There are different types of resource consents. The table provided lists the different types of consents you can apply for, and some examples of when you might need to apply for them.

Consent Type	Example
Land Use Consent	To carry out earthworks To install or alter a bore
Coastal Permit	To build a wharf on the coast below the mean high water springs mark To discharge stormwater into coastal waters
Water Permit	To take water from a stream for an irrigation scheme To build a dam in the bed of a river
Discharge Permit	To discharge stormwater into land from a subdivision To discharge combustion products from a wood curing kiln into the air

Resource consents are not needed for some activities which have been permitted by rules in a regional plan, as long as you comply with particular conditions specified in the plan. For example, provided there will be no adverse effects, the RMA allows you to take fresh water for reasonable domestic needs, stock drinking water, and for fire-fighting.

You should check with Customer Services if you think your activity may be a permitted activity. If your proposed activity is a permitted activity, you may request a certificate of compliance from the regional council which will state it complies with the relevant authorisation, and conditions if specified, set out in a regional plan.

Land use

Section 9 of the RMA (1991) requires consent for activities on land only if required under a regional plan.  The regional council currently has plans requiring consents for the following activities:

• The installation or alteration of bores
• Burning vegetation in the high country
• Earthworks and vegetation clearance
• Fencing and grazing in river berms
• Installation of underground and above ground storage tanks
• Use of land for storing animal effluent

Section 13 of the RMA also requires land use consents for activities in the beds of rivers or lakes, including:

• Using, placing, altering or removing any structures
• Disturbing the bed, including the excavation of gravel
• Planting plants
• Reclaiming or draining part of the bed

Coastal permit

Section 12 of the RMA requires consents for activities in the coastal marine area.  This is the area seaward of mean high water springs out to New Zealand’s territorial unit, and includes the Avon-Heathcote Estuary / Ihutai in Christchurch.  Activities within this area requiring consent include:

• Reclaiming or draining part of the foreshore or seabed
• Placing, altering or removing any structures
• Disturbing the foreshore or seabed
• Planting plants
• Occupation of the coastal marine area
• Removing any natural material (e.g. sand)

Building consents for new structures in the coastal marine area must be applied for and can be obtained from the city or district council.

Water permit

Section 14 of the RMA requires consents for damming, diverting, taking or using natural water, whether underground water or surface water. This includes the extraction of heat from geothermal water and using water to generate hydro-electric power.

The RMA does allow you to take water for your own reasonable individual domestic and stockwater needs, and for fire-fighting purposes, without a resource consent.

Discharge permit

Section 15 of the RMA requires consents for the discharge of contaminants into the air, land or water, and for the discharge of water into water.