Amusement devices

To apply for a permit, you need to fill in our permit application form and bring it to our Customer Services Centre at 16 Cobham Court, Porirua and pay the required fee.

Your permit will take 10 working days to process.

You will also need a certificate of registration from Worksafe on phone 0800 030 040.

An amusement device is any mechanically powered unit that takes riders, such as:

• merry-go-rounds
  
• ferris wheels
  
• roller coasters
  
• bumper cars and boats
  
• indoor go-karts
  
• three- and four-wheeled mini-bikes
  
• parasails
  
• jet skis
  
• bungy jumping operations. 
  

Bouncy castles, inflatable slides and non-powered equipment are not considered amusement devices.

This means checking that:

• the ground can support the device without risk of subsiding
  
• there is enough clearance to prevent people from being injured when the device is operated
  
• passenger loading platforms and other places for accessing the device can be kept clear of debris and obstructions and not get slippery
  
• suitable fire extinguishers are provided 
  
• electrical safety can be maintained
  
• protective fences or barriers are erected if needed
  
• operators are aged at least 18 years and trained and competent to operate the device safely.
  
• the operation complies with our General Bylaw 1991. 

Before issuing a permit to operate, an Environmental Inspector will check both the site and device to make sure it meets the requirements of the Amusement Devices Regulations 1978 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.