Permits

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Events often need permits to comply with local regulations.

There are several types of permits that may be required for events organised in New Zealand. The permits you need and the authorities you will need to apply to vary based on the location of your planned event, and the activities that will take place there.

TIPS

Events on council property

To hold an event on council property such as a park or reserve, you must apply for an event permit to book the use of the space and inform the council of the nature of the event.  

  • When applying for an event permit, the council may require information such as: 
    • your event dates and timings (including set up and pack down) 
    • estimated attendance 
    • the type of event you are holding and the activities it involves 
    • any special requirements you have (power, water, use of public facilities). 
    • parking and access requirements 
    • temporary structures that will be at your event (marquees, tents, staging etc). 
    • sound reinforcement and special effects involved 
    • the mobile traders, vendors, and amusement rides that will be present 
    • alcohol sales and licensing obtained 
    • the security you will have in place 
    • the waste management you have organised. 
  • Fees for parks and reserves bookings will vary dependent on the facilities provided and council input required.  
  • Some council-owned venues and halls may require you to obtain a permit during the event booking process. 
Events on Department of Conservation (DOC) land 

Utilising Department of Conservation (DOC) land for a business activity, including many events, requires permission in the form of a concession. Information about applying for a concession can be found here.

  • Sporting events such as multi-sport events, off-road running races or 4WD club trips require specific concessions – read more here. 
  • There are different concession types for the various activities that may be undertaken on DOC land. DOC offers free pre-application meetings for applicants to understand which concession they need to apply for and to navigate the statutory planning documents, as well as any local iwi consultation that is required in the application process.
Filming and Drone/Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) usage

Local councils have specific policies around filming and drone use on land that is owned or administered by them. Permission is required in the form of a permit, which can be applied for via a booking form. 

  • Councils can decline permit applications or stipulate specific terms that must be adhered to by the applicant in the permit. 
  • The circumstances of the filming or drone use may also require the applicant to apply for further permits or permissions. For example, if the filming activities alter the normal usage of a roadway, a Temporary Traffic Management Plan may need to be implemented. 
  • On DOC land, both filming and commercial drone use require a concession and there are specific fees for different types of productions – read more here.  
  • Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) rules do not allow drones to be flown within 4km of any airfield or aerodrome. Learn more about the rules and regulations around both commercial and recreational drone use here.  
Mobile trading permits and licences

Mobile trading, including selling from coffee carts or temporary roadside stalls, is governed by local council bylaws. In most instances, these activities will require a mobile trading permit or licence, which can be obtained by applying to the relevant local council. 

  • Councils need to determine the fitness of applicants to hold a mobile trading permit or licence. They may ask you to supply further information or documentation as part of the application process, over and above what you have provided in your initial application. 
  • The council may issue a permit or licence with specific conditions attached, depending on the type of business and activities undertaken. 
Signage and promotion

Bylaws regarding signage and promotional assets in public spaces are created and enforced by local councils to ensure public safety is maintained, and that no nuisance is caused by these items.

  • Council signage and promotion bylaws govern aspects such as size, content, placement, positioning, and the proximity of promotional assets to roads.
  • Check with your relevant local council on rules around the placing of posters and other promotional material in public spaces before you put these up.
Fire permits 

If you are intending to light a fire or have pyrotechnic/fireworks displays at your event, you will most likely need a fire permit.

  • Use Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s ‘Can I light a fire?’ tool to determine your permit requirements.
  • The requirement for a permit generally depends on the type of fire season currently declared. One of three types of fire season is in force at any time in an area or zone: Open; Restricted; or Prohibited.
  • Local and regional councils have bylaws and rules around smoke and air pollution, no matter the fire season. Even if you have a fire permit, you need to comply.

USEFUL LINKS

HAVE YOU CONSIDERED?

  • Which activities at your event may need a permit? 
  • Which local council or authority do you need to apply to?  
  • What consents may be required at your event? Learn more about Consents.