Mobile traders, includes hawkers by definition. This occurred following changes to Whakatane District Council by-laws.
Types of Mobile Traders
Mobile traders are licensed to operate within the Whakatane District and operate from a stall, caravan, cart, or similar structure. A hawker is a person who carries items for sale as they walk from door to door. While both are considered mobile traders under the bylaw, we have kept them separate to allow for a split fee structure.
These activities are required to be licensed annually, and you need to complete an Application for Registration. Please note that first time applications should be accompanied by two recent character references.
Application for Registration as a Mobile Trader - (PDF, 78 Kb)
Application for Registration as a Hawker - (PDF, 88 Kb)
Mobile Trading Fact Sheet - (PDF, 355Kb)
Sale of Food
If you’re proposing to sell food, you must comply with all relevant food legislation and regulations. It is also important to note that the regulations require that travelling food shops operate in connection with registered food premises.
Mobile Traders Food Premises "Must Haves" Guide - (PDF, 412Kb)
Sale of Fruit and Vegetables by Mobile Traders
People can sell fruit and vegetables that they have grown on their own property. Any produce that may be consumed in the state in which it is bought must be pre-packaged at the property where it is grown. If you wish to sell fruit and vegetables not grown on your property, then you will need to establish a mobile trader vehicle or similar that meets the same criteria as for the traditional ‘pie cart’. Read the Mobile Traders Food Premises "Must Haves" Guide - (PDF, 412Kb).
For more information email Customer Services or call us on
07 306 0500.
Standard Conditions for Mobile Shops and Traders
The standard conditions below apply to people running mobile businesses in the Whakatane District.
- This licence applies to the stated vehicle only. Use of a vehicle other than that stipulated in the licence application requires separate prior approval from Council.
- Carry the licence at all times while operating and produce it when requested to do so by a Constable or an Officer of the Whakatane District Council.
- The trading name must be legibly painted on or attached to the vehicle or stall in letters not less than 25mm high.
- Operation on state highways is not permitted.
- Operation on any council reserve without the prior approval of the manager works & services is not permitted.
- Unless the conditions of the mobile trading state otherwise, do not operate within 100 metres of other premises selling similar goods and products.
- Licences are not transferable.
- Please note that District Council sites require lease agreements to have been completed prior to occupation of any approved sites.
- Only items specified on the licence shall be sold.
- Any licensed operator not trading from an “approved site” must move on from the site after 90 minutes and must not return to within 100 metres of the site more than twice in an eight-hour period.
- Mobile operators wishing to park and operate for more than 90 minutes at any one location shall be sited at an approved site.
Any appropriate conditions relevant to mobile traders’ specific operation or activity may be required in addition to the above.
Mobile Businesses – Inspection and Licensing
You can arrange for the inspection and licensing of your activity by calling us on
07 306 0500.
For more information read the Mobile Trading Fact Sheet - (PDF, 355Kb).