Many landowners in our region have been severely impacted by Cyclones Hale and Gabrielle. There’s a massive amount of clean-up work to be done, and there’s an equal measure of uncertainty about what is allowed. We’d like to assure you that we’re here to help, and that we’re going to make it as easy for you as we can. 

How we can help if you’ve been affected by the cyclones:

  • There are some ‘emergency’ tasks you’ll need to do straight away. We don’t want to stop you.
  • It’s important that you keep a record of what you’ve done, including how you’ve mitigated damage to the environment.
  • We’ve provided info below on what is permitted under the rules, and when you need to call us.
  • Where a consent appears to be needed, we’ll use a fast-tracked process. You won’t need to fill in any forms, we’ll do it for you.  And we’ll ask for less information than we would usually.
  • If in doubt, please contact us on notifications@gw.govt.nz or 0800 496 734.

Permitted activities

Here’s a summary of some activities which are permitted. The limits and conditions are reasonably permissive, and if a consent appears to be needed, we’ll follow a pragmatic and fast-tracked approach.

For more information on the conditions, read the rules or contact us.

Activity

What you can do

When you’ll need a consent

Link to rules

Clearing of silt from paddocks or other land.

This is permitted.

 

You can clear up to 400m3 (approx. 40 x 10m tipper trucks full) of material.

If you’re clearing a lot more than 400m3, or you can’t meet any of the other conditions in the rule (e.g. where you put and how you stabilise the silt).

R80

Creating new farm tracks

All repair to existing farm tracks can be undertaken as a permitted activity.

 

If you need to build new farm tracks, this is also permitted.

 

Earthworks to build new farm tracks is permitted up to 10,000m2.

(Equivalent to a 4m wide track that is 2.5km long).

If your earthworks are considerably more than 10,000m2, or you can’t meet any of the other conditions in the rule (such as erosion and sediment controls).

 

R102

Removal of debris and sediment blocking rivers/streams and highly modified waterways

This is permitted - and we have guidance on how to do it.

Generally, we wouldn’t process a consent for these types of activities if you can’t meet the rule conditions, but they are fairly easy to meet.

General rivers or stream – R137

Highly modified waterways (farms drains) – R134

Clearing out of culverts

This is permitted.

If you can’t work within 5m of the structure, or you disturb more than 10m2 of bed. 

 

R122

 

 

Dead stock disposal  

This is permitted.

If burning causes an objectionable effect beyond the boundary of the property.

For offal pits, the key is they are set back from waterways or bores, are the right soil types (silt or clay) and are more than 0.6m above the seasonal highest water table.

 

Burning – R1

 

Offal pit – R79

Cleaning out of dams filled with silt and debris

This is permitted - and we have guidance on how to do it.

The guidance was written for highly modified streams, but the same conditions and good management practices apply.  Please focus on the “Good Management Practices” section of the guidance.

 

Generally, we wouldn’t process a consent for these types of activities if you can’t meet permitted activity conditions, but the conditions are fairly easy to meet.

R134 if the dam is part of a stream.

If not part of a stream, there’s no relevant rule, but refer to R80 for the discharge of the sediment.

Burning of debris  

 

This is permitted. 

You can’t burn specified material, such as treated timber, plastics, rubber, synthetic materials etc.

 

A farm dump might be more appropriate. 

 

Burning - R1

 

 

 

Farm dump – R78

New culverts or bridges replacing like for like

This is permitted.

If you can’t meet the permitted activity conditions, such as riverbed disturbance. 

R122

 

New culverts or bridges that are considerably bigger than before.

This is permitted.

 

Culverts – if the culvert isn't sized appropriately, or if it does not provide for fish passage.

 

Bridges – if the bridge has a catchment area above it more than 200ha.

Culverts - R126

 

 

Bridges – R125

Activities that are more restrictive

These activities are permitted, but the limits and conditions may be harder to comply with.  

Activity

What you can do

When you’ll need a consent

Link to rules

Gravel extraction from rivers

You can extract up to 50m3 (approx. 5 x 10m tipper trucks full) of gravel.

 

If you’re extracting more than 50m3, or if you’re working within flowing water.

R132

Pages 29 - 30

Diverting the flow of a river back into its original course

You can divert a river back to its original course if it has stopped flowing into its new path.

If it’s still flowing into its new path. We have a construction methodology available if you need it.  The focus is on:

  • Limiting works within flowing water as much as possible.
  • Fish relocation.
  • Stabilising the works.

R131 and R132

 

More information and help

 

Mental health

Financial help

Rural advice

Support for Pacific communities

For information and support for our Pacific communities please visit the Ministry for Pacific Peoples website.

Emergency accommodation, food, and other essentials

Contact out the info on the website for Carterton District Council and Masterton District Council  

Updated February 27, 2023 at 9:23 AM

Get in touch

Phone:
0800 496 734
Email:
notifications@gw.govt.nz