If you are constructing a new dam then you may need a resource consent under our Regional Plan for the damming of the water.

This is because the damming of water is not limited to water in rivers or catchment runoff and also includes the damming of water in reservoirs. 

Under the operative Regional Plan: Water for Otago where the permitted activity rules cannot be met for this activity, a water permit is required for this damming.

If you do not meet the permitted criteria in Rule 12.3.2.1 (shown below) the damming of water is therefore a discretionary activity under Rule 12.3.2.1 and you will need RMA consent. You can use Form 2 to apply for this consent. You must also fill in Form 1. We are happy to help with pre-application advice and encourage you to contact us. 

12.3.2 Permitted activities: No resource consent required 12.3.2.1 

Unless prohibited by Rules 12.3.1.1 to 12.3.1.4, the damming or diversion of water is a permitted activity, providing: 

1. The size of the catchment upstream of the dam, weir or diversion is no more than 50 hectares in area; and 
2. In the case of damming, the water immediately upstream of the dam is no more than 3 metres deep, and the volume of water stored by the dam is no more than 20,000 cubic metres; and 
3. In the case of diversion, the water is conveyed from one part of any lake or river, or its tributary, to another part of the same lake, river or tributary; and 
4. No lawful take of water is adversely affected as a result of the damming or diversion; and 
5. Any damming or diversion within a Regionally Significant Wetland was lawfully established prior to 2 July 2011; and 
6. There is no change to the water level range or hydrological function of any Regionally Significant Wetland; and 
7. There is no damage to fauna, or New Zealand native flora, in or on any Regionally Significant Wetland; and 
8. The damming or diversion does not cause flooding of any other person’s property, erosion, land instability, sedimentation or property damage; and 
9. The damming or diversion is not within the Waitaki catchment. 

While Building Consents and Certificates of Compliance (CCC) are to be received by Environment Canterbury, the Otago Regional Council must receive Certificates of Acceptance (COA) for the Otago Region. These will be processed or the co-ordination of the processing managed by the Otago Regional Council. You will be made aware of who is processing your COA once it has been received.