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Consents, Licences and Consultation

Event Overview | Health and Safety Guidelines | Traffic Management and Parking

Food stalls

If you intend to sell food you may require a stall licence. Food handler guidance will be provided and conditions may be set (e.g. provisions of handwashing facilities). Allow 60 days for the licence to be approved.

It is preferable that you use traders who are approved by the council and/or have a current food/hygiene registration.

Liquor licences

The Sale of Liquor Act requires anyone selling or supplying alcohol to the public (e.g. in outdoor spaces, community halls, etc) to have a special licence. You should allow at least 20 working days when applying for your special licence as approval must be sought from various agencies.

Building consents

For marquees and grandstands greater than 30m² or any stage or seating structure higher than 1m requires a building consent. 

A site plan and construction details will be required (these are usually available from the hire company). A building consent take up to 20 working days to issue, and an inspection will be required before using the structure. 

Resource consents

For some events you may need a resource consent, which is an approval under the Resource Management Act.

We will check your event meets the rules in the District Plan and, if necessary, arrange a meeting for you with a NPDC Environmental Planner.

Waste management plan

A waste management plan may be required if your event has a high waste content (e.g. mailers, food stalls, give-aways or large scale catering) or is in a sensitive area.

The plan should describe the kind of waste that will be on site and what methods will be used to contain and remove it (e.g. the number of bins, and any temporary toilet and shower facilities will require a cleaning plan).

Amusement devices

If you plan to have amusement devices at your event then you must apply for permission to operate an amusement device. You will need to apply for this at least five working days prior to the event. Permission is also required if the device is to be operated on council land.

• Application to operate an amusement device

Fireworks

An approved operator is required for commercial fireworks. They must obtain a permit from the Labour Department and provide a health and safety plan.

Fire permits

Fire permits are not normally required for fireworks unless there is a restricted fire season in place, in which case an application to us is required. Allow two working days for your application to be processed. If a prohibited fire season is in place then no permit will be issued.

If the location of the fire is within 1km of Department of Conservation (DOC) land (e.g. Egmont National Park) then a fire permit from DOC will be required. Phone DOC on 06-759 0350.

Consultation

If your event is likely to attract large crowds or if it involves amplified sound or road closures, traffic control or parking restrictions, you will need to consult with nearby business and/or residents as it may affect access to properties for residents, workers and customers.

The best way to communicate the details of your event to those who may be affected by it is to deliver a letter to all the residents and businesses within the impact area. The letter should include:

• The name of the event.
• The name of the organiser. 
• The general nature of the activity. 
• The duration of the activity including set-up and pack down periods.
• The organiser's contact details before and on the day of the event (including mobile phone numbers).