Noise Control

The Resource Management Act 1991 is the law that controls noise in the environment. The RMA defines excessive noise as "... any noise under human control and of such a nature as to unreasonably interfere with the peace and comfort or convenience of any person."

Excessive noise includes noise from stereos, bands, alarms, and construction. We do not respond to and does not include vehicles driven on the road, aircraft, animals, barking dogs, squawking parrots etc.

Noise is a problem that can affect anyone in the community. Most noise complaints are about stereos, parties, band practice, alarms or machinery can annoy neighbors to the point of making a complaint. The myth is that you can omit as much noise up to 2300hrs. This is incorrect and noise complaints can be made 24hrs seven days.

Noise Control Services are controlled via your local council which has engaged ADT as its Noise Control Services Contractor to respond to complaints. Our services are contracted to City Councils who determine how the Noise Control Service is delivered in most cases complaints are made by ringing City Council Call Centres.

If a Noise Control Officer is called out to investigate the noise they will determine if the noise is excessive or not. The assessment is subjective by the Noise Control Officer. If the noise is deemed to be excessive a Noise Control Officer may serve a written direction to reduce noise, which is in force for up to 72 hours. Failure to comply with the notice can result in equipment seizure and or an infringement notice issued and enforced by council of up to $10,000.

If the noise continues you will need to ring back to advise that the noise is still disturbing and to find out what action has been taken by a Noise Control Officer. An assessment is made by the Noise Control Officer upon his / her arrival. We can only take action if noise is omitting from the address and based on the assessment outcome we will determine the next course of action.

Note: Our Noise Control Officers are trained to work with the community and at all times conduct themselves in a professional manner and councils to help create a safer community. This is an overview of the Noise Control Product and some procedures are subject to change.