Permitted activities

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What are permitted activities?

You will not need a resource consent if your activity is expressly allowed under the Resource Management Act (RMA). For example, provided that there will be no adverse effects, the RMA allows you to take fresh water for your own reasonable domestic needs, drinking water for your animals and for fire fighting. However, in catchments that are currently over-allocated, even these activities may require consent.

Waikato Regional Council's Regional Plan and Regional Coastal Plan also have a range of ‘permitted activity’ rules. These rules allow specific activities to be undertaken as of right. They are subject to compliance with conditions, just as resource consents are. If these conditions cannot be met, then you will need a resource consent.

Some activities that may be permitted

Farmer’s guide to environmental rules in the Waikato region

Up-to-date information about the rules for the activities that farmers commonly undertake, and whether these activities are permitted or need a resource consent. This guide replaces the 'Farmer's guide to permitted activities'.

Forestry

The National Environmental Standards for Plantation Forestry (NES-PF) came into effect on 1 May 2018. This has now been superseded by the National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry (NES-CF) 2023 as of 3 November 2023. The NES contains regulations to be complied with, including notification to council prior to undertaking any activity.

Whitebait stands

There are requirements for whitebait stands, including notifying us of your stand's location.

Earthworks

Know before you dig! There are a number of requirements for any earthworks activity.

Farm dairy wastewater

Farm dairy effluent management system and discharges have to comply with the conditions of Permitted Activity Rule 3.5.5.1 at all times. We also have a form that helps farmers notify us that they are managing their wastewater in accordance with this rule.

Spraying activities

You can spray agrichemicals (insecticides, herbicides and fungicides) as long as you can comply with the conditions of the appropriate permitted activity rule. Our guideline for spraying contractors that can help you meet some of the requirements, such as putting together spray plans.

Activities near wetlands and new structures in waterways

The national environmental standards (NES) for freshwater require information to be provided to the council for new structures in waterways and/or some activities occurring near natural wetlands. There are forms for this purpose, below, or you can contact us for more information.

Transfer of records for permitted activities

We may have records of a permitted activity that was being carried out by now, but is now being carried out by another party on the same location. You can arrange a transfer of those records. Please complete the relevant form, below.