Noise Complaints

Everyone has a responsibility to ensure that noise is controlled to a reasonable level. You can be a good neighbour by:

• making sure that your burglar alarm cuts off after 15 minutes
• making sure your car alarm is installed correctly and isn’t over sensitive or faulty
• telling your neighbours in advance if you’re having a party
• telling your neighbours if you have any planned work on your property that may be noisy for a considerable period
• turn down loud noise at a reasonable hour at night
• don’t start noisy equipment early in the mornings or late in the evenings

Under the Resource Management Act, the Council has the power to control excessive or unreasonable noise. The Council provides a 24 hour, 7 day noise control service in response to complaints. 

• What is excessive noise?
• How do I report excessive noise?

What is excessive or unreasonable noise?

Excessive or unreasonable noise is any noise that is under human control and of such a nature as to unreasonably interfere with the peace, comfort and convenience of other people. Examples generally include a loud party, stereo, band practices, audible alarm or machinery.

There is no set level for acceptable noise as the level of noise varies according to the location of your neighbours, time of day, where you live or work, the presence of sound barriers and the type of noise. The same noise levels during the day may not be acceptable at night.

How do I report excessive noise?

You should report the excessive noise while it’s happening. You can do this by calling our Customer Services Centre on 09 295 1300 day or night. After hours, you will be diverted to our Noise Control Centre. The noise maker is not advised of who made the complaint.

After receiving a noise complaint, our Noise Control Officer will then visit the premises to assess the noise and determine whether it is unreasonable. If there is excessive noise, a verbal or written direction to reduce the noise to a reasonable level will be issued. In general, this stops the excessive noise immediately.

If the request to reduce excessive noise is ignored, the offender will be served with a notice requiring them to stop the noise for 72 hours. If further excessive noise complaints are received, the Council may impound stereos or any other offending equipment to stop the noise.