Regional Consents

What is a Regional Consent?

A regional consent, also called a regional permit, refers to consents required under the Resource Management Act (RMA) to use water, air, create discharges to the environment or use the coastal marine area.


Whereas landuse consent and subdivision consents are usually issued by a District Council, regional permits are issued by a Regional Council given the environmental focus of the permits. 


In Auckland, the Council is a Unitary Authority, which means the Council issues both types of consents.


When will I need a Regional Consent in Auckland?

Like landuse consents, there are a number of regional rules set out in the Auckland Unitary Plan (AUP) that must be complied with. Below is a list of some of the common activities that will require a regional permit:


  • Disposal of domestic wastewater to land via septic tanks
  • Taking of water from aquifers
  • Construction of impervious areas (>1000m2) which do not drain to a public stormwater system
  • Construction of impervious area in a Stormwater Management Area (>50m2)
  • Significant earthworks (>10,000m2)
  • Discharge of contaminants to air
  • Constructing structures or otherwise modifying streams or rivers
  • Removal of vegetation from Riparian Margins or within a Significant Ecological Area
  • Occupation or construction of buildings within the coastal area (CMA).


What is the Process?

The process for applying for a regional permit is the same as for land-use consent or subdivision consents, with the same parts of the RMA applying.


You are more likely to need expert reports to support your application, which could include:


  • Engineering Reports
  • Ecology Reports
  • Scientific Reports (coastal effects, effects on water table, air quality etc).


The Key to a Successful Application

Urban Planning Consultants has a wide range of experience, covering all chapters of the AUP and can assist you with your project by:


  • Thoroughly reviewing plans to ensure that all consent reasons are identified
  • Providing advice on potential changes to your proposal to improve its chance of gaining consent
  • Thoroughly reading the AUP criteria to highlight the issues that will be in play and to ensure that the necessary technical reports are obtained before lodgement
  • Providing a high-quality Assessment of Effects (AEE) to reduce the amount of information that Council may require and to generally speed up the process for you.
  • Engaging with the Council on your behalf and keeping you briefed of progress.


We’d love to help you with your resource consenting requirements in Auckland. 


Please contact us today using the details below.

Regional Consents: Frequently Asked Questions

Got a question? We’re here to help.

  • How does the Auckland Unitary Plan play a role in determining when a regional permit is needed?

    The AUP sets out regional rules that specify the conditions under which this permit is required. It's essential to consult the AUP to understand the regulations related to your specific activity.  Regional permits are required whenever an activity will result in effects on streams or rivers, removal of significant vegetation or discharges to the environment.

  • Is there a specific timeframe for processing, or does it vary based on the complexity of the application?

    Regional permits have the same processing timeframes as other consent types, which is 20 working days.

  • How can Urban Planning Consultants assist with applications and why is their expertise valuable?

    Urban Planning Consultants can provide guidance and expertise throughout the application process. Their experience in understanding the Council's preferences, AUP criteria, and technical requirements can streamline the process and increase the likelihood of approval.  Regional permits by their nature are technical and will likely require specialist reports from environmental scientists.

  • Are there specific limitations on the geographic scope of regional permits in Auckland, or do they apply uniformly across the region?

    Some areas are specifically mapped in the Auckland Unitary Plan, such as Significant Ecological Areas.  However, in most cases the need for regional permit will relate more to the activity proposed and its likely effects on the environment.  Examples include a discharge of wastewater to land or water, works within a stream or coastal area.  All of these would require a permit.

  • Are there situations where expert reports may not be necessary, or are they generally required for all applications?

    Due to the technical nature of regional permits and expert report is likely to be needed in most cases.  Examples could include an terrestrial ecology report, engineering reports for wastewater discharges, freshwater ecology reports, or air quality report.

  • Are there any fees associated with applications, and if so, what is the typical fee structure?

    Yes, there is typically an application fee associated with regional permit applications in NZ. The exact fee may vary, and it's advisable to confirm the current fee with the Regional Council.  Currently this is set at $7000.