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 of the Environmental Health Manager ian.farrell@rodney.govt.nz. Please note the final decision rests with the Environmental Health Manager.

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 within the District whether on private or public land, so as to become a nuisance or a threat to public health or safety. 

Wandering stock 

Stock are not permitted to wander, graze, be ridden, lead or herded on any park or reserve without Council consent. This is administered under Councils Bylaw Chapter 8.  There is a process to be followed in reporting stock which has wandered depending on where the stock has been found.

Stock wandering loose on the road should be reported to an Animal Control officer who will advise you on what to do next.

Stock found on private property can be reported to the Animal Control officer who will advise you of the process to have them removed.

However, there are some exclusions which need to be noted as follows:-

- Stock on motorways or state highways is dealt with by Transit.  Please phone Transit's Emergency Number to advise them, please go to the Transit NZ site for further information.

- Stock on private property. The landowner/occupier must attempt to find the owner of the stock and return the stock directly. If they are unable to do so within 48 hours you can then advise the Council that you want the stock impounded. Unfortunately, you will be responsible for organizing 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.
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

Farmers do not need permission to move stock along the roads, but they must use the most direct route and have one person at the front of the stock and another at the rear of the stock.

More information:

Contact: Rodney District Council
Phone: 0800 426 5169
Email: customerservice@rodney.govt.nz