Excessive Noise Complaints

All excessive noise complaints are actioned by a contracted security company. Written reports are completed for every complaint investigated. These reports contain confidential information for any enquiries or follow up action that may be necessary.

The assessment of excessive noise is subjective, that is to say a Noise Control Officer will simply listen to the noise level and decided whether it is excessive. Several factors are taken into consideration when assessing the noise. Noise measuring equipment is not required to assess excessive noise.

If a complaint has been lodged and a noise source is considered to be excessive, we will request the person responsible for making the noise to reduce it to a more reasonable level. This request is initially given verbally but can also be given by way of a written notice called an Excessive Noise Direction, this remains in force for 72 hours.

If the noise is not immediately reduced or becomes excessive again within the 72-hour period, we may enter the property, with Police assistance, and seize the noise making equipment.

This will result in a permanent abatement notice being issued on the property. This notice remains on the property until the property owner makes a written request for removal of notice or until an appeal is lodged and decided on by the courts.

Impounded equipment will be returned when the applicant has paid all costs that have incurred in the seizing, transporting and storage of the equipment.

Unreasonable Noise Complaints

Unreasonable noise complaints are investigated by a suitably trained officer with a sound level meter. These investigations require the gathering and evaluation of sound pressure wave measured as decibels and compared with the District Plan, a resource consent condition or New Zealand standard.

Last updated: 24 Feb 2021