If you want to take more water than what is allowed under the permitted activity rules, you will need to apply for a resource consent.
Resource consents manage and allocate water among different users. They help ensure water is used efficiently and sustainably, while protecting environmental, cultural, and community values.
In the Bay of Plenty, we currently manage more than 1,300 water take consents. These can be issued for a range of activities, such as drinking water, electricity generation, horticulture and agriculture, but will only be granted if the water use is efficient and will not have a significant environmental or cultural impact.
Council is required by law to accept and process a complete consent application for any kind of water use. Each consent application is assessed and considered on a case-by-case, and first in-first served basis.
The Bay of Plenty Regional Natural Resources Plan (RNRP) informs water allocation across the region. The National Environmental Standards for Freshwater set requirements for carrying out certain activities that pose risks to freshwater and freshwater ecosystems. What rules apply depends on where you’re taking the water from. Sometimes an activity requires more than one resource consent.
Surface Water (streams and rivers)
In summary, you will need a resource consent if:
Please note that water may also be taken without consent for reasonable domestic supply and stock drinking needs in accordance with section 14(3)(b) of the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA).
Geothermal water takes have specific rules due to the unique nature of this resource. A resource consent is required for most geothermal water takes.
See Rule GR R2 of the RNRP for details.
The take and use of geothermal fluid is covered by provisions in the Geothermal Resources section of this regional plan, and the Rotorua Geothermal Regional Plan (for activities in the Rotorua Field).
If you are unsure what rules apply for your proposed activity, or you want to discuss consenting requirements, get in touch with our Duty Planner.
Make sure you understand the rules and requirements for your take (see sections above). The resource consent process will be easier if you understand what you need to do to have your consent approved. Our Pre-application checklist is a good place to start.
Calculate your water needs – including seasonal use, peak daily demand, and annual volume - to ensure your request is reasonable and efficient. Provide as much detail as possible about how the water will be used. For complex applications, consider seeking advice from a consultant.
Identify potential environmental effects, including cultural effects. These will need to be addressed within the Assessment of Environmental Effects section of the application form.
You should also consider whether anyone may be adversely affected by your proposed activities and make an effort to consult with these affected parties. This includes tāngata whenua. When we assess a resource consent application, we look at effort to consult with affected parties.
Once you're familiar with the resource consent process and are ready to put together your application, you will need to locate the correct form for your activity. Applications that are deemed incomplete will be returned.
Our Consents team is here to help. Contact the Duty Consents Officer on 0800 884 880 for advice.
The consent application process is 100% user-pays. This means you pay for the time spent on your application by staff, plus expenses, which may include distance travelled, scientific reports and/or consultants.
We aim to process every consent application as efficiently as possible. Have a read of our top tips you can do to help us process yours quickly.
Once granted, consent holders are responsible for meeting the conditions of their consent. This helps ensure the sustainable use of our natural and physical resources.
You can view the details of any resource consent, including the consent conditions and expiry date, on our Consents mapping tool.
You can surrender or transfer a consent to another person or party if they will be operating the same activity at the same location.
We are in the process of updating our Freshwater rules, subject to updated Government direction. This may change the ‘permitted’ volumes outlined above. We encourage people to get involved in this Plan Change process. Learn more and sign up to receive email updates on Participate BOPRC - Changes to Freshwater Management in the Bay of Plenty.
