New bylaw aims to limit animal annoyance

A new Animal Nuisance Bylaw which aims to reduce the nuisance caused by bees, poultry and other animals in Waipa¯ has been adopted.

Waipa¯ District Council’s Strategic Policy and Planning Committee recommended the adoption of the bylaw this month after changes were made following public consultation.

The most significant changes brought about by the bylaw impact beekeepers in Waipa¯.

Waipa¯ group manager district growth & regulatory services Wayne Allan said people keeping beehives in residential areas would no longer require a resource consent but would be required to construct a fence higher than 1.8 metres to help prevent causing a nuisance to neighbouring properties.

Beekeepers will also need to locate hives no closer than three metres from their property boundary, and in proximity to a suitable water source that is directly accessible to the bees at all times.

With no cap on the number of hives able to be kept in residential areas, the number of beehives will be based on nuisance rather than the number of hives.

Wayne said council recognised the part bees play in contributing to the local economy, biodiversity, and ecology so the bylaw amendments allowed them to better fit in with residential communities.

The need for the bylaw arose in August 2021 when the adoption of Plan Change 18 allowed bees in urban areas without a resource consent.

More information on the Animal Nuisance Bylaw can be found at waipadc.govt.nz/ our-council/ bylawsandpolicies/bylaws.