Most farms in Taranaki have a stream or river running through them.
Working in a stream usually results in disturbance of its bank or bed, and this can cause adverse effects on the stream's ecology and stability. Many of these activities therefore need a resource consent. However, small or minor river works are permitted in most streams (with the exception of those in the Stony River catchment) as long as certain conditions can be met.
In the Stony River catchment, it is prohibited to bulldoze or excavate in a stream that runs into the Stony River, or in the main Stony River itself. Likewise you are not allowed to plant vegetation or deposit material on the riverbed, or to dam and divert water as noted above.
In rivers other than the Stony you can clear debris to control floods without a resource consent as long as the material removed does not include gravel, and there are no significant effects on the stream's ecology. If there is likely to be a significant effect or if the clearance of debris is to be done between 1 May and 31 October in a part of the bed covered by water then you will need a resource consent.
Other structures or activities in or near a stream are also permitted provided certain conditions can be met, but you will need to apply for a resource consent for work in a riverbed. Check with the Regional Council.
You are generally not allowed to remove vegetation from a stream or lake bed without a resource consent, unless it is for the purpose of river and flood control. In such a case, you do not need a resource consent as long as there are only minor environmental effects and the bed of the stream or lake is disturbed as little as possible. This is explained further in Vegetation clearance.
REFER TO FRESH WATER PLAN
Note that if you are excavating or building near a stream or river (but not in the riverbed itself), you also need to check the district plan prepared by your local district council. For example some district councils require a consent from them if you are building or excavating within a set distance from the stream.
REFER TO NEW PLYMOUTH, STRATFORD, OR SOUTH TARANAKI DISTRICT PLANS
Activities in a stream
A lot of activities in or near streams are permitted. However in many cases a number of detailed conditions have to be met or a consent applied for. If you are in any doubt about whether or not your activity is permitted or requires a resource consent, contact the Regional Council.
Also see Farm dams, Realigning or diverting a stream, Stream crossings, Vegetation clearance, and Taking gravel.