This page is about a bill. That means that it's not the law yet, but some people want it to be the law. It could change quickly, and some of the information is just a draft.

Natural Environment Bill

Natural resource permits - Applying for natural resource permit - General requirements

130: Applying for natural resource permit

You could also call this:

"How to apply for a permit to use natural resources"

Illustration for Natural Environment Bill

You can apply for a natural resource permit by giving your application to the right permit authority. You must fill out the application in the correct form and way, and include the information required by Schedule 2. You need to give enough detail, so it matches the size and importance of what you are applying for. You must give the permit authority the information they need, but they can still accept your application if it is not perfect. They will decide if the information you give is enough, based on what you are applying for. When you give your application to the permit authority, that is the date it is considered lodged. If you are applying for a coastal permit to do aquaculture, you must also give a copy to the ministry in charge of the Fisheries Act 1996. This is an extra step you must take for this type of permit. The permit authority will look at your application and decide what to do next.

This text is automatically generated. It might be out of date or be missing some parts. Find out more about how we do this.

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=LMS1521096.

This page was last updated on 14 December 2025 — View changes

Topics:

Environment and resources > ConservationEnvironment and resources > Farming and fishing

129: Prior consultation not required, or

"You don't always need to talk to others about your permit application."

131: Activity classification to remain the same, or

"Old rules apply if they change while you're waiting for a permit"

Part 4Natural resource permits
Applying for natural resource permit: General requirements

130Applying for natural resource permit

A person may apply for a natural resource permit by lodging an application with the relevant permit authority.
An application must—
be made in the prescribed form and manner; and
include the information that is required by Schedule 2.

An applicant must ensure that information required by subsection (2)(b) is provided at a level of detail that is proportionate to the scale and significance of the matter to which the application relates.
A permit authority may accept an application that does not fully comply with subsection (2)(b) if the authority is satisfied that the information provided by the applicant is proportionate to the scale and significance of the matter to which the application relates.
An application is lodged on the date that it is received by the relevant permit authority.
An application for a coastal permit to undertake an aquaculture activity must include a copy for the ministry responsible for the administration of the Fisheries Act 1996.