Policies

Our Accessibility Policy is about the way we make it a priority to provide equity and access for people with disabilities.

This document provides basic guidance to assist in interpreting the Planning Policy for Acid Sulphate Soils.

It aims to provide a general overview of acid sulphate soils and cover some common concerns land owners may have regarding the implications of owning or using land where these soils may be present.

Our Alfresco Dining Policy outlines how Council land can be used as outdoor seating for cafes and restaurants. It doesn't apply to private land. Our policy encourages appropriate, well designed alfresco dining that enhances areas for pedestrians, diners, visitors and residents.

It has special sections that apply to Cameron Street Mall and the Town Basin.

Backflow prevention devices stop contaminated liquids entering the water supply system.  

The Backflow Prevention Policy outlines Council's commitment to the protection of drinking water, and contains guidance for industrial, commercial and residential properties. 

Residential properties must have a testable backflow prevention device at the property boundary if they have:

• an alternative water supply
• swimming pool
• spa
• irrigation system.

The Building Over or Near Public Sewer and Stormwater Pipelines Policy documents the procedure for dealing with applications to build over or near any public sewers within the Whangārei District.

This policy is about Council's role in regulating class 4 gambling venues, which are those with non-casino electronic gambling machines, commonly known as 'pokie machines'. These venues can include pubs, hotels and clubs, but not casinos.

Three-yearly review of this policy is required by the Gambling Act 2003. At its meeting on 26 June 2025, Council reviewed this policy and decided to continue it without amendment.

Northland’s coast is in a current state of erosion. The aim of the Coastal Protection Works Policy is to make it easier for our community to understand what coastal protection works can be done, which ones Council will lead, which homeowners can lead, and when and how Council will help with landowner-led coastal protection works.

Before you make any decisions regarding coastal protection, it’s best to reach out to us first. Come and visit us at Council, and bring along any technical drawing or supporting information about the property requiring coastal protection.

The purpose of the Community Funding Policy is to guide the allocation and management of Council’s community grants and loans. It outlines Council’s drivers, objectives and approach to providing support to the community. 

This policy provides guidelines for the development of community gardens to ensure they are established in suitable places and well managed to limit nuisance to neighbours.

The purpose of this policy is to explain to the public and council (staff, contractors and volunteers):

• our definitions of a complaint
• principles we will apply when dealing with complaints
• our process for management of complaints
• roles and responsibilities of our Council personnel.