A bylaw is a local rule or regulation made by the Council which affects the community, which orders something to be done, prevents something occurring, or in some cases directs something not to be done.

Because they intervene into people's civil liberties and/or may incur a cost on the community the Local Government Act 2002 requires an extensive and thoroough decision making and consultation process before a bylaw is put in place.

This is a compendium of all Council bylaws, a full review of this, as required by the Local Government Act 2002 was completed by the Council on 25th September 2008.

The Bylaw comprises of 24 Chapters each having a specific subject. 

New bylaws must be reviewed within five years of confirmation, others within 10 years from the last review.

The Council may amend, introduce or revoke a bylaw at any time using the process prescribed in the Local Government Act 2002.

Why do we need a ban on drinking in public?

As a preventative measure so that people are not bothered by unruly behaviour and the Police can take prompt steps to nip problems in the bud.
 
Why not have bans on all beaches?

The advice of the Police is that there is no problem in most places, and they only have limited resources to enforce a ban where it is really needed. The Council can extend the ban if it needs to.
 
How will I know where the ban is?

There will be public notices in the papers and signs on roads and posters in local buildings.
 
If in a banned area can I take liquor home from the store?

Yes.
 
Can I picnic on Orewa Beach and have a bottle of wine?

Yes, but not between the area of beach bounded by Moenui Avenue and an extension of West Hoe Road (approximately between Kinloch Reserve and Kohu Street).