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Enabling people to enjoy Auckland's public places
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Enabling people to enjoy Auckland’s public places Protecting people from nuisance or safety risks interference, danger, obstruction, activities on parks and beaches Statement of Proposal to amend the Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw 2013, Animal Management Bylaw 2015 and Traffic Bylaw 2015, and to revoke legacy bylaws about fences for public consultation - 26 October to 5 December 2018
2 Summary of information in Statement of Proposal to amend the Auckland Council public safety and nuisance, animal management and traffic bylaws, and to revoke legacy fencing bylaws for public consultation – 26 October to 5 December 2018.
1 Have your say Enabling people to enjoy Auckland’s public places People use public places every day for activities like playing sport, fishing, flying a drone, boating, having barbeques, picnics or spending time with family or whānau at the beach or park. Sometimes people’s behaviour or their activities (including offensive behaviour, damage or misuse) can cause nuisance or risk to safety that may stop other people from using or enjoying our public places. What Auckland Council does We make rules to protect people from nuisance or unsafe behaviours and activities in public places. This includes parks, beaches, civic spaces and other places accessible to the public.
These rules are set out in the Auckland Council Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw 2013, Te Ture ā-Rohe Marutau ā-Iwi me te Whakapōrearea 2013 (the Bylaw).
Improving public safety and nuisance rules We recently checked how well the rules are working and identified improvements. The main changes we want to make include:
clarifying expected behaviours and restrictions on people using public places
clarifying how council makes recreational fishing controls
clarifying how council gives approval (permission) for activities on public places, such as for abseiling, landing an aircraft, or exceptions for doing something that would otherwise be prohibited
clarify which public places the Bylaw applies to and enabling organisations in control of those places to approve bylaw exceptions
using national legislation rather than bylaws for damage to council property, car window washing, mind altering substances, graffiti, noise, fish offal, gates in parks, fireworks on non-public places, street names and property numbering
moving issues about animals, signage, stormwater and vehicles to existing council bylaws (Animal Management Bylaw 2015 and Traffic Bylaw 2015).
3 Summary of information in Statement of Proposal to amend the Auckland Council public safety and nuisance, animal management and traffic bylaws, and to revoke legacy fencing bylaws for public consultation – 26 October to 5 December 2018. We want to know what you think Starting on 26 October 2018 through to 5 December 2018, we want you to tell us what you think about proposed changes to the Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw 2013, Animal Management Bylaw 2015 and Traffic Bylaw 2015, and revocation of legacy bylaws about fences.
Visit www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/have-your-say to find more information, give your feedback and find out where you can drop in to a ‘Have your say’ event.
4 Statement of Proposal to amend the Auckland Council public safety and nuisance, animal management and traffic bylaws, and to revoke legacy bylaws about fences for public consultation – 26 October to 5 December 2018. 2 What is the Bylaw The Auckland Council Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw 2013, Te Ture ā-Rohe Marutau ā-Iwi me te Whakapōrearea 2013 (Bylaw) was made on 31 July 2013. The Bylaw sets rules to protect people from nuisance or unsafe behaviours and activities (includes offensive behaviour, damage or misuse) in public places.
The Bylaw applies to parks, beaches, civic spaces and other places accessible to the public, but generally not roads. Rules on roads and footpaths next to roads are in the Auckland Transport Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw 2013 because they affect pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Examples of behaviours and activities the Bylaw covers General behaviours General activities
interference with another person’s use or enjoyment of a public place
endangering another person through use of an object or item
causing damage, obstruction, nuisance or a risk to safety.
aircraft (including drones)
begging activity where intimidating or nuisance
buildings, structures, tents
fishing and fish offal
mind altering (psychoactive) substances
soil, shingle, shell, sand, vegetation, plants, artefacts
storage and packing goods
weapons. Activities on Regional Parks
set-netting.
5 Statement of Proposal to amend the Auckland Council public safety and nuisance, animal management and traffic bylaws, and to revoke legacy bylaws about fences for public consultation – 26 October to 5 December 2018. 3 What council proposes to change Improving public safety and nuisance rules We recently checked how well the current rules are working and identified improvements. Council is now proposing to make changes to the Auckland Council Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw 2013, Animal Management Bylaw 2015 and Traffic Bylaw 2015, and to revoke legacy bylaws about fences. The changes are being proposed to better protect people from nuisance and unsafe behaviours and activities in public places.
The major changes proposed are: Proposed amendment Reason for proposed change Use central government legislation instead of a bylaw to address damage, car window washing, mind altering (psychoactive) substances, graffiti, noise, fish offal, gates in parks, fireworks on nonpublic places, street names and property numbering.
issues already covered in central government legislation
does not affect Council’s current response to incidents
public can still report issues. Council will continue to prioritise its response using a graduated response approach. Move issues about animals, drains, signage, stormwater and traffic to existing bylaws.
easier for public to find the bylaw they need if all issues about a topic are in the same bylaw. Prohibit leaving construction materials, boats, shipping containers and consumer goods in public places, unless approved by council. Other things may be left provided they do not cause a problem (e.g. beach towel on beach).
clearer as to what items must not be left on public places
more freedom to leave other items so long as it does not cause a problem.
