Most resource consents for earthworks will have a consent condition that requires approval for earthwork operations during the winter works period (1st June to 30th September). This is because earthwork sites that are not stabilised are vulnerable to significant erosion and sediment discharges.
Approval can be granted in some circumstances. The general intent is to provide for limited, low-risk activities such as:
- Completion and stabilisation of an outstanding area of earthworks where a site is almost finished.
- Certain civil earthworks, such as roading and service installation.
- Small scale earthworks.
There is a process for seeking permission for undertaking winter works. Please contact your monitoring officer to discuss if winter works are possible for your site and what is required to obtain approval to continue undertaking earthworks during the winter period.
Updated rules in the Te Awarua-o-Porirua catchment and Te Whanganui-a-Tara catchment make it clear that the ability to undertake winter works (including civil works) in these catchments is significantly reduced. Any winter works are considered non-complying under rules WH.R25 and P.R24. We could allow for low-risk activities such as civil works and maintenance of erosion and sediment controls, or small-scale earthworks where sediment discharges can be managed. Sound justification and information on how environmental effects will be managed is required. Please contact the Resource Advisor processing your application to discuss potential winter works conditions on your resource consent in these catchments.
