This bylaw sets out how livestock can be safely moved along and across rural roads in our district. It’s designed to provide clear, practical rules that protect everyone involved—road users, farmers and farm workers, as well as the animals themselves—while also looking after our roads, footpaths, cycleways and surrounding infrastructure.

We’re updating the bylaw in response to community feedback, changing demographics, and best practice guidance. Council data has highlighted some ongoing issues, such as livestock effluent being left on roads, damage to verges and pathways, and missing or incorrectly used signage. In some cases, the current bylaw is also unclear or repetitive, which can make it harder to follow. This review has confirmed that a bylaw is still the right tool, but that it needs to be clearer, more practical, and better aligned with how things operate today.

The proposed bylaw keeps the same overall purpose but introduces clearer rules, more tailored permit processes, and stronger protections for public spaces. Permits will be reviewed regularly and assessed on a case-by-case basis, with conditions applied where needed to ensure safety and minimise disruption. Overall, these changes aim to make stock movement on our rural roads as safe as reasonably possible, while reducing nuisance and protecting the integrity of our roading network.

We want to hear from you. Your feedback will help shape the final bylaw and ensure it reflects the needs and priorities of our community. Please complete the survey by Friday 12 June 2026.

To have your say go to :  letstalk.waimakariri.govt.nz/stock-movement-bylaw-2026

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