Resource consent application types explained
What each application type on the Auckland Council and Wellington City Council lists means, what neighbours can do, and how many of each NearBuild has recorded.
This page explains the usual process in general terms. It is not legal advice; the council's decision documents govern any particular application.
New Zealand is replacing the Resource Management Act 1991 with the Planning Act 2026 and the Natural Environment Act 2026. The transition period starts on 30 October 2026. Resource consent applications lodged before then continue under the Resource Management Act as it was before the Planning Act 2026 received royal assent. Applications lodged during the transition are processed under the Resource Management Act as in force when they are lodged. This page will be updated when that changes.
- Planning Act 2026, Schedule 1 (transitional, savings, and related provisions), clauses 3, 18 and 19, New Zealand Legislation (Parliamentary Counsel Office)
- Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill pass Third Reading, Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport
- The Planning Act 2026 and Natural Environment Act 2026 are in force: What you need to know now, MinterEllison
Land use consent
Permission from the council to use land in a way the district plan rules do not allow without a resource consent, such as some building work or earthworks.
Auckland: 3,508 · Wellington: 779
Subdivision consent
Permission from the council to divide land or a building into separate lots, or to change a boundary between properties.
Auckland: 1,799 · Wellington: 375
Changing or cancelling consent conditions (s127)
An application by the holder of an existing resource consent to change or cancel one or more of its conditions, other than a condition on how long the consent lasts.
Auckland: 858 · Wellington: 1
Extending a consent's lapse date (s125)
An application by a resource consent holder for more time to give effect to the consent before it lapses.
Auckland: 244
Deemed permitted boundary activity
A notice that lets building work go ahead without a resource consent when it breaks only boundary rules and the owners of the neighbouring land have given written approval.
Auckland: 226 · Wellington: 39
Tree consent (Auckland)
An application to Auckland Council for resource consent to remove, prune or work near a protected tree, or to do vegetation work that Unitary Plan rules control.
Auckland: 319
Water, discharge, stream and coastal consents (Auckland)
Applications to Auckland Council for regional resource consents to take or use water, discharge contaminants, work in the bed of a stream, river or lake, or carry out coastal activities.
Auckland: 585
Outline plans and outline plan waivers
An outline plan tells the council about work a requiring authority plans on designated land. An outline plan waiver means the council does not require an outline plan for that work.
Auckland: 118 · Wellington: 99
Varying or cancelling a consent notice
An application to vary or cancel a consent notice recorded on a title, or to cancel an amalgamation or easement condition imposed on a subdivision or title.
Auckland: 154
Application types NearBuild does not group into a guide
Resource consent (245), Certificate (77), Right of Way (64), Certificate of Compliance (46), Marginal and Temporary Permitted Activit (38), Bylaw Exemption (32), Notice of Requirement (3), Existing Use Certificate (1)