Special requirements for keeping poultry
You are not allowed to keep more than 12 head of poultry on a property unless special circumstances allow so. In any area other than an area with a rural zoning, you will need to call us and discuss your situation, a license to keep more than 12 head of poulty may be required.
The presence of more than 25 birds on any one premise shall constitute farming. Poultry farming is subject to the provisions of the District Plan.
In a rural area up to 25 chickens may be kept, more than that is considered to be poultry farming and requires permission under the district plan.
A rooster may be kept in an urban area provided the owner has permission of his neighbours and the council.
Special requirements for keeping bees
The establishment or placement of a beehive in a public place without the written consent of the council or an authorized officer is not permitted.
No person is allowed to site a beehive ,whether on private or public land, so as to become a nuisance or a threat to public health or safety.
Wandering stock
Stock wandering loose on the road should be reported to an Animal Control officer at the council.
Stock on motorways or state highways
Please contact www.nzta.govt.nz if stock is wandering on motorways or state highways.
Stock on private property
If stock has wandered on to your land, please attempt to find the owner of the stock and return the stockdirectly with the owner. If you are unable to locate the owner within 48 hours, you may contact the council if you wish to have the stock impounded.
Unfortunately, you will be responsible for organising and financing the removal of the stock on your land. Animal Control officers can advise you as to where the stock is to be transported to.
All charges for transporting the stock, trespass rates and sustenance fees etc will be the responsibility of the owner of the stock who will be required to reimburse costs before stock are released. If the owner of stock cannot be traced the stock are auctioned at sale and the proceeds used to reimburse the affected parties.
Please note that Animal Control officers will not investigate the removal of bulls unless they are loose on the road. Concerns regarding bulls on land should be referred to MAF
