There is increasing noise in the environment and this is a result of the increasingly industrialised society in which we live. Noise in the workplace is the responsibility of the employer. Noise from individual vehicles is the responsibility of Police.
However environmental noise is controlled by the local authority in two slightly different ways;

Unreasonable Noise

This is controlled by Section 16 of the Resource Management Act and Section 29(k)(a) of the Health Act. The type of noise that may be controlled could include a land based activity such as a factory. In most cases there are rules set out in the District Plan which defines what is an acceptable level of noise. Generally a series of measurements is required to determine if the noise exceeds the rule. Council has staff who are trained in the assessment of noise and in investigating noise problems. There are a number of NZ Standards which give guidance on the evaluation of noise problems. To make a complaint contact the Environmental Health Officer through (09) 237 1300 (all hours).

Excessive Noise

The intention of Sections 326 to 328 of the Resource Management Act is to provide speedy control of noise from stereos, bands and other similar activities. To make a complaint about this type of noise call (09) 2371300 (all hours).

The noise control officer will attend the locality, listen to the noise and form an opinion on whether or not the noise is excessive. If in the officers opinion the noise is excessive, an excessive noise direction will be issued. This requires the offender to stop making the noise for a period of up to 72 hours. If the noise starts again or continues after a direction has been issued the officer can enter the premises with the Police and remove the noise making equipment.