Building Complaints

You have the right to appeal any building decision Council has made, or complain about any Building Consent Authority function that Council undertakes.

You also have the right to complain to Council about any issues related to properties in the district. A customer has a right to complain and have their complaint managed.

Complaints about Building Consent Authorities

A complaint in relation to a Building Consent Authority is defined as a complaint about:

• Meeting statutory timeframes.
• Lodgement or vetting of building consent applications.
• Processing of building consent applications.
• Inspection of work under construction.
• Failure to provide appropriate information or advice.
• Fees and charges.

Property related complaints

Complaints in regards to properties can be wide ranging and varying in terms of their nature.  Common examples involve:

• Stormwater discharging over neighbouring properties.
• Unauthorised building or plumbing work.
• Dangerous / damaged buildings.

How do I make a complaint?

You can make a complaint in person; however it must be accompanied in writing.  Complaints not made in writing or made anonymously will not be actioned.

Complaints should be addressed to:
Team Leader Building Compliance
Hastings District Council
Private Bag 9002
Hastings 4156

What information is required?

• Date incident occurred.
• Nature of complaint (building or planning issues, or regarding performance of staff).
• Copies of any supporting information (if applicable).
• Relationship (to the offending property) (if applicable).

How long does it take?

All complainants will be acknowledged within one working day of receipt and an enquiry begun within three working days of receipt (depending on the severity of the complaint).

All complaints will be actioned within 10 working days of receipt of complaint, unless a request for further information is made.