Waikato District Council is required by legislation to protect, promote and enhance public health within the District.
Our Environmental Health Unit has wide ranging roles, from distributing public health information to undertaking environmental sound surveys.
- Our main focus areas are:
- Annual registration and licensing
- Responding to health concerns, such as drinking water
- Environmental sound surveys
- Swimming pool water quality
- Responding to concerns of unsanitary conditions and health nuisances
Any inquiries relating to licening can be directed to: info@waidc.govt.nz (to the Licencing team) or call 0800 492 452.
Alcohol licensing
In New Zealand, the sale and supply of alcohol is regulated under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. This act sets out the requirements for obtaining an alcohol licence, and the conditions that must be met by licensed premises.
There are different types of alcohol licences available, depending on the type of business and the activities that are being carried out. These include on-licences (for premises that sell alcohol for consumption on the premises, such as bars and restaurants), off-licences (for premises that sell alcohol for consumption off the premises, such as bottle stores), and special licences (for events or temporary premises).
To obtain an alcohol licence, the applicant must demonstrate that they are a fit and proper person to hold a licence, and that their premises meet the required standards for safety, hygiene, and public health. The applicant must also provide a host responsibility plan, which outlines how they will manage the sale and supply of alcohol in a responsible and safe manner.
Once granted, alcohol licences are subject to ongoing monitoring and compliance checks by the licensing authority (usually the local council), to ensure that the licence conditions are being met and that the safety of the public is being maintained.
It's important to note that the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act also includes restrictions on the sale and supply of alcohol, particularly in relation to minors and intoxicated persons. Licensed premises are required to comply with these restrictions, and failure to do so can result in penalties and the revocation of the licence.
If you're considering applying for an alcohol licence, or you're already operating a licensed premises, it's important to understand the requirements of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act, and to work closely with your local council to ensure compliance and public safety.
Food Safety licensing
In New Zealand, food businesses must comply with the Food Act 2014, which sets out the requirements for the production, sale, and handling of food. The aim of the act is to ensure that food is safe and suitable for human consumption, and to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
Under the Food Act 2014, all food businesses must be registered with their local council and have a Food Control Plan or a National Programme in place. The type of plan or programme required depends on the level of risk associated with the business's activities and the types of food that are being produced or sold.
A Food Control Plan is a written document that outlines the steps a food business will take to ensure that its food is safe and suitable for human consumption. The plan must be approved by the local council, and the business must adhere to the plan's requirements. Businesses that have a higher level of risk, such as those that handle or process high-risk food, must have a Food Control Plan in place.
A National Programme is a set of requirements that apply to certain types of lower-risk food businesses. The programme is designed to be less prescriptive than a Food Control Plan, but businesses must still meet the programme's requirements and be registered with their local council.
As part of the registration process, the local council will carry out inspections of the food business to ensure that it is complying with the Food Act 2014 and its associated regulations. The council may also carry out ongoing monitoring and compliance checks to ensure that the business continues to meet its obligations under the act.
It's important to note that failure to comply with the Food Act 2014 can result in penalties, including fines and legal action. Food businesses are also liable for any harm caused by the food they produce or sell, including foodborne illness.
If you're operating a food business in New Zealand, it's important to understand your obligations under the Food Act 2014, and to work closely with your local council to ensure compliance and public safety.
Registered Premises
In New Zealand, certain types of businesses are required to be registered with their local council as "registered premises". This includes premises that provide accommodation to the public, such as hotels, motels, and backpackers, as well as premises that provide hairdressing, beauty therapy, tattooing, or body piercing services.
The purpose of registration is to ensure that these businesses meet certain health and safety standards, and to reduce the risk of harm to the public.
Accommodation premises are required to meet a range of standards, including standards for fire safety, food safety (if they provide food), and hygiene. They must also have a documented health and safety management plan in place, which outlines how they will manage risks to the health and safety of their guests.
Premises that provide hairdressing, beauty therapy, tattooing, or body piercing services are also subject to specific health and safety standards. For example, they must ensure that all equipment is properly sterilised and that hygiene standards are maintained. These businesses must also have a documented infection control plan in place.
In addition to meeting these standards, registered premises are subject to ongoing monitoring and compliance checks by the local council. This includes regular inspections to ensure that the premises continue to meet the required standards, and that any issues are addressed in a timely manner.
It's important to note that failure to comply with the requirements for registered premises can result in penalties, including fines and legal action. Premises that are found to be operating without registration can also face penalties.
If you're operating a registered premises in New Zealand, it's important to understand your obligations under the relevant regulations, and to work closely with your local council to ensure compliance and public safety.
Street and road permits
In New Zealand, street and road permits are required for a range of activities that take place on or near public roads, including construction work, events, filming, and utility works.
Permits are issued by local councils, and the process for obtaining a permit can vary depending on the type of activity and the location. In general, however, permits are issued to ensure that any activity that takes place on or near public roads does not pose a risk to public safety, and that any disruptions are minimised.
Construction work on public roads, for example, may require a permit to ensure that traffic flow is not disrupted, and that the safety of workers and the public is maintained. Similarly, events that take place on public roads or footpaths may require a permit to ensure that the event is safe, and that any disruptions are kept to a minimum.
The process for obtaining a permit typically involves submitting an application to the local council, along with relevant documentation such as plans, risk assessments, and insurance certificates. The council will then assess the application and may require additional information or modifications to be made before issuing the permit.
In addition to ensuring that any activity on public roads is safe and minimises disruption, permits may also include conditions relating to the use of public space, noise levels, and hours of operation. It is important for permit holders to comply with these conditions, as failure to do so can result in penalties, including fines and legal action.
If you're planning an activity that takes place on or near public roads, it's important to check with your local council to determine whether a permit is required. The council can provide guidance on the application process and any requirements that must be met.