Local legislation and bylaws
The Council’s rights, obligations and responsibilities are described in statutes, regulations and bylaws. In fulfilling its purpose South Wairarapa District Council exercises powers and fulfils responsibilities conferred on it by the Local Government Act 2002 (which applies to all of local government) and local bylaws made by South Wairarapa District Council.
Council has developed a number of management, development and concept plans for the reserves and other amenities in the district.
Bylaws help to protect the community by setting acceptable standards of behavior to ensure activities in public places are carried out in a safe and responsible manner. They also promote a nuisance free environment and minimize the potential for offensive behavior in public places.
Council works with Wellington region councils and the Wairarapa councils to create in common bylaws. Council also has bylaws which apply only locally within the South Wairarapa boundaries.
Bylaws Review
Our bylaws are regularly reviewed to make sure they are fit for purpose. Visit this page to register your interest in upcoming reviews.
Wairarapa Consolidated Bylaw 2019
The Wairarapa Consolidated Bylaw is made by the South Wairarapa District Council, Carterton and Masterton District Council pursuant to the Local Government Act 2002 and all other legislation, powers and authorities enabling the Council to make bylaws.
The Wairarapa Consolidated Bylaw 2019 was adopted on 26 June 2019 and came into effect on 8 July 2019. It is divided into the following 12 parts:
Part 1: Introductory
Part 1 includes information that is common to all parts of the consolidated bylaw, including definitions and provisions of a general nature.
Read Part 1 (PDF)
Part 2: Public Places (including Parks and Reserves)
Part 2 controls a diverse range of activities within public places to ensure everyone can enjoy them safety. It also addresses damage to public facilities (e.g. roads, grass verges) and activities within public places and reserves which may have an adverse effect on other users.
Read Part 2 (PDF)
Part 3: Sale of Goods or Services in Public Places
Part 3 regulates the conduct of people selling goods and services in public places through the requirement to obtain a license.
Read Part 3 (PDF)
Part 4: Prevention of Nuisance from Fire and Smoke
Part 4 controls the lighting of fires to protect the community from nuisance arising from fire and smoke.
Read Part 4 (PDF)
Part 5: Water Supply
Part 5 enables Council to manage and provide water supply services and to protect the public water supply network from damage, misuse or interference.
Read Part 5 (PDF)
Part 6: Keeping of Animals, Poultry and Bees
Part 6 outlines requirements for keeping animals, poultry and bees, in order to protect neighbours and property owners.
Read Part 6 (PDF)
Part 7: Cemeteries and Crematoria
Part 7 enables Council to control and set standards for the operation of cemeteries and crematoria.
Read Part 7 (PDF)
Part 8: Wastewater
Part 8 regulates wastewater drainage from domestic and trade premises.
Read Part 8 (PDF)
Part 9: Trade Waste
Part 9 regulates the discharge of trade waste to a sewerage system. It includes details of how to apply for a trade waste permit and permits conditions.
Read Part 9 (PDF)
Part 10: Traffic
Part 10 sets out the requirements for parking and control of vehicle or other traffic on roads in the district.
Read Part 1 (PDF)0
Part 11: Speed
Part 11 Speed Bylaw has been revoked.
Part 12: Beauty Therapy, Tattooing and Skin Piercing
Part 12 regulates hygiene standards in commercial beauty therapy, tattooing and skin piercing to ensure safe practices.
Read Part 1 (PDF)2
Stand-alone Bylaws
South Wairarapa District Council has stand-alone bylaws relating to camping, prostitution, liquor, water races, dogs and solid waste.
South Wairarapa District Council Alcohol Control Bylaw 2021
The South Wairarapa District Council Alcohol Control Bylaw aims to control the consumption, bringing into, or possession of alcohol in public places to reduce and mitigate crime and disorder that is caused or made worse by the presence or consumption of alcohol in those places.
Date bylaw was made: 3 November 2021
Read the Bylaw (PDF)
Featherston Longwood Water Race Bylaw 1936
The Featherston Longwood Water Race Bylaw makes provisions for proper protection and management of the water race and provisions to prevent nuisances and obstructions. It is intended to assist efforts to maintain and enhance the quality of the Featherston Longwood Water Race to help ensure the future of this resource.
Date bylaw was made: 20 June 1936
Date of last review: April 2014
Read the Bylaw (PDF)
Moroa Water Race Bylaw 2007
The Moroa Water Race Bylaw is intended to assist efforts to maintain and enhance the quality of the Moroa Water race to help ensure the future of this resource. It includes matters such as conditions of use, Council responsibilities, cleaning, existing uses, extra or abnormal supplies and powers of Council.
Date bylaw was made: 1 August 2008
Date of last review: April 2014
Read the Bylaw (PDF)
Water Race Code of Practice
The Water Race Code of Practice is designed to minimise the wastage of water, inputs of containments from various farming and land activities and other adverse environmental impacts to the Moroa and Longwood water races. A Code of Practice is essential for council to comply with the Wellington Regional Council’s consent to take water and should be read in conjunction with the Moroa Water Race Bylaw 2007 and the Longwood Water Race Bylaw 1936.
Date made: 16 October 2017
Date of last review: Not reviewed
Read the Bylaw (PDF)
South Wairarapa District Council Control of Dogs Bylaw 2013
The Control of Dogs Bylaw sets standards and controls that must be observed by dog owners. It includes matters such as dogs in public places, wandering dogs, ownership of more than one dog, and nuisances caused by dogs.
Date bylaw was made: 1 October 2013
Date of last review: 27 September 2023
Read the Bylaw (PDF)
Masterton, Carterton and South Wairarapa District Councils Solid Waste Bylaw 2021
The Masterton, Carterton and South Wairarapa District Councils Solid Waste Bylaw provides controls to ensure solid waste is managed and disposed of, while achieving acceptable standards of amenity.
Date bylaw was made: 1 September 2013
Date of last review: 10 February 2021
Read the Bylaw (PDF)
Read the Bylaw Controls (PDF)
South Wairarapa District Council Freedom Camping Bylaw 2024
The South Wairarapa District Council Freedom Camping Bylaw is designed to protect Local Authority Areas; protect the health and safety of the people who may visit Local Authority Areas; or protect access to Local Authority Areas.
Date bylaw was made: 27 March 2024
Read the Bylaw (PDF)
