Rules
Draining a wetland requires a consent
A resource consent from Environment Southland is required to drain water from any naturally occurring wetland. Download the factsheet below for more information.
There are some rules in place that apply to certain wetlands in Southland.
Environment Southland's Regional Water Plan requires resource consent for diversion of water that affects any regionally significant wetland or any naturally occurring wetland.
A naturally occurring wetland includes:
- wetlands which are part of river, stream and lake beds;
- natural ponds, swamps, marshes, fens, bogs, seeps, brackish areas, mountain wetlands, and other naturally wet areas that support an indigenous ecosystem of plants and animals specifically adapted to living in wet conditions, and provide a habitat for wildlife;
- coastal wetlands above mean high water springs;
but excludes:
- wet pasture or where water temporarily ponds after rain or pasture containing patches of rushes (juncus species)
- oxidation ponds;
- artificial wetlands used for wastewater or stormwater treatment;
- artificial farm dams and detention dams;
- artificial watercourses such as farm drainage canals;
- reservoirs for firefighting, domestic or community water supply;
- temporarily ponded rainfall.
If you are unsure whether your property has a naturally occurring wetland, contact a Land Sustainability Officer at Environment Southland.
Southland District Council's District Plan includes a schedule of significant wetland habitats, most of which are on public land and therefore protected by mechanisms such as DOC management. There is also a rule contained in the District Plan relating to indigenous vegetation clearance that may apply to certain wetlands.
The Invercargill City Council has a non-regulatory approach to wetlands, rivers and their margins in their District Plan. There are some rules in place relating to the control of land use activities that may affect wetlands.
Gore District Council has rules in place to control the effects of land use activities close to wetland areas of importance.
Environment Southland is the brand name of Southland Regional Council.