Central Otago's Parks and Reserves Bylaw comes into force 1 August

Central Otago District Council has adopted a Parks and Reserves Bylaw, giving it clearer powers to manage how the district's parks and reserves are used and protected.

“Our parks and reserves are for everyone, so they need their own set of rules to make sure they stay in good shape and everyone can keep enjoying them,” says Gordon Bailey, Parks and Recreation Manager.

“This Bylaw gives us a clear, fair way to deal with the small number of cases where that's not happening – whether that's damage, safety issues, or people not doing the right thing.”

Council carried out community consultation using the Special Consultative Procedure in late 2025, seeking feedback on the Draft Parks and Reserves Bylaw. It received 38 submissions, the majority either supportive or neutral about the direction of the draft Bylaw.

Common issues Council encounters on reserves that the Bylaw will help address include:

• Behaviour that damages parks and reserves, creates a nuisance for other users, or poses safety hazards – for example, damaging plants, digging holes, putting up structures, or interfering with authorised sports and games
• Animals causing damage or nuisance in parks and reserves
• Vehicles and aircraft creating safety hazards for other users
• Vehicles being left or wintered over on parks and reserves
• Fires being lit in parks and reserves.

The Bylaw also has wider benefits, including the ability to manage freedom camping on reserves and infringe vehicles such as boats, cars and caravans parked where they shouldn't be. There's been a recent increase in vehicles parked on reserves displaying "For Sale" signs, and the Bylaw will make it quicker and easier to deal with these along with issues like fence encroachments and booking conflicts – such as double bookings or clashes with maintenance work.

Penalties for infringements under the Bylaw and the Reserves Act 1977 are set by statute at $800. Before issuing any infringement notice, Council will in most cases work proactively with people first to resolve issues.

The Central Otago District Council Parks and Reserves Bylaw 2025 comes into force on 1 August 2026.