Telecommunications infrastructure, including cell towers

This activity is regulated by the Resource Management Act (National Environmental Standards for Telecommunication Facilities 2016 (NESTF), which provides nationally consistent rules.

These national rules allow some telecommunications infrastructure, such as cell towers, antennas and equipment cabinets, to be installed without resource consent when specific standards are met.

The standards cover matters such as size, location, noise and radiofrequency exposure.

The NESTF was updated on 8 October 2026 to support improvements to New Zealand's telecommunications networks. The Government updated the rules for poles, antennas and cabinets, and temporary facilities, renewable power systems at rural sites, and fibre connections to heritage buildings.

The amendments also change some of the size and location standards.

Usually, no.

If a telecommunications facility meets national rules, it can generally be installed without resource consent.  

If resource consent is required, Council must assess the application using national legislation and our District Plan rules. In some circumstances, the law requires consent to be granted, with Council only able to consider specific matters and impose conditions where appropriate.

Council cannot refuse a telecommunications facility simply because people oppose it or because it is located near homes.

Resource consent may be required when a proposal does not meet national standards (the NESTF).

This can occur if a facility exceeds limits relating to matters such as height or size.

Where consent is required, we assess the proposal against the relevant legislation and our own planning rules.

For some telecommunications poles and antennas that do not meet the standards in Regulations 27, 29, 31, 33 or 35, NPDC ‘s Part Operative District Plan 2025 (PODP) Rule NU-R16 applies. These are classed as controlled activities.

Under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA), the Council must grant consent for a controlled activity. The Council can set conditions, but only on matters over which control is reserved by the District Plan and/or the NESTF.

The RMA also limits when these applications can be publicly or limited notified. Where notification is not allowed, the public cannot make submissions through the resource consent process.

While the District Plan contains its own standards, NESTF standards take priority unless the NESTF specifically allows a District Plan rule to be more or less restrictive.

Telecommunications providers may choose to engage directly with residents and communities before installing infrastructure.

However, national legislation limits when telecommunications resource consent applications can be limited or publicly notified. This means there are situations where neighbours and the wider community cannot make submissions through a resource consent process.

If you have concerns about a proposed facility, you can contact the telecommunications provider directly.

No.

Telecommunications providers can install infrastructure:

• within road reserves, subject to the necessary approvals *
• on private land with the permission of the property owner.

*Must comply with the Utilities Access Act and the National Code of Practice for Utility Operators’ Access to Transport Corridors (National Code). Before any work starts, the provider must notify NPDC or NZTA Waka Kotahi (whichever is responsible for managing the road) and obtain a Corridor Access Request (CAR) approval.

This approval process is separate from, and does not replace, any resource consent requirements that may also apply.

Where resource consent is required, Council can only assess the matters it is legally allowed to consider. It cannot direct a provider to relocate infrastructure simply because there is local opposition to the site.

Radiofrequency emissions from telecommunications facilities are regulated through national standards (New Zealand Radio Frequency Standard 2772.1)

Telecommunications infrastructure must comply with the New Zealand standard for radiofrequency exposure. These standards are set nationally and are not determined by Council.

For more information about radiofrequency emissions and health standards, visit the Health New Zealand website.

Community opposition alone is not a legal reason for Council to refuse a telecommunications proposal.

Where resource consent is required, Council must assess the application in accordance with the Resource Management Act, national standards and relevant planning rules.

Council cannot decline an application solely because it is unpopular.

We do

• apply national legislation and planning rules
• assess resource consent applications where required
• monitor compliance with consent conditions and planning requirements
• issue approvals for works within road corridors where applicable.

Council cannot:

• determine national telecommunications policy
• set radiofrequency exposure standards
• choose locations on behalf of telecommunications providers
• prevent telecommunications infrastructure that is permitted under national legislation.

Questions about a proposed cell tower or telecommunications facility?

Contact the telecommunications provider responsible for the proposal.

Questions about resource consent requirements?

Contact Council's Planning Team.

Questions about radiofrequency emissions and health standards?

Visit the Health New Zealand website.