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Let’s talk about animals in town - we’re updating our bylaw
We’re reviewing our Keeping of Stock, Poultry and Bees Bylaw, the rules that help manage animals in our townships to prevent nuisance and keep our communities safe and happy.
The updated version will be called the Animal Nuisance Bylaw and it still covers the same things – like where you can keep animals such as chickens, horses, or beehives in Ōtorohanga, Kāwhia, and Aotea. Most of the changes we’re proposing are small, but they make a big difference in making the bylaw easier to understand and enforce.
Key updates include:
Tidying up the language and fixing macrons
Clarifying which areas the rules apply to
Introducing best practice guidance for urban beekeeping (to help reduce issues like bee poo on your washing!)
Aligning with Ministry for Primary Industries rules for hive registration
The purpose of this bylaw hasn’t changed – it’s about protecting public health, safety, and comfort. Council uses these rules when complaints arise, and while most issues are resolved with a friendly chat, the bylaw gives us a clear path if more action is needed.
Feedback is open from 30 June to 8 August 2025.
We want to hear what you think, especially if you keep animals, or live near someone who does.
Let’s talk about animals in town - we’re updating our bylaw
We’re reviewing our Keeping of Stock, Poultry and Bees Bylaw, the rules that help manage animals in our townships to prevent nuisance and keep our communities safe and happy.
The updated version will be called the Animal Nuisance Bylaw and it still covers the same things – like where you can keep animals such as chickens, horses, or beehives in Ōtorohanga, Kāwhia, and Aotea. Most of the changes we’re proposing are small, but they make a big difference in making the bylaw easier to understand and enforce.
Key updates include:
Tidying up the language and fixing macrons
Clarifying which areas the rules apply to
Introducing best practice guidance for urban beekeeping (to help reduce issues like bee poo on your washing!)
Aligning with Ministry for Primary Industries rules for hive registration
The purpose of this bylaw hasn’t changed – it’s about protecting public health, safety, and comfort. Council uses these rules when complaints arise, and while most issues are resolved with a friendly chat, the bylaw gives us a clear path if more action is needed.
Feedback is open from 30 June to 8 August 2025.
We want to hear what you think, especially if you keep animals, or live near someone who does.
Please note that all submissions will become public documents. If you do not wish your personal details (other than your name) to be made public, check to the below box.
All submissions (including your name, address and contact details) are provided to Council officers and elected members for the purpose of analysing feedback. Your personal information will also be used for the administration of the engagement and decision-making process.
Submissions (with individuals names and organisations only) will be available online.
If requested, submitter details may be released under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 unless there are grounds to withhold this information.
If there are good reasons why your name and/or submission should be kept confidential, please contact us on 07 873 4000 or through info@otodc.govt.nz
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