Can I take my neighbour to court over a noisy business next door?

There are several routes. Excessive noise can be a nuisance at common law, and you can sue for damages or an injunction in the High Court or the District Court, but that is expensive. A faster approach is to complain to your local council, which can issue an excessive noise direction under the Resource Management Act 1991 and may seize equipment if the noise continues, and to check whether the business complies with its resource consent conditions or the district plan noise limits. Keep a detailed noise diary with dates, times and recordings, and involve neighbours who are also affected. Mediation services, often available through the council or Community Law, can help resolve the matter without formal proceedings.