Thank you for your interest in the Shaping our shared spaces draft community bylaw review. Submissions on the draft bylaw have now closed.

The next step in the process is public hearings and deliberations, scheduled for 28 May 2026.

Public hearings give submitters the opportunity to speak to their submission and for elected members to ask questions before Council makes a decision on 23 July 2026.

It’s your place - help shape how we use it.

The Whakatāne District Council (the Council) is reviewing five Council Bylaws and proposing to create a new Stock Movement Bylaw and wants to hear your feedback.

These bylaws help guide how we use wāhi tūmatanui/public spaces, care for our kararehe/animals, enjoy our tātahi/beaches, protect stock, whakahaumauru huarahi/road safety, and manage waipiro/alcohol in public areas.

Why your views matter | He mea nui o whakaaro

Our shared spaces are at the heart of daily life in Whakatāne. These bylaws help shape how we live, work, and play - and your whakaaro/feedback ensures the bylaws reflect our community’s values and priorities.

You don’t need to be a mātanga/expert. Whether you support the changes, have concerns, or just want to share your perspective, your voice matters.

Why do we need these bylaws? | He aha te take me whakarite i ēnei ture ā-rohe?

As your local Kaunihera/Council, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities within our district. Bylaws are one of the tools that help us respond effectively - from managing animal care to protecting beaches - and they allow us to enforce rules when necessary.

Each bylaw plays a role in keeping our shared spaces safe, well-managed, and enjoyable:

Alcohol Control Bylaw and Maps |Ture ā-rohe Whakahaere Kararehe

Establishes alcohol-free zones and times to reduce alcohol-related harm in public places.

Frequently Asked Questions - Alcohol Control Bylaw - (PDF, 117 KB)

Beaches Bylaw and Maps |Ture ā-rohe Tātahi

Protects beaches and dunes, manages vehicle and animal access, and ensures events and activities don’t impact safety or the environment.

Frequently Asked Questions Beaches Bylaw - (PDF, 141 KB)

Dog Control Bylaw |Te Kaupapa Here Whakahaere Kurī me te Ture ā-rohe Whakahaere Kurī

Sets expectations for where kurī/dogs can go, leash requirements, and responsible dog ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions Dog Control Bylaw - (PDF, 160 KB)

Keeping of Animals (excluding Dogs), Stock, Flock & Bees Bylaw | Te Whakahaere o ngā Kararehe:Tōki, Rāngai me ngā Pī (Hāunga ngā kurī)

Helps manage kararehe/animals in urban areas to prevent nuisance and protect public health - including rules for keeping poultry and bees.

Frequently Asked Questions Keeping of Animals (excluding Dogs) Stock Flock Bees Bylaw - (PDF, 177 KB)

Ports and Wharves Bylaw | Ture ā-rohe Tumu Herenga Waka me ngā Wahapū

Ensures our port infrastructure remains safe and accessible, balancing commercial use with recreation.

Frequently Asked Questions Ports and Wharves - (PDF, 153 KB)

Stock Movement Bylaw | Ture ā-rohe Whakaneke Tōki (new)

Ensures safety and protects roads when it comes to moving stock.

Frequently Asked Questions Stock Movement - (PDF, 183 KB)

What’s changing? | E aha ana te aha?

We’re proposing updates to ensure these bylaws remain fit for purpose and reflect how our hapori/community uses shared spaces today. Key changes include:

• More consistent alcohol‑free zones, including adding Waimana

• Updated port and wharf rules for refuelling, berthage licensing, fishing behaviour, waste disposal, event use, and dangerous goods

• Stronger beach protections, including the ability to remove structures built in breach of the bylaw

• Updated dog access maps and alignment with the Dog Control Act 1996, including restrictions around identified bird‑nesting streams

• Clearer, more consistent rules for keeping animals, bees, and poultry