Shaping our shared spaces - Review of key community ture ā-rohe/bylaws
We're reviewing six key bylaws that 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.
It's your place - help shape how we use it.
Why is this happening?
Reviewing bylaws is part of the Council's formal responsibilities and helps ensure local rules remain up to date, effective, and aligned with how our communities live, work and play.
What bylaws are included in the review?
Alcohol Control Bylaw and Maps | Ture ā-rohe Whakahaere Kararehe
Establishes alcohol-free zones and times to reduce alcohol-related harm in public places.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Stock Movement Bylaw | Ture ā-rohe Whakaneke Tōki
Ensures safety and protects roads when it comes to moving stock.
What's changing?
We're proposing updates to ensure these bylaws remain fit for purpose and reflect how our hapori/community uses shared spaces today. Key proposed changes include:
- Alcohol Control Bylaw - Moving to a more consistent nightly alcohol ban for specified public places and including Waimana within the Alcohol Control Areas.
- Beaches Bylaw - Adding the ability to remove any work or thing that is constructed on a beach in breach of the bylaw.
- Dog Control Policy and Dog Control Bylaw - Updating the offences and fees sections to align with the Dog Control Act 1996 and improving maps for dog exercise, restricted, and prohibited areas. Four identified streams that are bird nesting areas are proposed to be restricted.
- Keeping of Animals (excluding Dogs), Bees and Poultry Bylaw - Removing stock movement from this bylaw, creating a separate Stock Movement Bylaw to better respond to community needs, and improving the readability and consistency of all Council bylaws.
- Port and Wharves Bylaw - Updating rules on refuelling restrictions, fishing behaviour and waste disposal, exclusive event use, dangerous goods handling, berthage licences and licence revocation.
Why your views matter
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.
Kōrero Mai - Let's Talk
Feedback on the concept designs is open from Wednesday 1 April 2026 and closes Friday 30 April 2026.
All feedback will be brought together and presented to councillors on 28 May, with a council decision made on 23 July.