Mobile shops consist of individuals or groups that provide a service, sell merchandise or food on a regular basis from a registered vehicle. These were previously known as ‘hawkers’. All mobile shops and those using the Venture Centre in Taupo must get a license.
For new mobile shops an inspection of the food to be sold or consumed will be necessary to ensure that minimum standards are met. Food safety training may be required depending on the risk to food safety.

A mobile shop licence has a number of conditions attached to it. This includes where you may or may not operate. Also included is Council reserve land which can only be used if the mobile shop is part of an organized event. No operation in the Central Business District (CBD) is permitted. Footpaths are not to be used or blocked in any way.

Buskers may be able to operate but application must be made to the Council and permission sought from the neighbouring shops. To navigate to the Buskers page click HERE.

To obtain a Mobile Shop licence it is a requirement to fill in 

• A Licence Application for Keepers of Mobile or Travelling Shops. Download HERE ( 14 kb PDF ).

Further Information

To view the maps of the Mobile Shops' locations in Taupo, Turangi, Mangakino click HERE ( 227 kb PDF ).
To download or view the mobile shops definition and conditions click HERE ( 32 kb PDF ).

Further Notes

• Inspection of mobile shops are made on occasions.
• Approval and the issuing of a certificate should be granted prior to operation. Allow enough time to ensure that inspection, approval and the issuing of the certificate can be made. The Environmental Health Officer can inform you of this timeframe.

Fees

• A mobile shop licence is $30 for six months or $55 for 12 months.
• A mobile shop operator wanting to use the Venture Centre on Spa Rd will be required to pay $9 per day or $45 a week for a site.
• A licence to operate on State highways (approval by Transit) is around $600.

For more information contact Customer Services on 07 376 0899.