Clarify the expected behaviours and restrictions on the use of public places by improving the Bylaw structure, stating behaviours expected from all Aucklanders, including regional park rules and using explanatory notes.
rules easier to understand and avoids focus on vulnerable Aucklanders. Clarify how council makes controls and gives approvals.
clearer how decisions are made about: o restricting recreational fishing activities o approving activities that would otherwise not be allowed. Clarify which public places the Bylaw applies to and enabling people in control of those public places to approve exemptions.
avoids duplication and confusion about which public places the Bylaw applies to
allows the Maunga Authority, Auckland Transport and private owners of public places to approve bylaw exemptions on the areas they control. If you want to know more, Appendix A shows the proposed changes to the public safety and nuisance, animal, and traffic bylaws. Appendix B contains the legacy bylaws to be revoked. Appendix C shows what the public safety and nuisance bylaw would look like if the proposed changes were made.
6 Statement of Proposal to amend the Auckland Council public safety and nuisance, animal management and traffic bylaws, and to revoke legacy bylaws about fences for public consultation – 26 October to 5 December 2018.
4 How we implement the Bylaw Council uses a ‘graduated response’ approach when responding to bylaw complaints (Figure 1). This means that the types of response and response times will vary depending on the level of risk, seriousness of harm, people’s attitude towards compliance, and what is most practical.
Lower risk issues are addressed at first with education, advice, and informal warnings. If this doesn’t work council may issue formal warnings. For serious or ongoing bylaw breaches, Council may seize property or prosecute offenders. Penalties could include a fine of up to $20,000. Figure 1: Council’s risk-based, ‘graduated response’ approach How the ‘graduated response’ approach may be applied to bylaw issues currently and if any proposed changes are made are illustrated in the Table on the next page.
7 Statement of Proposal to amend the Auckland Council public safety and nuisance, animal management and traffic bylaws, and to revoke legacy bylaws about fences for public consultation – 26 October to 5 December 2018. Table 1: How council may respond to bylaw issues Nuisance, noise, intimidation (including in relation to begging activity) damage, obstruction unsafe /dangerous behaviour including use of objects, mind altering substances, setting off fireworks
In general, Council responds to complaints as soon as possible based on the level of nuisance or risk to safety. If the person responsible is identified, they are asked to stop, leave or remove the object. Formal warnings may be issued. Serious cases may result in court prosecution. Items abandoned in public places may be seized, impounded and reimbursement is sought from owners.
for nuisance, intimidating behaviour or obstruction, Council and City Watch patrol the central business district up to four times a day, education/advice provided.
for complex social issues such as behaviour around begging activity or rough sleeping, Council uses a managed approach. Council and City Watch provide advice and support to access social services alongside Salvation Army, Lifewise and the City mission. Where appropriate, warnings may be given, businesses may obtain trespass notices, and persistent offenders may be referred New Beginnings Court or face prosecution. For behaviour that is a health or safety risk, police or ambulance services are called.
for setting off fireworks, Council responds to complaints and patrols public ‘hot spots’ during Guy Fawkes. Education and advice used to address behaviour. Police and Fire services are called if there is an imminent safety threat. Noise Control responds to noise complaints from fireworks on private property. Interfering with lifesaving equipment, damage including to council property, planting vegetation, graffiti, taking plants, soil, shells, rocks
Council repairs damage as soon as possible depending on the nature of the issue. If the person is caught in the act they are asked to stop, formal warnings may be issued. Serious damage may be reported to police and offenders taken to court.
Gates, doors, vegetation, structures, tents, consumer goods
Council responds as soon as possible depending on the nature of the issue, the property owner is asked to address the issue. If they refuse, formal warnings may be given followed by court prosecution.
for complex social issues such as behaviour around homelessness and rough sleeping, Council uses a managed approach to address the storing or leaving of their possessions. If items are obstructing peoples’ use of a public place Council asks that they are moved out of the way to a place nearby. Hunting, scattering ashes, burial of bodies, abseiling, vehicles, killing or losing control of animals, mining, landing an aircraft, remaining on a closed park or beach, gates left open / closed, set netting/crab potting
Council responds as soon as possible depending on the nature of the issue. If the person responsible is identified, they are asked to stop otherwise they will be asked to leave.
Council may request people’s names and contact details to support further enforcement action including by police. Court prosecution could follow depending on the seriousness of the issue. Damage and display of street names and property/building numbers
Council repairs damage. A person caught in the act of damaging a street sign or property number could face police prosecution. Council asks people not displaying a correct street number to display the correct number. If they refuse, formal warnings and notices will follow.
8 Statement of Proposal to amend the Auckland Council public safety and nuisance, animal management and traffic bylaws, and to revoke legacy bylaws about fences for public consultation – 26 October to 5 December 2018.
5 How we got here Decisions leading to the proposed changes The Local Government Act 2002 requires council to review its bylaws to determine whether they are effective, efficient and still needed. Auckland Council reviewed the Bylaw, reported its findings and considered its options at meetings in March, April, May and June 2018 as summarised below: Committee review decisions Revoke bylaw about Amend bylaw about This statement of proposal was approved for public consultation by the Governing Body in September 2018 to commence the process to amend the Auckland Council Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw 2013, Animal Management Bylaw 2015, and Traffic Bylaw 2015, and to revoke legacy bylaws about fences.
Go to www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/have‐your‐say for copies of the above decisions including a summary of options considered.
08 Mar 2018 (REG/2018/15) 12 Apr 2018 (REG/2018/20) 10 May 2018 (REG/2018/38) 14 Jun 2018 (REG/2018/43) road signs, building / property numbers, lifesaving equipment and car window washing fireworks and storing or packing goods Damage to council property, opening a drain and disturbing a surface water courses, storm water, rock, shingle, sand, vegetation, plants, materials, objects, structures, buildings, tents and doors or gates excessive noise, mind altering substances, begging activity that intimidates or causes a nuisance, graffiti, posters, signs, advertising and legacy bylaws about fences a person’s use or enjoyment of a place, reckless use, fences and fires gates in parks and fish offal access to parks or beaches, aircraft, activities on a park or beach, vehicles, weapons, traps, animal and boats
9 Statement of Proposal to amend the Auckland Council public safety and nuisance, animal management and traffic bylaws, and to revoke legacy bylaws about fences for public consultation – 26 October to 5 December 2018. 6We want your input You have an opportunity to tell us your views. We would like to know what you think about proposed changes to the Auckland Council Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw 2013, Animal Management Bylaw 2015 and Traffic Bylaw 2015, and revocation of legacy bylaws about fences.
Give us your feedback Starting on 26 October 2018 through to 5 December 2018 we are asking for feedback on proposed changes to the Auckland Council Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw 2013, Animal Management Bylaw 2015, Traffic Bylaw 2015, and revocation of legacy bylaws about fences. You can give your feedback:
in person at one of our ‘Have your say’ events – visit our website for details
online at our website www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/have-your-say Online services are available at our libraries.
Your name and feedback will be available to the public in our reports and online. All other personal details will remain private. Yo
10 Statement of Proposal to amend the Auckland Council public safety and nuisance, animal management and traffic bylaws, and to revoke legacy bylaws about fences for public consultation – 26 October to 5 December 2018. Appendix A: Proposed changes The following tables show the proposed changes to the Auckland Council public safety and nuisance, animal management, and traffic bylaws. However, “related information” not critical to a proposed change is referenced as “[refer Appendix C for more related information]” to reduce table size.
Proposed changes are shown under the heading “New Clause”. Existing words to be removed are shown in strikethrough and new words shown underlined. Table 1: Amendments to Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw 2013 Bylaw clauses are shown in order of relevance to the public. Existing Clause New Clause Reasons Part 2 Public Safety, Nuisance, General Behaviour and Street Naming and Numbering 6 Nuisances, safety and behaviour in any public place (1) A person must not use a public place to: (a) wilfully obstruct, disturb or interfere with any other person in their use or enjoyment of that public place; Part 2 Public Safety, Nuisance, General Bbehaviour and use of public places Street Naming and Numbering 6 Nuisances, safety and Bad behaviours prohibited in any public places (1) A person must not use a public place to: (a) wilfully obstruct, disturb, or interfere with, alarm, distress, intimidate or harm any other person in their use or enjoyment of that public place.; Related information about bad behaviour, other regulations The Summary Offences Act 1981 enables the New Zealand Police to address more serious instances of obstruction, intimidation, disorderly and offensive behaviour or language in public places.
Amended heading to be easier to understand.
Clause amended to better address nuisance or unsafe behaviours.
See also Section “4 How we implement the Bylaw” of the proposal for information on how the Bylaw is used. 6(1)(b) [A person must not use a public place to] create a nuisance through the use or playing of any instrument (musical or otherwise), any type of public address system or any type of amplified sound system, or from making any excessive sound or noise; [Existing clause removed, not shown here to reduce table size] Schedule 1, 9E Noise Related information about matters addressed in other regulations The Resource Management Act 1991 enables Council to address noise affecting private property from a public place. The Trading and Events in Public Places Bylaw 2015 regulates noise from street performers. Other noise in a public place is addressed under Clause 6(1) of this Bylaw.
Clause removed because Council can address noise issues using other existing regulations.
11 Statement of Proposal to amend the Auckland Council public safety and nuisance, animal management and traffic bylaws, and to revoke legacy bylaws about fences for public consultation – 26 October to 5 December 2018. 6(1)(c) [A person must not use a public place to] use any material or thing (including a vehicle, bicycle, motorised scooter, model aircraft, skateboard, roller skates or roller blades, shopping trolley or similar object) recklessly or in a manner which may intimidate, be dangerous, be injurious to or cause a nuisance to any person; 6(2) A person in a public place must not use any item or object material or thing (including a vehicle, bicycle, motorised scooter, model aircraft, skateboard, roller skates or roller blades, shopping trolley or similar object) recklessly or in a manner way which may intimidate, be dangerous, be injurious to or cause a nuisance to any person.; 7 Restrictions on the use of public places (1) A person must comply with any restrictions on the use of public places in Schedule 1 (for example, fireworks, UAVs (including drones), fences, fires, weapons, hunting, storing objects, camping or set netting).
Schedule 1, 12 UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) (1) A person must not use an UAV in or over a Council controlled public place unless Council has given prior written approval. (2) UAV means an unmanned aerial vehicle and includes a drone and model aircraft. Related information about general approval for UAV use Council has given a general approval for the use of UAVs on Council parks, subject to conditions on the types of UAVs, where to fly and code of conduct. Related information about UAVs, other regulations In general, Clause 6(2) of this Bylaw prohibits use of UAVs that is reckless, intimidates, dangerous, injurious or a nuisance over public places. In general, use of RPAS, UAV, UAS, drones, model aircraft, gyro gliders and parasails, unmanned balloons, kites, and rockets must comply with Part 101 and 102 of the Civil Aviation rules. Part 101 applies to UAVs under 25kg and specifies when and where they can be flown, for example night restrictions, keeping UAV in sight at all times, altitude restrictions above 120m and no flying with 4km of an aerodrome. Part 102 applies to UAVs over 25kgs and that cannot comply with Part 101 and requires the person to obtain certification as an unmanned aircraft operator.
Clause amended to improve certainty by removing examples that may be considered to limit its use and to specifically address new issues about the use of drones.
12 Statement of Proposal to amend the Auckland Council public safety and nuisance, animal management and traffic bylaws, and to revoke legacy bylaws about fences for public consultation – 26 October to 5 December 2018. UAV use over roads is regulated by Auckland Transport. UAV use for filming in public places requires Council approval under the Trading and Events in Public Places Bylaw 2015. UAV use over private property requires approval of the property owner under Rule 101.207(a)(1)(ii) of the Civil Aviation (Offences) Regulations 2006.
Concerns about UAVs and privacy are addressed in the Privacy Act 1993.
6(1)(d) [A person must not use a public place to] install or maintain a fence (including a razor-wire and electric fence) in a manner that may cause an injury or nuisance to any person; [Existing clause amended entirely, not shown here] Schedule 1, 6 Fences (1) A person must not install a fence on any public place, unless the relevant authority has given prior written approval. (2) The owner of a property must not allow a fence that is likely to cause an injury or nuisance to any person in a public place to be installed, modified or remain on that property, unless the relevant authority has given prior written approval.
(3) Fence means a barrier that divides (or partially divides) two areas of land and anything part of or associated with that fence, including any gate, barbed-wire, razor-wire, or electricity. [refer Appendix C for more related information]
Clause amended to make it clear that a person must not use a public place for private fencing, and to prevent fences on private property that is likely to harm people in public places.
Stock fences in general are allowed as typically they are not adjacent to a footpath where it would likely cause a concern.
6(1)(e) [A person must not use a public place to] consume, inject or inhale or distribute or offer for sale any mindaltering substance; [Existing clause removed, not shown here to reduce table size] Schedule 1, 9C Mind altering and psychoactive substances Related information about matters addressed in other regulations The Summary Offences Act 1981 enables the New Zealand Police to address offensive and disorderly behaviour, obstruction and intimidation associated with the use of psychoactive substances.
The Psychoactive Substances Act 2013 enables the New Zealand Police to address possession, distribution or offering to sell all psychoactive substances in a public.
Clause removed because the issues are better addressed by the New Zealand Police using existing legislation. Council can still monitor complaints to provide information to the New Zealand Police.
13 Statement of Proposal to amend the Auckland Council public safety and nuisance, animal management and traffic bylaws, and to revoke legacy bylaws about fences for public consultation – 26 October to 5 December 2018. 6(1)(f) [A person must not use a public place to] beg, in a manner that may intimidate or cause a nuisance to any person; [Existing clause removed, not shown here to reduce table size] Schedule 1, 1C Begging activity Related information to matters addressed in other regulations Begging activity or soliciting on the roads and footpaths next to a road are regulated in the Auckland Transport Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw 2013.
In all other public places, Clause 6(1) of this Bylaw regulates begging activity that may intimidate or cause a nuisance in the same way as any other activity.
Clause removed because Council can address issues using other existing regulations.
See also proposed changes to existing Clause 6(1)(a) about bad behaviours that apply to all Aucklanders.
See also Section “4 How we implement the Bylaw” about how Council takes a managed approach to behaviour around begging activity or rough sleeping. (g) [A person must not use a public place to] wash or offer to wash a vehicle or any part thereof, in a manner that may be unsafe or intimidate or cause a nuisance to any person, or cause an obstruction to traffic.
[Existing clause removed, not shown here to reduce table size] Schedule 1, 4C Car window washing Related information to matters addressed in other regulations Clause 11.6A of the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 prohibits a pedestrian from washing or offering to wash a vehicle, or part of a vehicle, on a road unless the vehicle is legally parked. The New Zealand Police enforce the rule who may issue to $150 infringement notices under section 4 of the Land Transport (Offences and Penalties) Regulations 1999.
6(2) Except at a facility or site specifically provided, or with the prior written approval of the council or a council controlled organisation, a person must not use a public place to: (a) display or fix any graffiti, posters, signs or advertising devices on any [Existing clause removed, not shown here to reduce table size] Schedule 1, 9A Graffiti Related information about matters addressed in other regulations Graffiti is prohibited under section 11A of the Summary Offences Act 1981. Council’s Graffiti eradication programme (for example the Adopt-a-Spot programme) helps the New Zealand Police collect evidence to support prosecutions and eradicates graffiti.
Clause removed because – o New Zealand Police can address issues about graffiti using other existing legislation.
14 Statement of Proposal to amend the Auckland Council public safety and nuisance, animal management and traffic bylaws, and to revoke legacy bylaws about fences for public consultation – 26 October to 5 December 2018. property that is under the control of the council or a council controlled organisation; Schedule 1, 9G Posters, signs and advertising Related information about matters addressed in other regulations The Auckland Council Signage Bylaw 2015 requires signs, advertising devices and posters in public places to ensure they comply with certain requirements relating to location, visual amenity, safety, type, and content.
The Auckland Unitary Plan regulates billboards as part of a comprehensive development or within a scheduled historic heritage place. Auckland Transport regulates billboards on the Auckland transport network including billboards placed in the road reserve or on the state highway network. o Council can address issues about posters, signs and advertising devices using other existing regulations. 6(2)(b) [Except at a facility or site specifically provided, or with the prior written approval of the council or a council controlled organisation, a person must not use a public place to] light a fire (except in an appliance designed for outdoor cooking subject to any restriction imposed by the council on the lighting of fires).
[Existing clause amended entirely, not shown here] Schedule 1, 7 Fires (1) A person must not light a fire in a public place unless – (a) the fire is contained in a facility provided by the relevant authority; or (b) the fire is contained in a portable gas barbeque in a Council controlled public place; or (c) the relevant authority has given prior written approval. (2) Any Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017 provision, regulation or notice that restricts fires in a public place applies instead of subclause (1), for example a restricted or prohibited fire season. Related information about fires, other regulations The Auckland Unitary Plan prohibits the outdoor burning of household or commercial waste materials that create excessive smoke and hazardous pollutants when burnt.
Section 94(1)(a) of the Reserves Act 1977 prohibits fires in reserves except in a fireplace in any camping ground or picnic area.
Clause amended to make it clearer where people can light fires, and that Fire and Emergency Act New Zealand may impose further restrictions (for example at times of the year when the risk of fires is high).
15 Statement of Proposal to amend the Auckland Council public safety and nuisance, animal management and traffic bylaws, and to revoke legacy bylaws about fences for public consultation – 26 October to 5 December 2018.
The Outdoor Fire Safety Bylaw 2014 regulates fires on residential, business and rural land, and contains provisions that allow for hāngi and other ethnic cooking fires. 6(3) A person must not set off fireworks, flares or any other explosive material: (a) In a public place, except with the prior written approval of the council or a council controlled organisation; and (b) In any other place, in a way that does or is likely to create a nuisance or endanger any person, property, dog or other animal in a public place. [Existing clause amended entirely, not shown here] Schedule 1, 8 Fireworks, flares, explosive materials (1) A person must not set off any firework, flare or any other explosive material in a public place, unless the relevant authority has given prior written approval.
(2) Firework means an object containing hazardous substances with explosive properties. Related information about fireworks, other regulations On private property, fireworks are permitted provided –
they do not cause injury or alarm to any person in a public place under section 35 of the Summary Offences Act 1981, for example throwing fireworks at people in public places from private property
excessive noise under section 326-328 of the Resource Management Act 1991, for example fireworks set off late at night. The Trading and Events in Public Places Bylaw 2015 requires approval for public firework displays on Council controlled public places.
Clause retains ban on fireworks in public places but is amended to enable the relevant authority (for example, the Maunga Authority) to approve exemptions.
Clause about fireworks on other places that affects people in a public place removed because the New Zealand Police can address this issue using existing legislation, and in regard to animals is outside of Council’s powers. 7(1) Except with the prior written approval of the council or a council controlled organisation, a person must not cause damage on a public place including but not limited to: (a) damaging, removing, disturbing or interfering with any property that is under the control of the council or a council controlled organisation, including: [Existing clause removed, not shown here to reduce table size] Schedule 1, 5B Damage Related information about matters addressed in other regulations Damage to anything in any public place is be prohibited. For example – The Local Government Act 2002 and Summary Offences Act 1981 prohibit wilful, negligent or malicious damage, obstruction, interference with any property. Examples include vandalising park furniture, opening a drain cover, interfering with drainage and depositing materials.
Clause removed because Council and New Zealand Police can address issues using other existing regulations.
Clause 7(3) amended to be easier to understand by bringing references to all exempted authorities into the same clause.
16 Statement of Proposal to amend the Auckland Council public safety and nuisance, animal management and traffic bylaws, and to revoke legacy bylaws about fences for public consultation – 26 October to 5 December 2018. (i) any archaeological, heritage, historic or waahi tapu site; and (ii) any structure, street furniture, artefact, surface, natural feature, grass plot, flowerbed, tree, shrub or plant; and (iii) any furnishing, fitting or equipment in a building accessible by the public; (b) polluting, damaging, placing any obstruction in, or interfering with any water course or stormwater drain or channel; (c) placing a structure, opening a drain or disturbing a surface that is likely to be injurious to or cause a nuisance to any person or to cause damage to that public place; 7(3) Clause 7(1) does not apply to work by a network utility operator that it is entitled by statute to undertake in a public place and provided all otherwise necessary authorisation is obtained.
The Auckland Council Stormwater Bylaw 2015 prohibits pollution, damage or obstruction to the stormwater network. This includes drains, watercourses, inlet structures, pipes and other conduits. Section 94(1)(e) of the Reserves Act 1977 prohibits wilfully breaking or damaging any fence, building, apparatus or erection on any reserve. The Auckland Unitary Plan regulates activity affecting archaeological, heritage, and waahi tapu sites. The Auckland Transport Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw 2013 prohibits damage on the Auckland transport system that is transport related. This includes damage to the footpath, street signs, grass berms or anything on the road corridor.
See also ‘11 Soil, rock . or other naturally occurring thing’ and to ‘13 vegetation’. 11A Storm water drains, channels and water channels Related information about matters addressed in other regulations The Stormwater Bylaw 2015 addresses placing a structure, opening a drain, polluting, damaging, obstructing, or interfering with a storm water drain, channel or water channel. 3(3) This Bylaw does not apply to Council, emergency services, civil defence personnel or network utility operators exercising their lawful functions.
7(1)(d) [Except with the prior written approval of the council or a council [Existing clause amended entirely, not shown here]
Clause amended to be easier to understand.
17 Statement of Proposal to amend the Auckland Council public safety and nuisance, animal management and traffic bylaws, and to revoke legacy bylaws about fences for public consultation – 26 October to 5 December 2018. controlled organisation, a person must not cause damage on a public place including but not limited to] depositing, moving or removing rock, shingle, sand, vegetation, or any material or artefact; or Schedule 1, 11 Soil, rock, shingle, shell, sand, vegetation, material, object or other naturally occurring thing (1) A person must not disturb, move or remove any naturally occurring thing from a public place unless the relevant authority has given prior written approval, for example removing rocks from a beach to landscape their garden at home.
(2) Naturally occurring thing means soil, rock, shingle, shell, sand, vegetation, material, object or any other naturally occurring thing. Related information about naturally occurring things, other regulations The Litter Act 1979 and Solid Waste Bylaw 2012 prohibit the deposition of material. [refer Appendix C for more related information] 7(1)(e) [Except with the prior written approval of the council or a council controlled organisation, a person must not cause damage on a public place including but not limited to] removing or damaging any tree, shrub or plant of any kind or part thereof or planting, sowing or scattering the seed of any tree, shrub or plant of any kind.
[Existing clause amended entirely, not shown here] Schedule 1, 13 Vegetation (1) A person must not – (a) allow vegetation to encroach on or over a public place that is likely to cause a safety risk, nuisance or obstruction to people in that public place, unless the relevant authority has given prior written approval. (b) sow or plant any vegetation in or on a public place (for example, extending a private garden over the boundary into a park), unless the relevant authority has given prior written approval. (2) Vegetation means any seed, plant, shrub or tree or the produce of any seed, hedge, plant, shrub or tree, whether dead or alive. Related information about vegetation, other regulations The planting on berms next to roads is regulated and requires approval of Auckland Transport in accordance with its encroachment policy.
Clause amended to more clearly apply to activity which is not only damage, but also planting and vegetation encroachment), and be easier to understand.
See also proposed changes to other parts of clause 7(1) about damage.
Related to clause 8(1)(c) about vegetation encroachment.
18 Statement of Proposal to amend the Auckland Council public safety and nuisance, animal management and traffic bylaws, and to revoke legacy bylaws about fences for public consultation – 26 October to 5 December 2018. The Auckland Transport Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw 2013 and section 355 Local Government Act 1974 prohibit vegetation encroachment on roads and footpaths and berms next to roads. [refer Appendix C for more related information] See also ‘5B damage’. 8(1) Except with the prior written approval of the council or a council controlled organisation, a person must not use a public place to: (a) place or leave any material, object, thing or structure; (b) erect, construct, or place a building, structure, tent or projection of a building structure or tent or any part thereof, on, under, over or across a public place; 8(2) Clause 8(1)(b) does not apply to tents or similar structures and any supporting fixtures (including ropes and pegs) that are erected temporarily for the purposes of providing shade and: (a) do not impede or obstruct the movement of any vehicles or person or cause a nuisance; and (b) are of a size that do not create a visual obstruction.
[Existing clause amended entirely, not shown here] 6(3) A person must not erect, construct, place, leave or abandon any object, vehicle, material or structure in a public place that is likely to cause a safety risk, nuisance, damage, obstruction, disturbance, or interference to any person in their use or enjoyment of that public place. Schedule 1 3 Building or construction materials, equipment and amenities (1) A person must not place or leave any building or construction materials, equipment and amenities (including portable toilets) in a public place unless the relevant authority has given prior written approval.
4 Building, structure, tent (1) A person must not erect, construct, place or leave any part or projection of a building, structure or tent in a public place unless – (a) the tent is erected temporarily for the purposes of providing shade provided the tent (including ropes and pegs) does not contravene clause 6(3); or (b) the relevant authority has given prior written approval. 10 Shipping or storage containers (1) A person must not place or leave any shipping or storage container in a public place unless the relevant authority has given prior written approval.
Clause amended to more clearly prohibit things that cause a problem instead of everything (for example, a beach towel on the beach while you’re swimming) and be easier to understand.
See also proposed changes to clause 9(5)(n) and (o) in relation to boats.
See also Section “4 How we implement the Bylaw” of the proposal for information about how Council takes a managed approach to complex social issues such as rough sleeping.
19 Statement of Proposal to amend the Auckland Council public safety and nuisance, animal management and traffic bylaws, and to revoke legacy bylaws about fences for public consultation – 26 October to 5 December 2018. 8(1)(c) [Except with the prior written approval of the council or a council controlled organisation, a person must not use a public place to] allow vegetation to encroach over a public place in a manner that may cause a nuisance to any person or an obstruction to traffic; [Refer to existing clause 7(1)(e) for amendments]
Clause amended to more clearly apply to the effects on all public places (not only traffic) and be easier to understand.
See proposed changes to other parts of clause 7(1)(e) about vegetation. 8(1)(d) [Except with the prior written approval of the council or a council controlled organisation, a person must not use a public place to] hang a door or gate on any premises capable of being swung over or across or otherwise encroaching on a public place; [Existing clause amended entirely, not shown here] Schedule 1, 9 Gates or doors A person must not allow a gate or door to be located on or swing out over a public place unless the relevant authority has given prior written approval.
Related information about gates or doors, other regulations Section 22 of the Summary Offences Act 1981 enables the New Zealand Police to request a person remove a gate or door that is obstructing a public way. The Trespass Act 1980 also enables Council to trespass a person who does not leave any gate on a park in the manner it was found.
Clause amended to more clearly apply to activity and not only obstructions. 8(1)(e) [Except with the prior written approval of the council or a council controlled organisation, a person must not use a public place to] store or pack goods on a public place.
[Existing clause amended entirely, not shown here] Schedule 1, 5 Consumer goods (1) A person must not store or pack consumer goods in a public place unless the relevant authority has given prior written approval. Related information about consumer goods, other regulations The Trading and Events in Public Places Bylaw 2015 applies (instead of this bylaw) to the outdoor display of goods and other commercial activities.
Clause amended to more clearly apply to activity and not only obstructions. Exceptions are provided for the outdoor display of goods and other commercial activities.
20 Statement of Proposal to amend the Auckland Council public safety and nuisance, animal management and traffic bylaws, and to revoke legacy bylaws about fences for public consultation – 26 October to 5 December 2018. 9(1) The council may restrict or close entry to all or any portion of a park or beach during such times as are considered necessary to prevent damage to, ensure public safety in or around, or allow maintenance of the park or beach. 9(2) The council may temporarily set aside whole or part of a park or beach for the exclusive use of particular groups or for specified activities during set times.
The council may charge for the exclusive use of any or part of a park or beach.
