What counts as excessive music noise?
Music may be considered excessive if it unreasonably interferes with the peace, comfort and convenience of others.
When assessing music noise, our noise control officers consider:
how loud the music is
the time of day or night
how long the noise continues
how often the noise occurs
the type of noise and how it affects nearby properties.
There is no single noise level that applies to every situation. Music that is acceptable during the day may be considered excessive late at night.
How to report loud music
If loud music is disturbing you, contact us while the noise is happening so a noise control officer can investigate.
Phone: 04 296 4700
Freephone: 0800 486 486
Our noise control service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Don't report excessive music noise online or through Antenno. We need to know about the noise while it's happening.
What happens when noise control is called?
A noise control officer will assess whether the music is excessive.
If the noise is excessive, the officer can direct the person responsible to reduce it immediately. If the noise continues, further enforcement action may be taken, including seizing equipment.
Your noise complaint will be kept confidential.
What happens when noise control is called.
How to avoid disturbing your neighbours
If you're hosting a party, playing music or practising with a band, you can reduce noise disruption by:
keeping music at a reasonable volume
turning down bass levels, especially at night
closing windows and doors
moving speakers away from neighbouring properties
letting neighbours know in advance if you're planning a gathering
reducing noise if someone complains.
There is no automatic right to play loud music until a particular time. Excessive noise can be investigated at any time of the day or night.