Licences and permits

Temporary structures, buildings consents and marquees

You will need to apply for a building consent for your event if you are using one of the following:

• Marquee over 100 square metres
• Complex marquee
• Stage over 1m high
• Scaffold structure
• Grandstand
• Portable building
• Temporary artwork

Any such structures should be included in the site plan submitted with your Event Application form.

Apply for a temporary structure building consent.

Alcohol licences

If the intention is to sell or supply alcohol to the public at an event, a special licence may be required.

The licensing inspector and local police may specify that a manager's certificate is held by the person in charge of bar facilities. This person must be on site at all times during the period specified in the special licence.

You will need to apply for a Special Licence for your event if:

• you are intending to sell, consume or supply liquor
• there is a liquor ban in place at your chosen event location.

There is a licence fee when applying for a special licence. Allow at least 20 working days when applying for a special licence.

View more information regarding special licences.

Lakes and rivers

If your event operates on or near Lake Taupo or the Waikato River above the Huka Falls you will need to obtain approval from Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board and/or the Harbourmaster

Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board - email info@tuwharetoa.co.nz or phone 07 3765086

Lake Taupo Harbourmaster - email harbourmaster@dia.govt.nz or phone 07 3787176

Food approvals

Event organisers are responsible for ensuring that the sale of food is managed safely and appropriately, and that all food sellers are aware of their food safety obligations.

If you have food sellers at your market or event you may need to obtain a Health Registration Certificate.

The organiser is responsible for gathering and vetting all relevant food safety information from participating food sellers.

Read our guide for event organisers on vetting food vendor registrations (PDF, 186KB)

If you would like advice on the requirements and permits necessary for your event you can make an appointment with one of our environmental health officers. Inspections of the site and any food selling facilities may be carried out. Essential services like water, hygiene and other facilities should be provided.

Food sellers and permits

In general, food sellers at an event must be registered operators. They must hold a Health Registration Certificate either:

• Specific to their operation e.g. a mobile food vehicle or
• As part of a market or event registration.

Some exceptions apply to charitable non-profit organisations. Details about traders and what they intend to provide is required for all events where food is provided or available for sale.

View more information about selling food at events.

Use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones)

For more information see our Drones webpage.

Amusement device licences

All mechanical amusement devices at events such as ferris wheels, roller coasters, dodgem cars and bumper cars, must have a Certificate of Registration issued by the Department of Labour.

Before an amusement device is operated, the owner must apply to the Council for an amusement device permit. Rides should not commence before the device has been inspected and the permit issued.

Applications need to be made a least 10 working days prior to the event. Please note: you will need to provide the Certificate of Registration issued by Worksafe New Zealand with your application. For more information please call us on 07 376 0899.

Apply for a permit to operate an amusement device