Making it easier for Aucklanders to collect rainwater

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This consultation closed on 23 September 2020. Thank you for having your say.

We received 399 pieces of feedback. These came via our online feedback form and email.

We also held an online information session on 7 September 2020 where members of the public could hear from key industry experts and ask questions before providing feedback.

If you have any questions related to this project, please email us.

Key feedback themes

  • The majority of people (99%) supported the idea of making it easier to collect rainwater without a resource consent.
  • People wanted to reduce pressure on the mains water network due to drought, climate change and water restrictions
  • Some said it was important to consider their neighbours when deciding on the size and placement of a water tank, in areas where properties were closer together.
  • Due to the varying designs and property layouts, people thought fewer rules and restrictions would make it easier and more flexible to install a rainwater tank
  • Many people felt water tanks were more important than the overall look of a street, whereas others preferred tanks to be placed in less visible areas.

What happens next

  • The first round of engagement has been completed. This feedback has been incorporated into the Section 32 report to accompany the proposed Plan Change(s) (Auckland Unitary Plan and Hauraki Gulf Islands District Plan). The proposed plan change will be publicly notified on 9 October 2020.
  • Following this, there will be 20 working days to make a formal submission.
  • These submissions will then be summarised and notified to enable further submissions (that support or oppose original submissions).
  • A hearing report will be prepared and a hearing will be held to enable submitters to speak in person to their submissions.
  • Finally, a decision notice will be released setting out the final form of the plan change(s). Provided no appeals are made to the courts, the Auckland Unitary Plan and the Hauraki Gulf Islands District Plan will then be updated to reflect this final decision.
  • Depending on the outcome of the public notification, and any subsequent appeals, the proposed Plan Changes will take effect in the first half of 2021.

View a copy of the plans

Auckland Unitary Plan Change PC 54 – Enable Rainwater Tanks in Residential and Rural Zones:

Hauraki Gulf Islands District Plan PM 13 – Enable Rainwater Tanks in Residential and Rural Zones


This consultation closed on 23 September 2020. Thank you for having your say.

We received 399 pieces of feedback. These came via our online feedback form and email.

We also held an online information session on 7 September 2020 where members of the public could hear from key industry experts and ask questions before providing feedback.

If you have any questions related to this project, please email us.

Key feedback themes

  • The majority of people (99%) supported the idea of making it easier to collect rainwater without a resource consent.
  • People wanted to reduce pressure on the mains water network due to drought, climate change and water restrictions
  • Some said it was important to consider their neighbours when deciding on the size and placement of a water tank, in areas where properties were closer together.
  • Due to the varying designs and property layouts, people thought fewer rules and restrictions would make it easier and more flexible to install a rainwater tank
  • Many people felt water tanks were more important than the overall look of a street, whereas others preferred tanks to be placed in less visible areas.

What happens next

  • The first round of engagement has been completed. This feedback has been incorporated into the Section 32 report to accompany the proposed Plan Change(s) (Auckland Unitary Plan and Hauraki Gulf Islands District Plan). The proposed plan change will be publicly notified on 9 October 2020.
  • Following this, there will be 20 working days to make a formal submission.
  • These submissions will then be summarised and notified to enable further submissions (that support or oppose original submissions).
  • A hearing report will be prepared and a hearing will be held to enable submitters to speak in person to their submissions.
  • Finally, a decision notice will be released setting out the final form of the plan change(s). Provided no appeals are made to the courts, the Auckland Unitary Plan and the Hauraki Gulf Islands District Plan will then be updated to reflect this final decision.
  • Depending on the outcome of the public notification, and any subsequent appeals, the proposed Plan Changes will take effect in the first half of 2021.

View a copy of the plans

Auckland Unitary Plan Change PC 54 – Enable Rainwater Tanks in Residential and Rural Zones:

Hauraki Gulf Islands District Plan PM 13 – Enable Rainwater Tanks in Residential and Rural Zones