Proposed Public Trading, Events and Commercial Filming Bylaw

Feedback closes at 4:00pm on Monday 13 July 2026

A busy outdoor market with multiple canopy stalls on both sides, with people browsing and buying fresh produce and plants.

We want to hear your views on a proposed new Public Trading, Events and Commercial Filming Bylaw to replace parts of our expiring Public Places Bylaw.

The proposed new bylaw seeks to support the use and enjoyment of public places by minimising public safety risks, nuisance and misuse of Council-controlled land, structures and infrastructure associated with organised activities in public places.

It proposes an enabling framework to regulate things in public places, including: 

  • trading – markets, stalls and outdoor hospitality
  • events
  • commercial filming
  • busking. 

The proposal also includes a proposed new set of Outdoor Hospitality Guidelines.

Read more about the proposal and the draft bylaw: 

Statement of Proposal – Public Trading, Events and Commercial Filming Bylaw(PDF, 1MB)

Give us your feedback

Please provide your feedback by 4:00pm on Monday 13 July 2026.

By email

Step 1: Download the form, print and complete it by hand.

Public Trading, Events and Commercial Filming Bylaw feedback form(PDF, 210KB)

Step 2: Email us

Attach the form to an email and send to:

BylawsConsult@wdc.govt.nz

Alternatively, you can put your comments in the text of the email or attach a separate document to the email.

By post

Step 1: Download the form, print and complete it by hand.

Public Trading, Events and Commercial Filming Bylaw feedback form(PDF, 210KB)

Step 2: Post the completed form to:

Public Trading, Events and Commercial Filming Bylaw feedback

Whangarei District Council
Private Bag 9023
Te Mai
Whangārei 0143

By hand

Step 1: Download the form, print and complete it by hand.

Public Trading, Events and Commercial Filming Bylaw feedback form(PDF, 210KB)

Step 2: Bring the completed form into one of our Customer Service centres:

Te Iwitahi (civic centre)
9 Rust Avenue, Whangārei
Hours: Monday to Friday – 8:00am to 4:30pm
Closed public holidays

Ruakākā service centre 
9 Takutai Place, Ruakākā
Hours: Monday to Friday – 8:30am to 4:00pm
Closed public holidays

Service centre at isite
92 Otaika Road, Raumanga
Hours: Monday to Friday – 9:00am to 12:00pm and 12:30pm to 4:30pm
Closed public holidays

Talk to panel

Book a session to present your views to a panel of three to five councillors.

Sessions will be held on Tuesday 23 June and Thursday 2 July 2026 at Te Iwitahi (civic centre), 9 Rust Avenue, Whangārei.

Book your session

You will have five minutes, after which the councillors may ask you questions to clarify their understanding.

A Council staff member will also be present to minute your feedback and confirm your main points with you.

Please let us know in advance if you require the services of a New Zealand Sign Language interpreter.

Access copies of the Council reports and associated decisions that have informed the proposed new bylaw so far:

All feedback is considered public under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 and may be published and made available to elected members and the public.

The collection and use of personal information by Whangarei District Council is regulated by the Privacy Act 2020.

Privacy statement

Your feedback will not be returned to you once it is lodged with Council. Please keep a copy for your reference.

All feedback received will be provided to Council. Staff will also review and analyse the feedback received and provide this analysis to Council.

Council will then deliberate on all the information provided and make a final decision on the proposal.

If you have provided your email, we will keep you updated with the process and the final outcome.