Noise

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Noise Overview

How to Make a Complaint About Loud Noise | Building or Demolition Work Noise

There are rules about how much noise people can make. Under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA), we are authorised to control excessive or unreasonable noise.

When is noise ‘excessive’?

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.

Other noisy scenarios

•  Barking dogs are covered by the Dog Control Act 1996. Contact the Animal Control on 06-759 6060.
• Noisy vehicles on the road are covered by the Traffic Regulations 1976. Contact the traffic safety branch of the New Zealand Police.
• Noise between tenancies with the same landlord is covered by the Residential Tenancies Act. Contact the landlord or the Tenancy Tribunal.
• Sometimes noise from industrial/commercial sites may not be that excessive but the level of noise could require further investigation to determine if it meets District Plan guideline standards. In this case noise monitoring would need to be undertaken and actioned as appropriate. Such noise is unlikely to be reduced immediately.

Related links

• District Plan
• NZ Police website
• Tenancy Tribunal website