent search allows you to look at many resource consent documents held by us.
Resource consents can be searched by consent number or name of the consent holder.
Searching for existing consent applications for similar activities or locations can be used to identify how your application can best be written.
Consultation before lodging
Consultation with your neighbours, tangata whenua (Ngāi Tahu), users of the same water source, or interest groups such as Fish & Game, may be required before we can decide on a resource consent.
Learn more about consultation before lodging.
Using a consultant and specialist advice
Resource consent applications can involve complex planning and technical requirements. Engaging the services of a consultant to provide you advice and prepare your application will help ensure that your application meets the requirements. Since consultants are familiar with the consent process, they can also advise who should be consulted and what specialist advice (for example, hydrogeologist, ecologist or civil engineer) you may need to support your application.
Our staff can also advise what specialist advice or information you need, so you can find a consultant that is capable of providing the right advice for your application. You can find consultancy advice through personal referrals, advertising in professional journals and publications, or through professional directories.
Guidance for resource management practitioners
View our guidance for resource management practitioners page for the latest technical advice, guidance notes, and issues of Resource Consents newsletter to help understand what activities may require a resource consent and what information needs to be included in a consent application.
Helpful consent tools and resources
Our consent tools are designed for use by resource management professionals and individuals wanting to apply for consents. These tools include what you may need to prepare a complete application.
View all our consent tools and resources available to support the preparation of your consent application.
Pre-application service
If you are still not sure what you need to include in your resource consent application you can discuss your proposal with us by using our pre-application service. This service helps ensure your application will include the information needed for us to process it.