Can I be fined for filling in a wetland on my property?

Wetlands receive strong protection under national freshwater regulations made under the Resource Management Act 1991, which generally treat draining, filling or otherwise damaging a natural wetland as activities requiring resource consent, and in many cases such consent is difficult to obtain because the default position discourages loss of wetland area and values. Before doing anything, you need to establish whether the area meets the definition of a natural wetland under the regulations, since some human-modified or farm drainage features may be excluded, and this assessment is often technical and best done by an ecologist. Contact your regional council, which administers these rules, for guidance and to check whether any permitted activity provisions could apply to minor works. Undertaking unauthorised wetland works can lead to abatement notices, infringement fees or prosecution, and enforcement in this area has become increasingly active, so get expert advice and consent before starting.