Noise - an Overview of Issues

This page explains rules about excessive noise. Under the Resource Management Act 1991 councils are authorised to control excessive or unreasonable noise.

Excessive Noise

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.

Council staff and contractors have been trained as noise control enforcement officers, and they will assess whether or not noise is excessive.

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.

Other Noisy Scenarios

  • Barking dogs are covered by the Dog Control Act 1996. Contact Customer Services on 03 543 8400 or Contact Customer Services
  • Noisy vehicles on the road are covered by the Traffic Regulations 1976. Contact the traffic safety branch of the New Zealand Police.  Contact NZ Police
  • Noise between tenancies with the same landlord is covered by the Residential Tenancies Act. Contact the landlord or the Tenancy Tribunal. Contact NZ Tenancy Tribunal

Related Pages

How to make a complaint about noise