We can help. We have a dedicated Resource Consent Public Enquiries team that will offer you advice on rules and plans no matter where you are in the process, saving you time and worry. 40% of the enquiries we deal with don’t even need a consent as they fall under ‘permitted activity’ rules. You can find this out pretty quickly by talking to our team.
Most enquiries do need a bit of research, so they’ll delve into our plans and rules (which are huge documents), unpick them, and turn it all into plain English for you.
Processing a resource consent application will incur fees and charges. The costs will vary depending on the time involved, the quality of information provided, any technical issues and complexity of the application.
There are several steps in getting a resource consent and understanding the process makes it easier.
Consent may be needed if you are doing something that could affect the Otago environment. The ORC consents team is here to help make sure that you can follow the regulations that help protect our environment. Different activities need consent, find out which ones here.
Unsure if your activities need to meet compliance regulations? These are the key areas, but our staff are always happy to help if you're unsure.
Consent may be needed if you are doing something that could affect the Otago environment. The ORC consents team is here to help make sure that you can follow the regulations that help protect our environment. Different activities need consent, find out which ones here.
Here are the rules that apply to farming activities, with information on when you might need a resource consent, useful links, relevant dates and answers to frequently asked questions.
June 2021
PDF | 102 KB
An amendment to an application is able to be made any time up until an application has been determined. However, to make an amendment it must be within the scope of Council’s jurisdiction otherwise a new consent application is required. The scope is defined by the original application and any documents incorporated by reference to it (e.g. technical reports).
July 2021
PDF | 48 KB
June 2021
PDF | 156 KB
April 2022
PDF | 179 KB
April 2022
PDF | 153 KB
April 2022
PDF | 208 KB
December 2020
PDF | 431 KB
This guidance note provides a technical overview of some of the necessary information that will need to be provided with a resource consent application to replace a deemed permit where the take relies on the conveyance and storage of water.
December 2020
PDF | 360 KB
November 2023
PDF | 501 KB
January 2022
PDF | 177 KB
June 2021
PDF | 180 KB
March 2022
PDF | 131 KB
March 2022
PDF | 167 KB
December 2024
PDF | 498 KB
Frequently Asked Questions for processing consents to take and use water under Chapter 10A (PC7) of the Regional Plan: Water. Plan Change 7 introduces Chapter 10A to the Regional Plan: Water (RPW).
March 2022
PDF | 229 KB
April 2022
PDF | 129 KB
October 2022
PDF | 860 KB
This practice note provides an explanation as to what is water when considering activities to take, re take and use water, dam water, divert water or to discharge water or contaminants to water.
June 2023
PDF | 501 KB
June 2023
PDF | 154 KB
June 2023
PDF | 148 KB
December 2020
PDF | 431 KB
This guidance note provides a technical overview of some of the necessary information that will need to be provided with a resource consent application to replace a deemed permit where the take relies on the conveyance and storage of water.
August 2021
PDF | 207 KB
Technical requirements to demonstrate no increase in load or concentration of contaminants from land use changes.
December 2020
PDF | 244 KB
December 2020
PDF | 253 KB
May 2021
PDF | 305 KB
June 2021
PDF | 217 KB
July 2011
PDF | 197 KB
Pugging from stock trampling the banks and bed of a stream or river, causing banks to collapse and stream beds to be disturbed, results in sediment draining into the waterway.
March 2011
PDF | 241 KB
A dairy farmer on the Inch Clutha has implemented changes on his property to improve his set up and reduce his risk of waterway contamination.
June 2010
PDF | 807 KB
This booklet is intended as a set of guidelines for contractors and design consultants to follow to ensure high quality construction of agricultural effluent storage ponds in Otago.
July 2023
PPTX | 19 MB
June 2022
PDF | 289 KB
A practical guide to find out what works best for you
August 2022
PDF | 185 KB
The collection, storage and spreading of animal effluent, most commonly dairy effluent, provides valuable nutrients that can be cycled back onto farmed land. Learn about consent requirements.
April 2022
PDF | 299 KB
Applying animal effluent onto land provides valuable nutrients but it must be managed carefully to avoid negative effects on ground and surface water quality.
January 2024
PDF | 196 KB
November 2024
PDF | 1 MB
Winter cropping provides an important source of livestock feed between May and September. Careful planning of cultivation and sowing can help prevent issues later.
April 2005
PDF | 1 MB
This booklet (published April 2005) explains how to manage waterways to improve water quality, freshwater life and bank stability, as well as enhance your farm.
January 2022
PDF | 629 KB
What you need to know. Season: 15 August - 30 November
13 May 2021
PDF | 483 KB
What’s the difference between a weed and a pest plant?
February 2023
PDF | 1 MB
June 2023
PDF | 2 MB
Earthworks are a necessary part of preparing land for residential development, but if the right practices aren’t used, soil can be lost to water bodies.
June 2023
PDF | 2 MB
A guide for developers, landowners, contractors, and service providers
August 2023
PDF | 19 MB
Erosion and Sediment Control Guide for Land Disturbing Activities in the Auckland Region, known as GD05, provides technical guidance for the selection, design and use of erosion and sediment control (ESC) practices and measures for land disturbing activities in an Auckland context.
July 2021
PDF | 1 MB
This fact sheet will help you identify rivers and other features which convey water on your property, as well as help you understand what you need to do under different regulations.
September 2021
PDF | 227 KB
This fact sheet educates about wetlands, including what qualifies as a "natural wetland" under national law. It offers guidance on activities like drainage and restoration and outlines relevant Water Plan rules. The aim is to help individuals manage and preserve wetlands effectively.
