Overview

Noise level check

People and activities are entitled to make noise at a reasonable level. But you have the right - at any time - to have excessive noise reduced or stopped.

The airwaves are part of our environment; the Council has Noise Control officers to minimise noise pollution by enforcing excessive noise provisions of the Resource Management Act (RMA).

Officers monitor noise levels of legitimate activities and check for compliance with the District Plan.

Some kinds of noise - such as traffic noise and workplace noise - are controlled by other organisations under other regulations and do not involve Council Noise Control Officers. Complaints about traffic noise should be directed to the New Zealand Police, and complaints about workplace noise should be directed to the Department of Labour.

Inner City & Commercial Noise Levels

In the inner city and commercial areas higher noise levels are permitted in the District Plan. The Plan requires new residential units in these areas to be insulated, to provide for more acceptable internal noise levels.

Typical Complaints

• loud music at parties
• house and building alarms
• construction and industrial activity
• buskers and bars

To lodge a complaint at any time contact the Council Call Centre.

Council Call Centre

Assessing Excessive Noise

Noise Control officers consider the effect the noise is having on the complainant, and take into account the time of day, background noise and duration.

Penalties for Excessive Noise

If Noise Control officers find reported noise to be excessive, they issue a noise direction notice requiring the noise to be reduced to a reasonable level.

This notice applies for 72 hours from the time it is issued. If the person responsible for the noise does not comply with the notice, officers may take the equipment making the noise.

Related Links

• District Plan
• Noise Control Pamphlet (95Kb PDF)

Department Details:
Noise Control (Planning)