k14:

PhantomNVD: Anyone had experience of doing this through Waikato council... You'd think that being very heavily invested in hydro in the main Waikato that they' debate knowledgeable and helpful (their site says they promote it) but what thought do you have on the consenting process?
A) do they weight the impact vs the outcome (I.e. My piddling 300w system maybe isn't worth any potential disruption to the stream)
B) since the stream coming into my property goes through a culvert 1/2 meter above the average pond height (mini waterfall, no fish ladder etc.) taking only 40m out of the overall stream from there to where it'll leave my property should do bugger-all to the environment shouldn't it?
C) cost of gaining consent vs getting 'caught' without it... If I just do it and ask later (if it turns out worth having) am I liable for a huge fine?
D) if I ring up to ask, do I lose plausible deniability? :)

Basically, for such a small outcome, would you bother asking before trying it out to see if it's WORTH having and paying (annual?) consent fees?

B.) If you do anything with surface water that is not included in the regional plan then you need a resource consent. You need to talk to the council.
C.) Read the RMA, not only do the penalties include fines you could also be imprisoned. Most consents are given for a fairly long period, maximum is 35 years but most will be for circa 10-20 years.
D.) Ignorance is no excuse, you have no deniability to start with.

It sounds like you will most likely very easily get a consent but talk to the council. They aren't as bad as you think. There could well be a permitted activity rule that allows what you want to do. But without it you have nfi.