The number of resource consent applications in the Mackenzie District have nearly tripled, driven by an increase in visitor numbers, farm and commercial developments in the area.
Mackenzie District Photo: RNZ / Graeme Acton
In the first four months of the year more than 60 resource consents were granted, more than double the number for the same time last year.
Mackenzie District Council planning and regulation manager Nathan Hole said the growing number of consents were mainly for residential properties, but included visitor accommodation.
"We've really had that change from the end of last year through to where we are now - so it has been quite a rapid increase.
"There's pressure on existing staff, we are contracting out more of that resource consent work to consultant planners and we do the same with our resource consent processing."
Mr Hole said there were also substantial farming projects proposed within the Mackenzie basin.
He said there was no sign of the boom slowing down.
