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Do we really need resource consent for a double garage?

We need advice on whether we need a resource consent under the Auckland Unitary Plan. We have submitted a building consent for a basic double garage in a rural area (Rural coastal, Kaipara South Head) and we have been told we need to apply for resource consent! The garage is not near the boundary, not over height, not near the road etc its just a basic kitset double garage that Dad needs as a workshop for servicing farm machinery. We only have power at the house so the new garage was to be located within 2m of the existing dwelling. I have tried to understand the Unitary plan and can't see how a garage infringes the rules - it is clear we don't need resource consent if we were adding the garage onto the existing house, so how can we need resource consent to place it right beside the house? Why on earth do we need resource consent for small accessory building in a rural area! Please help - if we need resource consent that will add thousands to the cost of building, which is already expensive given it is only a kitset garage.