Water conservation levels lifted throughout the district

With increased rainfall and a drop in demand, water conservation levels have been lifted from today, Tuesday 6 May 2025, for Levin, Ōhau, Shannon, Tokomaru, Foxton and Foxton Beach. Thank you for your co-operation and efforts in helping to reduce water usage during the water conservation period.

View our Water Saving Tips for more ways to save water

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Resource Consents

The information in this section relates to what a resource consent is, how you can get a resource consent and related approvals.

A resource consent from Horowhenua District Council is an approved legal document that gives permission for you to carry out an activity on a particular site that's not ‘permitted’ by the District Plan. Activities that aren't permitted may have adverse effects upon the environment and/or on people.

The Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA), the District Plan, National Policy Statements and National Environmental Standards provide the planning framework for resource consents. The Operative District Plan confirms what can be undertaken as a permitted activity and what activities will require you to apply to Horowhenua District Council for a resource consent.

Resource consent process 9-step guide

Follow our 9-step guide to understand if you need a resource consent and what you need to apply.

Apply for a Resource Consent

Find out how to apply for a resource consent and what you'll need.

Types of resource consents

Find information on the different types of resource consents or planning approval including land use, subdivision and deemed permitted boundary activity.

Planning enquiries

If you're seeking planning advice, we have various options available to assist with your enquiry from making a general enquiry through to request a pre-application meeting.

Assessment of Environmental Effects (AEE)

Find out what an AEE is and what should be included when you're preparing your Resource Consent application.

Processing your resource consent application

Find out how we process your resource consent application and how long it can take.

Written approval of affected persons

If you think neighbours or other parties will be affected by your proposal, it's advisable to obtain written approval from them prior to lodging your resource consent application. Find out where to begin and what to provide.

Frequently asked questions about resource consents

View answers to frequently asked questions about applying for a resource consent.

Streamlined Housing Process (SHP)

Our district doesn’t have enough affordable housing available, especially smaller one or two bedroom dwellings. The Streamlined Housing Process (SHP) aims to take advantage of these underutilised spaces by making it easier to build high-quality infill housing. Find out more, including how to apply.

Apply for a Deemed Permitted Boundary Activity

Find out how to apply for a Deemed Permitted Boundary Activity (a type of Resource Consent).