Introduction to the Open Spaces Bylaw

The Ashburton District has over 120 parks and reserves from the mountains to the sea. These open spaces make our district a great place to live by giving us:

  • places for sport and recreation
  • nice-looking neighbourhoods
  • places to spend time with family and friends
  • habitats for plant and animals
  • reasons for people to visit here

We are now reviewing and updating the Bylaw to ensure it is fit for purpose. Your feedback is welcome.

    What we are proposing

    There are five key changes we are proposing and a tranche of smaller changes.

    • Issue 1: Organised Events

      We propose to add clearer rules and new definitions on holding organised or sporting events in open spaces. They explain things like what an ‘organised event’ is and when you need permission and when you don't.

      Take a look. Do you agree? Or do you disagree? Do you have ideas to improve what we want to do?


      Have your say here 

    • Issue 2: Aircraft

      In New Zealand, aviation activity is regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Use of drones is growing, and CAA is trialling changes to their rules.

      We are simplifying our Bylaw to reduce the risk of conflict with new rules that are being trialled.

      Take a look. Do you agree? Do you have ideas that will improve this?

      Have your say here 

    • Issue 3: Lighting of fires

      We propose to bring in a new rule to ban lighting of open fires in open spaces. We also propose exemptions for safe devices like gas-fired barbecues, cooking in mobile shops, and fires approved by Council and/or Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ).

      Do you agree? Or do you disagree?

      Have your say here 

    • Issue 4: Fireworks

      We are proposing a new rule allowing fireworks displays in open spaces, subject to Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) and Council approval. This is consistent with our current practice and the Reserves Management Plan Council adopted in 2024. The current Bylaw is silent on the issue.

      Public displays of fireworks can continue to be held on parks and reserves under appropriate controls.

      Take a look. Do you agree? Do you disagree? Have your say!

      Have your say here 

    • Issue 5: Permissions

      We are bringing in new clauses about how Council will, or won’t, grant permissions under the Bylaw. The new clause provides more structure and process around the granting of those permissions and makes the process more transparent.

      The process set out is broadly consistent with how we currently operate. We do not expect more approvals to be required or more to be declined.

      Do you agree? Do you disagree? Do you have ideas to share?

      Have your say here 

    • Other Changes

      Council is also proposing some smaller changes that are more technical or administrative in character. These include improvements to grammar, and updated definitions. One proposal is to allow e-bikes, e-scooters and mobility devices in open spaces, as long as they are legal and operated carefully. Another change empowers Council to ban watercraft from water bodies on reserves when needed for public health or safety.

      Take a look. Do you agree? What would you change?

      Have your say here