More than a dozen businesses in Rotorua, New Zealand, operating on the district’s lakes may be in breach of planning rules due to a decade-old provision that has recently resurfaced, potentially impacting their ability to continue operations.
Resource Consent Requirements
The issue came to light following a liquor licence application for the Lakeland Queen paddleboat, which recently relaunched dining cruises on Lake Rotorua. It revealed that all commercial enterprises operating on lakes within Rotorua’s Water Zone – including Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti – are required to obtain a resource consent.
The rule stems from changes to the District Plan in 2016, but has largely gone unenforced until recently. Lakes in the Lakes A Zone, such as Lakes Tarawera, Tikitapu (Blue Lake), Rotokākahi (Green Lake), Ōkāreka and Ōkataina, are exempt from the requirement.
Impact on Businesses
Rotorua Trout Guide owner Julian Danby is among the operators affected. He received a letter from Rotorua Lakes Council in March requesting evidence of either a resource consent application or submission within 14 days.
Danby stated that the cost and time required to obtain a resource consent could force him to cease operations on Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti and diversify his business. He estimates the consent process could cost around $10,000.
Several other operators, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed similar concerns, describing the consent costs as an “existential risk” to their businesses. Some are still awaiting communication from the council.
Dustin Halidone, who operates the jet ski rental service DustyRyders on Lake Rotoiti, said he had not received any notification from the council regarding resource consent requirements, despite already obtaining Maritime New Zealand certification.
Council Response
Rotorua Lakes Council destination and development group manager Jean-Paul Gaston confirmed that nine operators were initially informed of the issue last year, with a further five contacted subsequently. All 14 received letters requesting proof of application or intent to apply.
Gaston stated the council is working to ensure all operators meet the necessary requirements and is available to provide guidance throughout the consenting process. He could not confirm whether operators were previously informed of the rule during the 2012 District Plan review.
He added that it is “not uncommon” for resource management provisions to remain unused for extended periods and emphasized the council’s priority is to directly contact affected operators and assist them with any consenting requirements. Operators will not be required to halt operations while pursuing consent.
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