Renewing Your Water Take Consent: What You Need to Know

If your water take consent is due to expire soon, now is the time to act. With increasing pressure on water resources and evolving regulations in the Bay of Plenty, renewing your consent is no longer a routine task - it’s a strategic process that requires careful planning.

We’re here to help you navigate it.

Why Renewal Matters More Than Ever

Water resources in many Bay of Plenty catchments are now fully or over-allocated. As a result, the Regional Council is tightening rules around water use. Renewal is not guaranteed, especially if your water take:

• Affects sensitive environments

• Competes with other users

• Was granted under older standards that no longer apply

Failing to renew properly could put your operations at risk - whether you're a grower, landowner, or business.

How to Renew Your Water Take Consent Successfully

Renewing a consent involves more than just paperwork. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare:

1. Start Early

Begin the process 12-18 months before your consent expires. This gives you time to:

• Gather data

• Consult stakeholders

• Respond to council feedback

2. Assess Your Water Use

You’ll need to justify your water needs - including:

• Daily, seasonal, and annual volumes

• Historical usage

• Efficiency and future demand

3. Prepare an Environmental & Cultural Impact Assessment

An Assessment of Environmental Effects (AEE) is mandatory. It must address:

• Impacts on waterways, aquifers, and ecosystems

• Tangata whenua values and the mauri (life force) of water bodies

4. Compile Technical Documentation

Your application should include:

• Site plans and infrastructure details

• Monitoring and metering systems

• Mitigation strategies for any adverse effects

5. Engage with Stakeholders

If your water take affects other users or iwi interests, consultation is essential. This can influence whether your application is publicly notified - which may affect timing and outcomes.

How We Can Help

Our team of planners works with landowners, growers, and businesses to successfully renew water take consents. We’ll guide you through every step - from early planning to stakeholder engagement and technical documentation.

The process can take months. Delays could impact your operations, so let’s get started now.

Let’s Secure Your Water Future

Contact us today to begin your renewal process. We’ll help ensure your water take consent is secure, compliant, and future-proof.