Noise Control

There are rules about how much noise people can make. Under the Resource Management Act 1991, excessive or unreasonable noise can be controlled.

Excessive noise is noise generated by people that unreasonably interferes with the peace, comfort and convenience of others. The noise might be coming from stereos, musical instruments, alarms or machinery. This may occur at any time of the day or night.

Environmental health officers and contractors have been appointed and trained as noise control (enforcement) officers, and they will assess whether or not noise is excessive.

Please phone 03 209 0330 – this is a 24 hour, 7 day a week contact for noise control.

What happens in the case of 'unreasonable' or 'excessive' noise?

Excessive noise is that which seriously upsets the peace, comfort and convenience of people living close by. A Council enforcement officer or the Police will order the noise to be stopped while they are at the scene. Anyone making unreasonable noise may be given an abatement notice by the Council's enforcement officer. This requires action to be taken to reduce the noise to a reasonable level. An excessive noise direction prohibits any further excessive noise from the premises for 72 hours. Failure to comply with an excessive noise direction can result in the equipment being seized and detained for a minimum of 72 hours before being released. If you have equipment seized, all costs will be payable in full before the equipment can be collected.

Confidentiality of complaints made

The Council is legally entitled to refuse to release the name of the complainant under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987, and as such do not release any details of complainants making a noise complaint.