Want to know the legal requirements for your development?  the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) and Property Law Act are two pieces of legislation that you should be aware of.

Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA)

Most Councils have tree protection rules in various forms as part of their District Plans which are developed under the terms of the RMA and public consultation processes.

When assessing resource consent applications to undertake works on trees (whether it  is works within drip-line, pruning or removal), Councils assess these applications by using the relevant District Plan policies and objectives and assessment criteria to make recommendations and decisions.

The Ministry for the Environment web site Resource Management Act: Information for the public and business” is helpful to gain a better understanding of this legislation. This is a guide to find out what the RMA does, how it works, and how it affects you in daily life.

Property Law 1952

Trees located on or near property boundaries are becoming more of an issue between neighbours or other parties due to ever increasing urban intensification; whether the tree/s are causing property damage, shading or hindering views the Property Law Act 1952 is a tool to help with potential disputes that may arise.