Ō kawenga mō tō whaipānga ki tētahi ara rerenga wai Your responsibilities as owner of a private watercourse

If you own a watercourse, you are responsible for ensuring that:

litter and pollutants do not enter the watercourse
there are no obstructions or impediments to the flow of water
grates or outlets within your property are kept clear of debris at all times
any work you do in relation to a watercourse must comply with the Stormwater Bylaw
any related earthworks must comply with the provisions of the Unitary Plan and the Stormwater Code of Practice.

Examples of works done on a watercourse

Design and construction of pipes or other structures (requires a building consent).
Earthworks around or in your watercourse.
Maintenance.

You should know

If you are the property owner, you have to pay for all costs of works on a private watercourse.

If you don't comply

If you do not carry out your responsibilities as a watercourse owner, we could serve you notice under:

section 511 of the Local Government Act
sections 13 and 14 of the Litter Act 1979
the Resource Management Act 1991.

You could also face:

civil proceedings with an affected property owner if you don't carry out your responsibilities and cause damage to their property
notice from us for any breach of the Stormwater Bylaw
an environmental infringement notice and fine
a litter notice and fine.