Some council services will be unavailable over the Christmas and New Year break.
Check if you need to apply or order before Friday 19 December 2025.
Ngā Tono ohiatanga mahi hanga pūkaha nui ake rānei Apply for a major engineering approval
Major engineering approval application fee
| Description | Deposit |
|---|---|
| Approval of engineering works (major) and consent to drainage works – construction of private drains through adjoining premises of works on private land | $2,500 |
How to apply for a major engineering approval
We only accept online applications for major engineering approval. If you cannot apply online, visit one of our libraries with council services for help with your online application. Our staff will accept your documents, but this may involve an additional charge to cover the costs to scan your documents into our consent system.
Call us on 09 301 0101 if you have questions about your application.
If you get stuck, check the online application guide PDF. This is near the bottom of the When you need an engineering approval page.
Visit Ways to pay online for information on all payment options.
At the end of the process you might need to pay the maintenance bond.
What happens next
We aim to process engineering plan approvals within 20 working days. Approval takes longer when additional information is required.
We will let you know the decision by email.
Phases in the engineering approval process
- Assessment and approval of proposal
- Construction and inspection
- As-built documentation review and completion, and transferring ownership of an asset (like infrastructure).
Engineering newsletter
Sign up to receive our regulatory engineering newsletter.