Buskers may face time limit

There could soon be a system to regulate buskers in Whangarei's CBD under the new proposed Public Places Bylaw.

The Local Government Act requires that the bylaw be reviewed by Whangarei District Council by 2015.

The draft suggests a two-tier system for dealing with buskers. People would be allowed to busk for a maximum of one hour up to three times in any one week. Exceeding this limited time would require a permit.

Council bylaw co-ordinator Mike Henehan said the framework would still encourage buskers who had greater talent and professionalism.

Whangarei District Council is also toughening up some of its rules around nuisance behaviour in the CBD, such as cycling, skateboarding and begging.

The bylaw changes could also result in horses being allowed on Whananaki, Pataua and two areas on Ruakaka Beach.

Under the 2005 Public Places Bylaw clause no person was allowed to lead, ride or drive a horse or cattle on any beach, park or reserve except where expressly allowed as indicated by park and reserve signage.

However, there is no such signage anywhere in the district.

Submissions on the bylaw open on Tuesday and close at 5pm on July 4.

Submissions or inquiries should be addressed to Bylaw review submissions, Whangarei District Council, Private Bag 9023, Whangarei or by email at mailroom@wdc.govt.nz.