Shelterbelts and Artificial Crop Protection Structures
Shelterbelts and artificial crop protection structures (ACPS) are widely recognised and used as best practices for protecting crops from adverse weather, pests, disease, and for mitigating spray drift.
In 2025 we published the Principles of shelter. The principals provide general position on where shelter may be appropriate, minimum height and recommendations for ‘effective shelter’. ‘Effective shelter’ is an important consideration for spraying agrichemicals such as hydrogen cyanamide or Hi-Cane.
Most district plans have rules about shelter under the Resource Management Act 1991. Rules are usually more relevant to ACPS because they may raise sensitivity concerns within the rural landscape. Rules may include height restrictions, setbacks, and ACPS cloth colour etc. If you cannot comply with the specified rules, then you would likely need to apply for a resource consent (unless existing rights or neighbours’ written agreement provisions apply).
It’s important you understand the requirements of the relevant district plan before you start planting or building. Many councils offer a complementary consultation to answer questions and provide guidance. Below is a summary of district rules regarding height restrictions, setbacks, and cloth colour etc. We have not included any rules around existing rights, shading, view shafts etc. The rules have been simplified to provide a starting point; they may read a bit differently in the relevant district plan.
Below are the descriptions of a few shelter rules to look out for in district plans.
ACPS cloth colour
Generally, only green or black cloth can be used vertically within a specified distance from the boundary. However:
- white or other colour may be used if written approval from neighbouring properties is obtained.
- white or other colour may be used for vertical artificial screens (screens between rows of vines).
- Any colour may be used horizontally.
Set-backs
The minimum distance a shelterbelt or ACPS is from a boundary.
Height and daylighting
Height restrictions allow for adequate levels of sunlight and daylight to reach neighbouring properties throughout the year. Some district plans exempt structures and shelterbelts from daylighting requirements.