GDC reserves and public places bylaws for review

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

A review of Gisborne District Council’s reserves and public places bylaws will look to address issues such as the use of drones, spreading of ashes or human remains, and mobile food traders.

The Community Development and Services Committee has agreed to undertake the review, aimed at aligning bylaws with the strategic direction set by the community facilities strategy (CFS).

The reserves bylaw covers parks and open spaces, while the public places bylaw covers footpaths and roadsides.

The review will look at significant issues that current bylaws do not address. Among them is the spreading of ashes and human remains.

This has spiritual and cultural implications for Maori, so Maori engagement will be critical.

There are no guidelines around begging, busking and public speaking, but general nuisance provisions can apply if there is public disruption.

Civil Aviation Authority rules let the council allow the flying of drones over council-owned reserves and roads without a permit.

Any person flying a drone over private property needs to get prior permission of the property owner.

Information is available on the council website as a guide rather than a policy or bylaw. A review will help decide if a more prescriptive approach is required.

The parks and open spaces plan within the CFS highlights the need for controls on tobacco, alcohol, psychoactive substances and behaviour for whanau-friendly use of parks and open spaces.

The community facilities strategy was adopted by the council in January. Its 20-year vision and strategic goals for the district’s community facilities were developed in collaboration with the community and stakeholders.

The bylaw review is the next step in giving effect to the CFS.