Land drainage

Land drainage is a normal and routine part of farming.

Land drainage in Taranaki. It can improve land management and pasture production. Most land drainage works have little effect on the environment. You do not need a resource consent for land drainage as long as:

  • The area that you are draining is less than 10 ha.
  • No wetland greater than 5 ha is drained.
  • No regionally significant wetland or wetland under five hectares containing threatened species is drained (these wetlands are listed in the Fresh Water Plan- see also the Wetlands section)
  • The drainage channels are small (less than 300 mm diameter or less than 4 square metres cross-sectional area).
  • There is no flooding or significant erosion, scour, deposition or adverse effects on aquatic life from the drainage.

If you cannot meet any of the above requirements, you may need to apply for a resource consent.
REFER TO FRESH WATER PLAN

Wetlands

  • Drainage of regionally significant protected wetlands is prohibited.
  • A consent is required for draining other significant wetlands listed in the Fresh Water Plan.
  • See also Wetlands.