Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Resource Consent
Applying for a resource consent can feel like navigating a maze, especially in regions like Hawke’s Bay where planning rules vary between councils and land use is tightly regulated. Whether you're subdividing land, building in a flood-prone area, or changing how a rural block is used, your application must be clear, complete, and aligned with local planning documents.
Unfortunately, many applicants fall into common traps that can delay approvals, increase costs, or even result in declined applications. If you’re considering a resource consent application, here are the top five mistakes to avoid, along with expert tips to help ensure your application gets across the line.
Mistake 1: Incomplete or Poorly Prepared Documentation
One of the most frequent reasons resource consent applications are returned or delayed is due to missing or unclear documentation. Councils require a comprehensive set of documents that clearly outline what you intend to do and how your project fits within planning rules. These might include:
A detailed site plan
An assessment of environmental effects (AEE)
Supporting technical reports (such as traffic, geotechnical, or flood risk assessments)
Written approvals from affected parties if relevant
Why it’s a problem:
Incomplete or inconsistent documents slow the process down. Council planners will put your application on hold under Section 92 of the Resource Management Act (RMA), requesting more information. This not only delays your project but can also increase costs if further assessments are needed.
Tip:
Work with a qualified planning consultant to ensure every piece of information is thorough and aligned. Use the council’s own checklists and lodge everything at once rather than in stages. Clear, well-structured documentation is essential for a smooth process.
Mistake 2: Misunderstanding the District Plan or Zoning Rules
Each property is governed by specific zoning rules outlined in the relevant District Plan, such as the Hastings District Plan or Napier District Plan. These rules determine what activities are permitted, controlled, restricted discretionary, or non-complying on your land. Many applicants fail to correctly identify the status of their proposal or misunderstand the implications of zoning overlays like:
Flood hazard zones
Outstanding natural landscapes
Highly productive land
Noise sensitivity areas
Why it’s a problem:
If your proposal doesn’t comply with the zoning rules, you may trigger a higher-level consent or face more scrutiny. Even worse, if you don’t realise you’re proposing a non-complying activity, you might submit an application that is likely to be declined or heavily opposed.
Tip:
Start with a thorough planning assessment to determine your site's zoning, overlays, and relevant provisions. Don’t assume your neighbour’s approval process will be the same—every site is different. A planner can help interpret the plan and guide you through any grey areas that could affect your proposal.
Mistake 3: Underestimating the Importance of an AEE (Assessment of Environmental Effects)
Your Assessment of Environmental Effects is arguably the most important document in your application. It shows the council how your project might impact the environment, neighbours, infrastructure, and cultural values. Yet many AEEs are too generic, lack evidence, or fail to consider key environmental impacts.
Why it’s a problem:
A weak or vague AEE makes it harder for the council to assess your proposal and can trigger requests for further information. If the effects of your activity aren’t clearly identified or mitigated, your chances of getting approval drop significantly.
Tip:
Take the AEE seriously. It should be tailored to your project, based on facts, and supported by technical evidence where needed—such as noise modelling or ecology reports. Discuss likely effects with professionals early so you can address them upfront. Councils look favourably on applicants who acknowledge effects and propose practical mitigation measures.
Mistake 4: Failing to Engage with Affected Parties or the Community
Under the RMA, certain resource consent applications must consider the views of affected parties, usually neighbours, iwi, or stakeholders who may be impacted by your proposal. However, many applicants either skip this step or wait until the council asks for written approvals. This often leads to tension or opposition that could have been avoided.
Why it’s a problem:
If you don’t get affected party approvals early, your application may be publicly notified or limited notified. This adds weeks or months to the process and opens the door to objections or hearings, which increases stress and cost.
Tip:
Identify potential affected parties early and talk to them about your plans. Good faith consultation can lead to constructive feedback and build goodwill. If you can secure written approvals, you significantly reduce the risk of notification. Engaging with mana whenua or iwi partners is also increasingly important, especially for applications with potential cultural or environmental effects.
Mistake 5: Ignoring Site Constraints or Physical Limitations
Sometimes applicants focus so heavily on paperwork that they overlook practical issues on site. These might include:
Flooding or drainage issues
Poor access or visibility
Proximity to streams or heritage sites
Inadequate water supply or wastewater systems
Unstable soils or geotechnical risks
Why it’s a problem:
Even if your proposal meets zoning requirements, if it doesn’t stack up physically or technically, the council will raise concerns. You may be required to commission extra engineering reports or revise your design, causing delays and extra costs.
Tip:
Conduct a thorough site assessment before lodging your application. Walk the site with your planner or engineer and look for red flags. Use council GIS maps to check hazards, service connections, and planning overlays. Proactively addressing these issues in your application builds confidence with the council.
General Tips for a Smooth Resource Consent Process
If you're serious about getting your consent approved without unnecessary roadblocks, here are some extra best practices to follow:
Engage a planner early: Don’t wait until problems arise. A local planning consultant understands regional nuances and can save you time and money in the long run.
Submit a complete application: Use the council’s lodgement checklist and triple-check everything before submission.
Expect delays—and plan for them: While councils aim to process consents within statutory timeframes, delays often occur, especially if further information is requested.
Keep communication open: Stay in touch with your planner and council case officer. A collaborative approach is always more effective than a reactive one.