Preparing your application

Resource consent application processes
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Talk to us first

The information you provide with your resource consent helps us evaluate the potential effects of your activities on your local environment. It also helps others who may be affected to clearly understand what you’re intending to do.

You can make the consent application process a lot easier by talking to Waikato Regional Council first .Contact us or call us on 0800 800 401 to discuss your proposal before you put pen to paper.

You’ll avoid unnecessary delays and extra costs later in the process because we’ll help you identify everything you’ll need to include with your application right at the start.

We can advise you on:

  • what resource consents you require
  • the supporting information you’ll need to provide with your application - some large and/or complex proposals may require further information to be submitted with the application
  • other people who should be consulted with about your proposal
  • the general process, and what you can do to make the process as smooth as possible.

You may also need resource consents from your local district council, so it’s a good idea to get in touch with them too. 

Click here to request a pre-application meeting or call us on 0800 800 401

Required information

Make sure you fill out the correct application form. The forms set out the information that is required, and include (amongst other things):

  • A description of the activity or activities you want a consent for.
  • Details about the location of your activity/activities. It is helpful if you provide a map, aerial photograph or detailed sketch plan that shows:
    • orientation (with north arrow and scale)
    • your property boundary and neighbouring properties (as well as neighbouring property owners' names)
    • the nearest country road or state highway
    • any existing or proposed access roads, farm tracks, works or buildings in the area
    • the location of any waterways, wetlands or wildife habitats in the area
    • historic or waahi tapu sites
    • geothermal features
    • the location of any key landmarks.
  • An assessment of environmental effects (AEE).
  • A description of any permitted activities that are part of the proposal, and how the relevant permitted activity rules in the Waikato Regional Plan are proposed to be complied with.
  • An assessment against Part 2 (purpose and principles) of the RMA.
  • An assessment against the policies and objectives of other relevant Waikato Regional Council plans and any relevant national instruments.

If you need to get a resource consent from another organisation, such as your district council, you will also need to let us know:

  • the resource consents you need from that organisation
  • whether or not you’ve already applied for these other consents.

Consider engaging a consultant

If you have a large and complex proposal, advice and practical help from the right consultant can make for a smoother application process. A good consultant is likely to be familiar with the process and able to quickly identify who should be consulted, what information is required and how to obtain it.

An environmental consultant can:

  • explain Resource Management Act (RMA) processes and requirements
  • explain regional and district council processes and requirements
  • identify practical options for your proposed operation
  • provide technical advice about the design features of your proposal
  • provide advice about site selection
  • carry out consultation
  • prepare and lodge your consent application
  • research background and technical information
  • put together a team of specialists in different fields (if required for more complex proposals)

Finding a consultant

Consultancy firms will either provide a range of technical experts in different fields or focus on one specialist area. Waikato Regional Council staff can advise what specialist advice or information you need. Make sure that the consultant you choose is experienced and capable of providing you with the type of advice you require.

You can find consultancy advice through:

  • personal referrals
  • professional directories
  • advertising in professional journals and publications
  • telephone directories
  • the internet