Mobile shops & trading in public places

What is mobile trading?

Mobile trading is the temporary trading activity from a location which is vacated once trading has ended for the day. Some examples include roadside stalls, coffee carts, ice cream trucks and food trailers.

Mobile shops selling food or beverages must meet the requirements of the Food Act 2014 with approval for a food control plan or national programme, as well as meeting District Plan requirements and other local bylaws, as appropriate.

Note that food operators already registered outside of the Taupō District do not need to apply for an additional food registration with Taupō District Council, but proof of a current registration must be provided upon request.

Mobile shop trading areas

In general, mobile shops are able to trade:

• As part of a market or event (with the organiser's permission)
• In council designated mobile shop sites e.g. the Venture Centre on Spa Road, Taupō (see details below)
• On the roadside for a maximum of 30 minutes, but not within CBD areas or on State Highways where the speed limit is more than 50km/h.

Additional approval will be required if operating on:

• Council owned reserve land (unless part of a registered event)
• State Highways where the speed limit is more than 50 km - approval is required from the New Zealand Transport Agency
• If you wish to operate on private land then the owner’s permission will be required. In some cases resource consent may also be required and you must meet the District Plan rules.

If you are operating as part of an event, the event organiser will ask for evidence of registration. If you are planning to sell from various locations around town then you will require an additional approval for Trading in a Public Place.

Trading on the lake front

Trading on the lake front in Taupō is not permitted, outside of the two existing lease sites established in the area. These sites are not able to be sub leased, so mobile shop operators need to consider alternative locations.

Trading on council reserves

Formal lease agreements are required to trade on some council reserves. Each year a small number of lease sites become available and are allocated based on the suitability of the operation in that area. Please note there are occasionally a very limited number of semi-permanent lease spots available.

If you wish to enquire about operating at a reserve (including a road reserve) then we suggest talking to an Environmental Health Officer who will be able to assist and provide additional information.

Operating at the Venture Centre

The Venture Centre is Taupō's pre-approved site for mobile shops and casual trading. This site allows mobile shop operators to set up all day for a small fee. Timeframes are open and premises can operate for one day or all year if they choose.

Please note all food vendors wishing to trade at the Venture Centre will need to provide evidence of a current food registration. Mobile shop approvals from other districts may not be considered proof of registration.

The Venture Centre is located on Spa Road about five minutes from the Taupō town centre, and close to the Taupō Events Centre and AC Baths.

For operators wishing to trade at the Venture Centre please contact our customer services team to arrange payment of site fees. Fees are usually paid in advance but can be invoiced retrospectively where appropriate.

View fees for the Venture Centre

Do you need approval for Trading in a Public Place?

You will need approval if you are planning to trade around town outside of the restricted trading areas. Note the Trading in Public Places bylaw has specific exclusion areas and maximum timeframes for trading.

Additional approval from council isn't required if you are operating from:

• A pre-approved lease site
• Property not owned by Taupō District Council (note you will need the owner’s permission)
• A pre-approved event e.g. IRONMAN, Summer Concert, Taupō Market Central.