Compliance and enforcement

Government legislation requires us to carry out compliance and enforcement roles in relation to resource consents and building work.

The Natural and Built Environments Act 2022 requires Council to publish a compliance and enforcement strategy make our compliance functions more transparent, drive practice improvement, and enable better central government oversight. Keep an eye on our channels for more about this.

Compliance

We monitor subdivisions and land use activities for which resource consents have been issued. We also investigate building work that may breach District Plan rules by not having the necessary consents. If you're concerned a development might not comply with the District Plan, call the duty planner as soon as possible or email the Resource Consents team.

Changes under the Natural and Built Environment Act 2022

Resource Management Act 1991 provisions apply for all enforcement actions. For enforcement action started on or after 24 August 2023, regulators may also apply to the Environment Court for a resource consent to be suspended or revoked, in response to significant, ongoing, or repeated non-compliance; this applies to a person’s compliance history under both the NBEA and the RMA.

Cost recovery

Under the Natural and Built Environments Act 2022, from 24 August 2023 Council can recover costs associated with permitted activity monitoring. We will be updating our fees and charges policies to implement this.

Enforcement

We also take enforcement action when required. The Compliance and Enforcement Policy 2018 provides general guidance on how compliance, enforcement and prosecution matters are dealt with by Council.