New bylaws support safe and vibrant public spaces
Published on 30 September 2026
Crowds gather along the waterfront to enjoy the 2025 Whangārei Maritime Festival.
Three new bylaws are now in place to help keep Whangārei District’s streets, parks and other public spaces safe, accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
The Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw; Public Trading, Events and Commercial Filming Bylaw; and Signs Bylaw came into force on Friday 25 September 2026. Together, they provide clearer rules for activities ranging from outdoor dining and busking to events, markets and signs.
The changes balance the many ways people use our shared spaces, while supporting business and community activity, keeping spaces accessible and managing potential safety risks and nuisance.
One of the biggest changes makes it easier for cafes, restaurants and other hospitality businesses to offer outdoor dining.
New Outdoor Hospitality Guidelines encourage businesses to use footpaths in ways that add life to Whangārei’s streets, while making sure people of all ages and abilities can move around safely.
For many businesses, this also means less paperwork. If an outdoor dining area meets the guidelines, Council approval is no longer required to put tables and seating on the footpath.
One of the main requirements is keeping a clear 1.8 metre pedestrian pathway, free from furniture, signs and other fixtures.
Thinking about busking? Busking can bring energy and activity to our public spaces. Under the new Public Trading, Events and Commercial Filming Bylaw, buskers need Council approval before performing in a Council-controlled public place. Applying is easy. Simply use the short form on Council’s website or pick one up in person.
Apply for a buskers permit
The new Signs Bylaw also provides clearer rules for businesses using portable signs such as A-frames and menu boards. Portable signs can be displayed outside the business they relate to without specific Council approval when they meet the bylaw requirements, including keeping clear access along the footpath.
For most people, the new bylaws will simply provide clearer expectations about how our shared public spaces are used. However, if you run a business, busk, organise events, put signs on the footpath or undertake other activities on Council-controlled land, it is worth checking whether the new rules affect you.
Existing permits, approvals and exemptions remain valid for up to six months, but new approvals and renewals may be affected.
Find out more about the new bylaws, guidelines and approvals: