Bylaws and Policies

From time to time Council considers the need for bylaws and policies.  Some are required because of legislative needs, for example the Dog Control Bylaw, or are required to address an ‘issue’ which is best dealt with by a bylaw or policy.

The requirements Council needs to consider for implementing and/or amending  bylaws, and in some cases policies, are laid out in the Local Government Act 2002, which states the procedures to be used.  The Local Government Act also placed a responsibility on Council to review all bylaws that were in place before the 2002 Act was implemented, with this process to be completed by 30 June 2008.  Council has completed this review process.  This does not mean that bylaws cannot be reviewed again – sometimes they need to be when legislative changes make this a necessity.

The following is a list of all current bylaws and policy matters of Council, together with a brief overview as to their content.  Please follow the links provided to view the actual documents - 

BYLAWS

  • Food Hygiene Bylaw 2004, effective 18 March 2004. 
    The purpose of this bylaw is to set requirements so that all premises where food is prepared for sale, and employ staff who are adequately trained in food hygiene.
  • Liquor Bylaw 2004, effective 2 September 2004.
    The primary purpose of this bylaw is to enhance safety and the public enjoyment of public places in a reasonable manner by providing for liquor control in specified areas to reduce the incidence of alcohol related offences.
  • Dog Control Bylaw 2004, effective 21 July 2004. 
    The purpose of this bylaw is to make better provision for the care and control of dogs by imposing obligations on dog owners.
    Stock Control and Keeping of Poultry, Bees and Pigs Bylaw 2005, effective 13 July 2005. 
    The purpose of this bylaw is to make better provision for the control of stock, and the keeping of other animals within the District. 
    Note: At a meeting of Council on 2 July 2008 minor amendments were made to Clause 28 Poultry Keeping.  The Bylaw has now been updated accordingly. 
  • Public Places Bylaw 2006, effective 6 July 2006. 
    The intent of this bylaw is to ensure safe access for the public to public places whilst also allowing occupation and use of these public places for trading, entertainment, and other activities, subject to defined conditions being complied with.
  • Traffic And Parking Bylaw 2007, effective 5 July 2007. 
    The objective of this bylaw is to facilitate traffic management and parking control measures in respect of roads, public places and parking areas under the control of Council.  It also provides measures to ensure that acceptable standards are maintained for the safe and orderly movement of traffic within the District.
    Note: At a meeting of Council on 2 July 2008 minor amendments were made to this Bylaw.  Schedule 7 has now been updated and a new clause has been inserted under Prohibited Activities, being clause (m).
  • Skateboards Bylaw 2007, effective 6 September 2007. 
    The purpose of this bylaw relates to the use of skateboards within defined areas of the District.
  • Prevention of Spread of Fires Involving Vegetation Bylaw 2007, effective 5 July 2007. 
    This bylaw relates to prevention of the spreading of fires involving vegetation inside the Horowhenua District Council’s Urban Fire Districts and the bylaw is also subject to the provisions of the Forest and Rural Fires Act 1977 relating to the prohibition of fires during extreme fire hazard.
  • Solid Waste Bylaw 2008, effective 1 July 2008.
    The objectives of this Bylaw are:
    - To monitor and regulate the collection, transportation, disposal and management of waste in such a way as to encourage minimisation of waste being generated and disposed of in Horowhenua District.
    - To promote Council’s waste minimisation and waste reduction objectives.
    - To assist in the implementation of Council’s Waste Management Plan and the New Zealand Waste Strategy.
    - To ensure effective and efficient waste management in the Council’s area.
    - To impose specific performance standards and requirements for waste collection, transportation, disposal and treatment services for the benefit of the public.

POLICIES

  • Dog Control Policy 2004, effective 9 June 2004. 
    Sets policy as required by the Dog Control Act 1996 on dog ownership matters to be included in the Dog Control Bylaw.  This document also provides an overview on dog matters within the District.
  • Dumping of Wrecked (Derelict) Vehicles, effective 1 March 2006. 
    The object of this policy is to lessen the number of vehicles dumped on the road way by offering vehicle owners a Petrol Voucher to dispose of their vehicle legally.
  • Parking Dispensation Levin Memorial Hall Hirers, effective 1 March 2006.  This policy sets requirements for allowing parking dispensation to hirers of the Levin Memorial Hall.
  • Parking Dispensation Regent Cinema 3 Patrons, effective 1 March 2006.  This policy allows for parking dispensation to cinema patrons for up to 3 hours subject to compliance with the policy requirements.
  • Gambling Venue Policy effective 6 September 2007.  The objective of this Policy is to outline Council’s and the Community's position in respect of the control of Class 4 Venue Pokie Machine numbers.
  • Sale of Liquor Policy 2006 effective 2 August 2006. 
    This policy outlines Council’s philosophy on liquor and then deals with On licence, Off Licence, Club Licence, and Special Licence needs.  The policy also sets out details relating to Managers Certificates and Renewals, enforcement, host responsibility, liquor liaison and promotion of responsible attitudes.
  • Insanitary, Dangerous and Earthquake-Prone Buildings Policy 2006, effective 31 May 2006. 
    This policy is to ensure Council discharges its statutory obligations under the Building Act 2004, and outlines the principles, guidelines, and procedures to be followed in respect of insanitary, dangerous, and earthquake-prone buildings that may be identified.