A resource consent lets you carry out activities while protecting the environment and staying compliant with regulations. It allows the use of natural resources like water, air, land, and the coast under specific conditions. The process considers environmental impacts and promotes sustainability. If your activity affects the Otago environment, the friendly ORC consents team is here to help you navigate the rules and get the necessary consent. Find out which activities need consent here.
Coastal permits
Any sort of building on the foreshore restricts public access to, and along, that piece of coast. Our Regional Plan: Coast for Otago has rules in place to protect the cultural, natural and amenity values of the coastal marine environment.
Composting
If you’re planning on running a composting operation of any size, there are some rules in the regional Water Plan and Waste Plan that you need to take into consideration.
Contaminated land
Contaminants in soil can cause adverse effects on both human health and the environment through both short-term and long-term exposure. You can find the HAIL (Hazardous Activities and Industries List) database here.
Dam consenting requirements
A dam's safety is dependent on its design and construction, how it is operated, and how its maintained.
Doing works in or around wetlands
There are different rules depending on the type of wetland and what activity you are proposing to do in or near wetlands.
Dust
Dust can come from natural sources (like soil) and human-made sources (like industrial factories).
Dust suppression
Our road maintenance protects you from negative environmental effects, such as dust generation on unsealed roads.
Farming consents
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.
Forestry
The forestry sector is important to Otago's economy. However, forestry can have negative effects on our environment, especially water quality.
Fish passage and instream structures
New Zealand has more than 50 species of native freshwater and sports fish. It’s important that in-stream structures such as culverts and weirs are designed to allow for fish passage.
Gravel extraction
We work with the community to ensure the sustainable use of our natural resources. One such way is by ensuring the safe and sustainable extraction of alluvium (rock, gravel, sand and silt).
On-site wastewater
It is estimated that around 14,600 Otago properties, or 38,000 people (around one in five Otago residents) are serviced by septic tanks.
Outdoor burning
Some outdoor burning is allowed, but are you burning rubbish or toasting marshmallows? We have tips to help you reduce the pollution caused by outdoor fires.
Outdoor tyre storage
Each year, New Zealand accumulates millions of used tyres, resulting in larger outdoor stockpiles. To address safety and environmental concerns, regulations for storing tyres outdoors have been put in place, including guidelines for different quantities of tyres.
Private water supplies
Some properties source their water from private bores, tapping into underground aquifers. Protect your health by securing your borehead to prevent contamination and regularly test the water to meet NZ Drinking Water Standards.
Residential earthworks
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.
Rivers, lakes and wetands - working in or around
There are both regional and national rules which that may apply to doing works in and around rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Sale or purchase of blocks of land
When there's a sale or purchase of blocks of land, the NES Freshwater Regulations 2020 affect the rules for intensive winter grazing on farms over 20 hectares. Find more information on how buying or selling land can affect your winter grazing.
Sediment traps
Find out about standards for traps, if you need a resource consent and to access an application form.
Stream clearance and works in waterways and rivers
If you want to undertake stream clearance at any scale, you will require resource consent.
Willow removal
Willows are a group of introduced tree species that were brought to New Zealand in the early 1800s and widely planted for bank stability.
Whitebait — what you need to know
Between 1 September and 30 October you can fish for this delicacy, but please remember that whitebait numbers are in decline so take only what you need and make sure you protect their habitat so there are plenty more to catch in future years.
Contact consents
If you don't see your activity listed or are still unsure about how to apply for a resource consent, please contact our helpful consents team
If you would like more information or help from the consents team, please call 0800 474 082 or email consent.enquiries@orc.govt.nz
Coming soon is a "Do I need a consent?" tool, which will make it easy to know if you need permission for your project. Just answer a few questions to see if your project follows the rules. It will save time and help you make smart choices with our easy-to-use tool for checking resource consent. In the meantime, if you need any help please get in touch.