9(5) In addition to any other control that applies to a public place, a person must not: (a) enter a park or beach or any part thereof that is closed to the public; [Existing clause amended entirely, not shown here] 7(4) A person must not enter or remain in a Council controlled public place that Council has – (a) restricted or closed access to the public (for example, to protect public safety from unsafe or damaged areas, protect flora from disease, protect fauna from disturbance, or for maintenance activity); or (b) set aside for exclusive use of a particular group for the duration of that use, unless that person is part of that group (for example, to allow areas to be temporarily booked for small and large events such as weddings, family picnics, triathlons, concerts or festivals); or (c) marked out for a specified activity while that activity is in progress, unless that person is a participant in the activity (for example, sporting events).
Related information Other mechanisms to obtain exclusive use include leases to clubs and events under the Auckland Council Trading and Events in Public Places Bylaw 2015. Part 3 Controls and Approvals 10 Restricting access (1) The Council may restrict or close entry to the whole (or part) of any Council controlled public place, either generally or for one or more specified periods for any one or more of the following purposes – (a) to protect flora, fauna, land, structures, infrastructure from damage; (b) to protect public health and safety; (c) to allow for maintenance; or (d) to allow exclusive use for any group or specified activity. Related information
Clause amended to be easier to understand, provide guidance on how decisions are made and to remove duplication with Council’s trading and events bylaw.
21 Statement of Proposal to amend the Auckland Council public safety and nuisance, animal management and traffic bylaws, and to revoke legacy bylaws about fences for public consultation – 26 October to 5 December 2018. Any decision to restrict access to a beach will consider the impact on any protected customary rights under the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011. 9(3) The council may make controls to prohibit or restrict any recreational activity on the whole or part of any beach, during such times and/or seasons as are considered necessary, to ensure public safety and prevent nuisance.
Recreational activities include: (a) fishing activities (for example, set-netting and surfcasting);and (b) other activities that may cause a nuisance or endanger public safety.
9(4) The council must ensure public notice is given of any control made under subclause (3), in a manner that the council considers appropriate in the circumstances. 9(7) Any control specified by the council under this clause may: (a) prohibit, restrict or control any matter or thing generally, for any specific category of case, or in a particular case; (b) apply to all park and beaches, a specified park or beach or any specified part of a park or beach; [Existing clause amended entirely, not shown here] 7(2) A person must comply with any recreational fishing control made under clause 8.
8 Recreational fishing controls (1) The Council may make a control about any recreational fishing activity in a Council controlled public place, including set netting and surfcasting. (2) Any control made under clause 8(1) – (a) may prohibit or restrict the activity either generally or for one or more specified periods (for example, during summer months); (b) may prohibit or restrict the activity either on the whole or part of an area (for example, in front of flagged areas for the purposes of swimming and body boarding under clause 18(2) of the Auckland Council Navigation Safety Bylaw 2014); (c) must be made in accordance with Clause 9; and (d) may be amended, replaced or revoked in accordance with Clause 9 with all necessary modifications. 9 Procedure for making recreational fishing controls (1) The Council must before making a control under clause 8 be satisfied that – (a) there is evidence that the area to which the control is intended to apply has experienced a higher level of risk to public safety than otherwise inherently exists or a high level of public nuisance; and (b) there is evidence of high levels of non-compliance with any fishing practice guidelines that indirectly protect public safety (for example the Ministry of Primary Industries Set Net Code of Practice); and
Clause amended to be easier to understand, provide guidance on how decisions are made.
See also proposed changes to clause 6(1)(a) about interference with other people’s enjoyment of public places.
22 Statement of Proposal to amend the Auckland Council public safety and nuisance, animal management and traffic bylaws, and to revoke legacy bylaws about fences for public consultation – 26 October to 5 December 2018. (c) apply to Auckland or to a specified part of Auckland; (d) apply at all times or at any specified time or period of time. (c) the control is appropriate and proportionate in light of the evidence; and (d) the control can be justified as a reasonable limitation on people’s rights and freedoms; and (e) the control is enforceable.
Related information The Council must also comply with the decision-making requirements under Subpart 1 of Part 6 of the Local Government Act 2002 when making a control under clause 8. This includes defining the problem, identifying and assessing all reasonably practicable options, and considering the views of persons affected by the decision.
Schedule 1 5A Crab potting Related information about matters addressed in other regulations The Fisheries Act 1996 enables the Ministry for Primary Industries to ensure the sustainability of New Zealand’s fisheries, including crabs. Rules about crab pots cover the daily bag limits and size restrictions. The Litter Act 1979 enables Council to address offal, carcasses, pots or other material left behind on a beach, including the issue of infringement fees. 9J Set netting Related information to clause 7 and other regulations Council has made controls to prohibit set netting in the following public places –
Te Haruhi beach and Army Bay beach (Shakespear Regional Park) within 200 metres seaward of the Mean High Water Spring from 20 December to 31 March each year (Resolution RBC/2014/55)
Arkles Bay within 200 metres seaward of the Mean High Water Spring from Labour weekend until Easter weekend each year (Resolution RBC/2015/39)
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