Shaping our shared spaces - Review of key community ture ā-rohe/bylaws

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.

Whether you’re a dog owner, beach visitor, boatie, or simply someone who cares about the future of our district - now is the time to have your say.

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