Hawke's Bay growers may have received a letter from Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (HBRC) about a change to their resource consent expiry date. The key points in the letter are outlined below:
- Previously expired consents have been reinstated and automatically extended to 31 December 2027.
- Growers do not need to do anything for this extension to apply.
What growers need to decide:
Growers need to decide what to do with the replacement consent application they lodged before their consent was originally due to expire.
Growers have two options:
- Withdraw the replacement application, or
- Leave the application in place, in which case HBRC will continue to process it (or keep it on hold, if within the TANK Catchment).
HortNZ has provided guidance on the matter. The guidance is provided below.
HortNZ guidance
If your consent is within the TANK Catchments:
- Do not withdraw your application
- Your application will remain on hold until the Environment Court releases its decision on the TANK Plan Change (expected early–mid 2027).
- No action is required from you at this time
- HBRC will contact you after the Court decision to confirm next steps.
If your consent is outside the TANK Catchments and your activity has not changed since the consent was granted:
- Withdraw your replacement application
- You will need to email HBRC to confirm the withdrawal.
Important notes if you withdraw your application
- Any processing costs incurred to date that exceed the deposit you paid may still be charged (there may be no additional costs)
- You will need to lodge a new replacement consent application before your consent expires in December 2027.
If you are unsure which option is best for your situation, please contact Charlotte Drury from HortNZ on 027 322 5595 to discuss.