Regulatory
New aquaculture development is approved through different legislation depending on the scale, size and location of the development.
Regionally or nationally significant projects may be eligible for the Fast-track process or local government may be the approving agency.
Every development will be unique and may require specific regulatory approvals from agencies including including Environment Southland, the relevant city or district council (if land-based facilities are proposed), the Ministry of Primary Industries or the Department of Conservation.
It’s important to scope the approvals required fully early in the process, and liaise directly with regulators.
Navigating the consent process
Starting an aquaculture venture in Southland? Here’s a simple guide to help you understand what’s involved — and where to begin.
Step 1: Know what you’re planning to do
Are you farming in the ocean? Building tanks on land? Or both? Your activity type determines which rules and approvals apply.
Step 2: Check where it’s allowed
Some areas are off-limits for marine farming (like Fiordland or Awarua Bay). There are also a number of aquaculture settlement areas which the Crown and Iwi are assessing for future aquaculture developments. Use Environment Southland’s Regional Coastal Plan to check your proposed location.
Step 3: Talk to Environment Southland
This is your most important early step. Their consents team offers a free one-hour consultation to help you understand:
What consents you need and an estimated cost
What’s likely to be approved
What to include in your application
Whether your project may be suitable to be fast-tracked.
Call 0800 76 88 45 or email ESConsents@es.govt.nz
Step 4: Consider land-based needs
If you’re building on land or discharging to water, you may also need consents from:
Invercargill City Council
Southland District Council
Gore District Council
They’ll help with building consents and other land-use permissions. You can also visit Build Southland to find out more about how to navigate Southland’s housing landscape
Step 5: Consider if you need to talk to the Overseas Investment Office
The role of the Overseas Investment Office is to help realise benefits of overseas investment, while protecting New Zealand’s sensitive land and asset. Offshore aquaculture and coastal permits do not require OIO consent, but onshore aquaculture may require an application to the OIO if the farm is located in what is deemed a sensitive land area.
Step 6: Don’t forget Māori engagement
Customary marine title is a legal recognition of the customary rights of Māori over specific areas of the marine and coastal area. If your site overlaps with an area under customary marine title, you’ll need to consult with local Māori (or manawhenua or Iwi). Environment Southland can help guide you through this process.
Step 7: Explore Fast-track options
Regionally or nationally significant projects may qualify for the Fast-track Approvals Act — a quicker, centralised process.
Step 8: Get your documents ready
Prepare a clear application with:
Site details
Environmental impact information
How you’ll operate sustainably
Evidence of engagement (e.g. Māori consultation)
Environment Southland can advise what to include or you may choose to engage a consultant to support you.
Step 9: Submit and stay in touch
Once your application is in, the council or decision-making panel will assess it.
They might request more information or public feedback, depending on your proposal.
Timeframes and costs will vary depending on the project, but Environment Southland or the regulator will be able to provide some estimates.