Before starting any earthworks project in Tairāwhiti, it's important to understand the rules and take steps to protect your site, your property and the environment.
Know before your dig
If you’re planning any earthworks - even small projects on private property - you need to know the rules before you begin. Having the right consents and erosion and sediment controls with a clear plan helps protect you, your property and the environment.
What are earthworks?
Earthworks are activities that disturb soil or land. On this page we focus on soil‑disturbing work that may need erosion and sediment controls, such as:
- trenching
- cleanfill importation
- major excavations and cut‑to‑fill projects
- roading and tracking
- quarrying
- vegetation removal
If you’re unsure whether your project counts as earthworks, get in touch - we can point you in the right direction.
Why it’s important to get it right
Without proper controls, earthworks can cause land to become unstable and send large amounts of sediment into streams, rivers, wetlands and coastal areas.
Sediment pollution can:
- damage water quality
- smother aquatic plants and animals
- damage habitats
- interrupt lifecycles of important species.
These effects can be long‑lasting and costly - for both people and the environment.
Erosion and sediment control
Do I need erosion and sediment controls?
Yes. All earthworks projects in Tairāwhiti - whether they are permitted or require resource consent - must have erosion and sediment controls installed and maintained during the works and once the project is finished.
Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP)
Having an ESCP before you start is strongly recommended and required if your project needs a resource consent. An ESCP helps:
- keep your site stable
- prevent sediment from entering waterways
- reduce environmental risk
- meet consent or permitted activity conditions.
For guidance, see the Ministry for the Environment’s advice on sediment and erosion control
Do I need a resource consent?
You may need consent depending on:
- the size of the earthworks
- the slope of the land
- how close the activity is to waterways or the coast
- how much vegetation you plan to remove.
If you're unsure, contact us early - we can help you understand the rules before you start.