Most councils within New Zealand use the Local Government Act 2002 (“LGA 2002″) to create rules or regulations to order something to be done, or not to be done. Bylaws are usually enforceable and are therefore accompanied by some form of penalty for failing to comply with the rules or regulations. Section 145 of the LGA 2002 states that the purpose of making Bylaws is:
(a) protecting the public from nuisance:
(b) protecting, promoting, and maintaining public health and safety:
(c) minimising the potential for offensive behaviour in public places.
In reviewing Council Bylaws for various projects that I have been involved with, I have come across rules for all sorts of issues from keeping chickens in a city, to signage, to food stalls. In particular, I have come across several amusing or interesting rules. So, I thought I would share a few of these with you:
- The former Auckland City Council Public Places Bylaw (2008) requires that, except with the permission of an authorised officer, or a licence from council, a person shall not, in, on, or over any public place bathe or wade in any fountain or water feature or permit or cause the wastage of water. Try telling that to the kids who make it a summer time activity!
Kids playing in Mission Bay Fountain, Auckland, NZ. Photograph by Mike Holland, August 12 2009 from http://www.flickr.com/photos/14224731@N08/3813449356/. Authorised for use by Mike on 11 November 2010
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