People and activities are entitled to make noise at a reasonable level.  But you have the right to have excessive noise reduced or stopped.

Some kinds of noise such as noisy cars and workplace noise are controlled by other organisations under different regulations.

Noise problems dealt with by Council

Call Council to make a complaint about excessive noise from:

• Loud parties and stereos
• House and building alarms
• Buskers and bars
• Industry or commercial uses affecting residents

Traffic Noise

Contract your local traffic safety branch.  Police station by District – NZ Police  http://www.police.govt.nz/contact-us/stations/a2z

Lodging a Complaint

If the noise is coming from a neighbour, we encourage you to talk to them first.  They may not know that their noise is disturbing you and might remedy the situation right away.  If that doesnt work you can telephone Council and report the problem while it is happening on 07 3069009 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to make a complaint.  Your complaint will be handled by Enforcement Officers contracted to the Council. 

If noise being generated is clearly audible at the complainants boundary, it may be considered excessive. 

If a Noise Control Officer finds that the noise reported is excessive, the Officer will issue a noise direction notice.  This notice states that the noise has to be reduced to a reasonable level.  This notice applies for 72 hours from the time it is issued.  If excessive noise starts up within 72 hours, contact Council again and an officer will re-visit the address.

If the person responsible for the noise does not comply with the noise direction notice, Noise Control Officers may together with the Police seize the equipment making the noise.

Return of Seized Noise Equipment

Equipment seized is held at the Council offices. 

To claim the equipment, the owner must pay a fine and agree to keep noise at a reasonable level in the future.

• Fills out an Application for Return of Seized Noise Equipment.
• Pay a fine of $100 (GST included).
• Writes a letter to the Chief Executive Officer agreeing to keep noise to a reasonable level in the future.
• Provides proof of ID e.g. drivers licence or similar.
• Provide proof you own the equipment e.g. hire purchase agreement, serial numbers

Repeat Complaints

If Council receives further complaints after returning your equipment to you, it is unlikely it will be returned if seized a second time.