Event Activities
What’s happening at the event?
This section outlines the various activities, attractions, and features that may take place during your event. Whether you're planning to have food vendors, alcohol sales, amusement rides, fireworks, or drones, each activity may come with specific guidelines or safety measures that must be followed.
Selling food at your event may require a permit under the Trading in Public Places Bylaw 2022. For more information on food licensing and requirements go to here.
Fees & Charges may apply.
Registration is NOT required if you are: | Registration IS required if you are: |
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Note: Proof of food handling training may still be required for some events depending on the size of the event. Contact the Environmental Monitoring Team for guidance. |
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The sale of merchandise (excluding food) may require a Hawker Stall Permit. If applicable, ensure that all relevant permits are obtained before the event. For more information, please go to here.
Fees & Charges may apply.
Timeframes Applications for Mobile or Travelling Shop Permits and Hawker Stall Permits must be submitted at least 14 working days before the event. |
If alcohol will be sold or supplied at your event, a Special Licence must be obtained, learn more here.
Fees & Charges will apply.
A Special Licence is required if:
- Alcohol is being sold and/or supplied at an event.
- Alcohol is included in ticketed events where the ticket price covers alcohol.
- A licensed premises wishes to operate outside of its usual or regular activities/hours.
- A manufacturer, distributor, or importer of alcohol is selling alcohol at an event (e.g., a market).
BYO Alcohol:
- BYO alcohol is generally permitted at private functions, such as weddings and birthdays.
- For public events, a Special Licence does not permit BYO alcohol at an event.
- If your event involves an entry fee (e.g., ticket sales or donations) and alcohol will be supplied, you must contact the Alcohol Licensing Team to discuss your options.
- If your event includes a cash bar, a Special Licence is required.
Timeframes Application for a Special Licence must be submitted at least 20 working days before the event. |
If your event includes amusement rides or inflatable devices such as bouncy castles on council/public land, an inspection will be required. Learn more here.
Fees & Charges will apply.
Timeframes Application for Amusement and Inflatable Devices must be submitted at least 10 working days before the event. |
Consent is mandatory for any organised fireworks or pyrotechnic display where the public is present. If your event includes fireworks or pyrotechnics, consent must be obtained from the landowner (if on council land), Worksafe NZ, and Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ).
Contact the Events Team (events@adc.govt.nz), or go to Worksafe.govt.nz or FENZ webpage for guidance.
Further details and additional requirements may apply for events held on Lake Hood. Contact the Events Team (events@adc.govt.nz) for guidance.
If your event is planned at Ashburton Airport, additional approvals may be required. Contact the Events Team (events@adc.govt.nz) for guidance.
