There are currently 12 regional councils in New Zealand with boundaries broadly coinciding with water catchment areas. They are charged with the integrated management of the natural and physical resources of a region. There are five unitary authorities which carry out the role both of regional council and territorial authority.
What is the role of regional councils under the RMA?
For information about the role of regional councils under the RMA click here
How can regional councils help you?
For information about how regional councils can help you click here
What costs are involved?
Regional councils usually provide initial advice and assistance free of charge. Additional assistance may incur a fee if it requires substantial staff time and resources. There may be charges for photocopying material and obtaining copies of reports. Check in advance.
What are the relevant legal provisions?
Section 30 of the RMA (Functions of regional councils under this Act).
Where can you get further information?
All regional councils have websites which provide information on their activities, resource consent applications, and often copies of statutory documents such as policy statements and plans. Many regional councils also have information on the state of the environment in the region and user guides on the RMA. Council websites listed here
How can you contact regional councils?
