Processing consent applications is typically quicker and less costly if you have consulted with those who may be affected by the activity you want to carry out.
It is best practice for an Applicant to undertake consultation prior to lodging an application with the Otago Regional Council.
However, you do not need to do it before an application comes in if you do not think it is needed.
You can ensure you’ve carried out good consultation by:
The Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) does not require Applicants to consult with any affected persons before lodging a consent application. However, it is best practice for you to consult with others before the application comes in.
Who you should consult, and how much weight their opinion should be given, should relate to the size and effect of your proposed activity.
Consultation will identify both the potential and actual environmental effects. It will also act as a guide to the amount of public concern surrounding an application. Concerns can be discussed directly with the relevant parties and some areas of potential conflict defused prior to the application being made.
Although we don’t not have a statutory role in these discussions, we can help an applicant and any interested parties on clarification of any procedural matters. Email council staff if you’d like advice.
Applicants should consult with all affected parties and, if possible, obtain their written approval, particularly for limited notified applications (Section 95E of the Resource Management Act).
Affected parties will depend on the location and type of activity, some of the typically affected parties in Otago include:
Visit the Department of Conservation website
Visit the Fish and Game website
Visit the Public Health – Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora website
Dunedin City Council - Tel: 03 477 400
Visit the Dunedin City Council website
Clutha District Council - Tel: 03 418 1350
Visit the Clutha District Council website
Central Otago District Council - Tel: 03 448 6979
Visit the Central Otago District Council website
Queenstown Lakes District Council - Tel: 03442 7330
Visit the Queenstown Lakes District Council website
Waitaki District Council - Tel: 03 434 8060
Visit the Waitaki District Council website
Interests include potable water supplies and where land is being subdivided or significant structures are being constructed. If a resource consent is required from both the Otago Regional Council and the City or District Council, the applications may have to be considered jointly.
Level 2
266 Hanover St
Telephone: (03) 477 0071
Email: consents@aukaha.co.nz
Post: PO Box 446, Dunedin 9054
Areas of special interest to Kāi Tahu are:
Visit the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga website
Otago/Southland Area Office
P.O. Box 5467
Dunedin
Ph. 03 477 9871
Fax. 03 477 3893
Interests include archaeological sites (for example: Māori, European or Chinese pre-1900 AD) and built heritage.
These include adjacent landowners and downstream users.
Interests include water takes and discharges.