Waikato District Council is proposing changes to its Alcohol Control Bylaw.
The Alcohol Control Bylaw outlines where and when people can drink alcohol in public places. It was adopted by Council in 2020. Under the Local Government Act 2002, Council must review the Bylaw within five years after adoption.
“The Bylaw is enforced by New Zealand (NZ) Police and Council have been working closely with them to make sure the proposed changes align with their areas of concern,” says Waikato District Council Regulatory Services Manager, Rochelle Deane. “We are proposing changes where there is evidence of harm, crime, or disorder that has been caused or made worse by alcohol consumption.”
“We have also considered feedback from our communities that was collected as part of an online survey done last year.”
Waikato West Area Prevention Manager, Senior Sergeant David Hall says Police use the Bylaw to help them respond to incidents in public places where alcohol is involved.
“The Bylaw is a preventative tool used by Police to reduce harm and manage risk. It is part of a suite of tactics to help us to respond to anti-social behaviour and manage alcohol-related harm, crime, or disorder in public places across the district. It’s about creating a public environment that is safe for everyone to use.”
Between 1 September 2019 and 31 December 2023 there were 722 alcohol-related incidents reported across the Waikato district in areas where alcohol bans already existed, but the actual number of incidents for the district is much higher, says Hall.
“There are many other incidents that are not captured in this data or aren’t reported by members of the public.”
The consultation is open until 15 June 2025. You’ll find more information on our website: www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz/say-it
Proposed changes:
The alcohol ban areas are for public places only. The Alcohol Control Bylaw does not apply to private property or places that have a licence to sell or supply alcohol.
Raglan:
- Extending the alcohol ban area in Raglan to include public places across the town-centre, the waterfront streets/areas in the town, James Street, and Norrie Avenue.
- Extending the seasonal ban times in Raglan district from 23 December to 6 January, to 23 December to 10 February each year.
Why is this change proposed?
- Stats show that Raglan has received the highest number of alcohol-related incidents, followed by Huntly. Based on NZ Police data from 1 September 2019 to 31 December 2023 approximately 26.6% (192) alcohol-related incidents occurred in Raglan. Police also provided anecdotal evidence to support extending the current alcohol ban area in Raglan.
- Extending the seasonal ban period to 10 February each year will mean that long weekends (e.g., Auckland Anniversary and Waitangi weekends) are included in the ban period, when visitor numbers to Raglan increase. Most alcohol-related incidents in Raglan occur on a Friday (41), Saturday (67), and Sunday (32). Most incidents take place in December (65) and January (26).
Pookeno, Tuakau, and Huntly:
- Extending the alcohol ban area in Pookeno to include public places across both the town-centre and industrial areas.
- Extending the alcohol ban area in Tuakau to include public places across the town-centre and other street and footpath areas.
- Minor extension of the alcohol ban area in Huntly to include all public places within all main areas of the town.
- Having an alcohol ban from 9pm Thursday until 9am Monday in parks, reserves, and esplanades in Huntly, Pookeno, and Tuakau. This does not include cemeteries/urupa. For the other days of the week the overnight ban will remain (from 9pm – 9am).
Why is this change proposed?
- Based on NZ Police data from 1 September 2019 to 31 December 2023 approximately 26% (188) alcohol-related incidents occurred in Huntly. Data showed that Huntly had the most alcohol-related violence incidents and most incidents in Huntly occur on Friday (32), Saturday (43), and Sunday (37). Police also provided anecdotal evidence to support extending the current alcohol ban area in Huntly.
- The population in Pookeno is increasing quickly as is the number of alcohol-related incidents. Police provided anecdotal evidence to support extending the current alcohol ban area in Pookeno.
- Based on NZ Police data from 1 September 2019 to 31 December 2023 approximately 14.9% (108) alcohol-related incidents occurred in Tuakau. Most incidents in Tuakau occur on a Friday (19), Saturday (38), and Sunday (17). Police also provided anecdotal evidence to support extending the current alcohol ban area in Tuakau.
Mercer:
- Add a new alcohol ban area in Mercer to include public places around the service centre and along the riverbank. There would be an exemption that allows freedom campers to drink alcohol inside their self-contained vehicle, under certain criteria.
Why is this change proposed?
- NZ Police provided anecdotal evidence to support this proposal as Mercer is an area of concern for them.
Te Kauwhata:
- Minor extension of the alcohol ban area in Te Kauwhata to include public places within the new Lakeside Development area.
How to have your say
Do you agree with the proposed changes to alcohol ban areas across our district? Public consultation is open from Thursday 15 May to Sunday 15 June 2025.
Making a submission is easy. You can have your say at www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz/say-it or pick up a submission form at libraries and council offices. You can also request a copy by calling 0800 492 452 or emailing info@waidc.govt.nz.
