If your project needs resource consent, the next step is to start putting together the information to support your application.

Everything you need to know about applying is in the Ministry of Environment's guide, How to Apply for a Resource Consent. It is important to note that before submitting an application you must get the written approval of all co-owners (such as husband and wife, partner, etc).

Resource consent application

To apply for a resource consent, you'll need to complete the appropriate form and deliver it to the Council. This is available for download below:

• Application for a Resource Consent 

Council also requires the written approval of all owners AND all occupiers of affected property. This is available for download below.

• Affected Persons Approval Form  

Information required with your application

If you haven’t provided all the information we need to process your application, you will be asked to provide more details. This slows things down and places your application on hold.

Key information required:

• Written description of the proposal, including an explanation of why the application is necessary and reasons why consent should be granted.
• Accurate plans of the proposal (to a recognised scale), including elevations and a site plan, which illustrate all aspects of what you are applying for. Any areas of non-compliance should be clearly marked by cross-hatching. The plans should identify all boundaries, existing and proposed buildings, parking and manoeuvring areas, vegetation, and any other relevant features.
• Assessment of environmental effects. This should consider the likely effects that will be generated by your proposal (both adverse and positive effects) and how the adverse effects are to be avoided, remedied or mitigated. You need to consider: 
  • Land, flora and fauna such as indigenous vegetation, site stability and waterways
  • Effects on people, for example shadowing, noise, amenity
  • Infrastructure - drains, utilities
  • Traffic and parking
  • Use, storage, or disposal of hazardous substances

It is also recommended that for more complex or complicated resources consent applications you seek the services of a Planning Consultant.

District Plan considerations

Consideration must also be given to the relevant objectives, policies and rules contained in the Kawerau District Plan and the assessment criteria that the Council will consider when making its decision. These objectives, policies and rules raise issues that should be addressed in an application. A Planner can help you identify the relevant objectives, policies and rules from the District Plan.

When should I apply?

Once the required plans have been drawn and the application form has been completed, signed (by all co-owners), and all supporting information has been attached, you are ready to lodge your application.

Public notification of a resource consent application

Applications will generally be publicly notified unless:

• It is considered that the adverse effects on the environment of the proposal will be minor
• The District Plan provides for an application to not be publicly notified
• All parties identified as being potentially affected have given their written consent

In some cases, the Council will decide that an application should be processed on a ‘limited notification’ basis. Only people who may be adversely affected by the proposal will be served a copy of the proposal, as opposed to a public notice appearing in the newspaper.

Fees - deposits payable*

A deposit must be paid at the time resource consent is submitted. 

The amount of the deposit will depend on whether an application requires notification or not.  There are three forms of notification - non-notified – others are not required to be advised, limited notification – affected person only are notified of application and can make submissions in response or publicly notified – application is notified to the public and all person can make submissions on the application.

The fees are outlined in the Kawerau Council Fees & Charges document under Resource Management Activity.  These are reviewed yearly.

Please note this is a deposit only and any additional costs involved with processing your resource management consent will be charged on completion.  For applications requiring notification, this will include the costs associated with advertising application, reviewing submissions and holding a hearing if required.

If the consent requires ongoing monitoring, you will also be charged for this

The resource consent applications process

For non-notified applications, the Council should make a decision within 20 working days. In some situations, the Council may extend this timeframe in order to fully assess the environmental effects of the proposal and make a decision.

The processing time for notified consents will be three to four months in most cases. The steps followed for notified consents are:

1. A public notice is put in the local newspaper(s). From the date of the public notice, anyone can make a submission on the application over the next 20 working days.
2. If no submissions are received, a decision will usually be made within 20 working days.
3. If submissions are received and submitters wish to be heard, a hearing date is set within 25 working days of the final submission date.
4. After the hearing, the Committee has 15 working days to make its decision.

Note: The above timeframes may vary. If your application is notified, you are advised to keep in regular contact with the Planning Officer responsible for the application.

Getting the go-ahead

You will be notified of the Council's decision in writing. If consent is granted, there is:

• An objection period of 15 working days (in some circumstances)
• An appeal period of 15 working days within which an appeal must be lodged with the Environment Court. If no appeal is lodged, the activity/development can be commenced.

If an appeal is lodged, the proposed activity can’t commence until the Environment Court has made a decision that would enable the activity/development to occur.

If a consent holder does not give effect to the consent within five years of granting of the consent, the consent will lapse.

Get advice early

If you are considering a development, it is important that you contact a Planning Officer at the Council as early as possible to find out if a resource consent is required. The earlier you apply for a consent, the sooner you will know whether you are able to proceed with your proposal.