Event Licences and Permits
This page has information for an event organiser or contributor in Porirua City, who may need a Council permit, licence or consent if you will be:
Selling Alcohol
If alcohol will be sold at your event, you, or the person/group selling the alcohol, will need a Special Licence, and a certificated manager must be on duty. You need to apply for a Special Licence at least 10 working days before the event.
Putting up Signs
If you wish to advertise your event using signs on public property, you must apply to the Council in writing for a Community Sign permit. There are a number of approved sites around Porirua City. All signs must adhere to sign specifications (and may require a Building and/or Resource Consent). There is no permit fee for community signs.
Using Fireworks
Fireworks and bonfires cannot be lit if a Total Fire Ban is in force in Porirua City.
Commercial fireworks displays must be licensed by the Occupational Safety and Health Inspector, Department of Labour, Wellington. Licences are issued in consultation with the New Zealand Fire Service and the Council's Principal Rural Fire Officer.
Contact the OSH Inspector of Explosives on (04) 385 7771.
Selling Goods or Services
A Council permit is required to operate stalls, or to sell, display or offer goods or services for sale, or conduct promotional activity in any public place.
Two general types of stalls and displays are allowed. They are Temporary Non-Commercial Food and Non-Food Stalls, and Commercial Stalls.
Allow 2 working days for your permit to be approved.
Putting up marquees and poles
If you are putting up a marquee (over 30 square metres in size) or erecting a pole (over 7 metres in height), you will need a Building Consent, and possibly a Resource Consent to ensure it complies with current building standards.
Building and Resource Consents must be obtained before any construction work is started.
Consent Fees are based on the amount of time involved processing the application by Council Officers. A deposit is payable on lodging the application.
Providing Entertainment
Busking
A permit is required if you wish to busk or provide street entertainment in Porirua City. Entertainment must be of a reasonable standard in talent, expertise and presentation, and normal standards of decency apply. Allow two working days for approval. There is no permit fee.
Open air concerts, raves or tattoos
The Porirua City District Plan sets maximum permissible noise levels for the City Centre and two other zones. If you are organising an open air concent, consult Council's Noise Enforcement Officer on (04) 237 5089, to ensure your event complies with the current regulations before applying for a permit.
Links to more event information
Porirua City Council links: