General Bylaw 1991 Part 11 (Public Places)

Porirua City Council reviewed the General Bylaw and proposed a new bylaw, the Public Places Bylaw 2019.  

We held a public consultation of this proposed change, which closed on 8 May, 2019.

We aimed to manage the use of public places for trading, entertainment and other activities for the well-being and enjoyment of the public. 

It is also an effective way to protect the public from nuisance, maintain public health and safety and to minimise the potential for offensive behaviour.  

What we have changed:

• We have removed provisions that are dealt with under other legislation to reduce duplication and to simplify the bylaw.  
• We’ve simplified the language and definitions in the bylaw to make it easier to read.  For example some existing definitions have been updated and new definitions have been added such as “Wheeled Recreational Device” (also known as a low powered vehicle) to accommodate new devices like E-Scooters, and included a definition of “Camping” (including freedom camping).
• There is a new requirement to notify Council of any (public or private) event, demonstration, competition, parade or procession that is likely to interfere with traffic or pedestrian thoroughfare in a public place,
• Finally, we have added new provisions for signs and smokefree public places.

You can check out the new Public Places Bylaw 2019General Bylaw - Public Places 2019.