Our Environmental Health team registers various types of premises in the Whakatāne District and monitors their health standards.

The Health (Registration of Premises) Regulations 1966

The Health (Registration of Premises) Regulations 1966 require that certain premises are registered on an annual basis by the territorial authority. Such premises have corresponding regulations made under the Health Act 1956 that set the standards for compliance, such as:

• The Food Hygiene Regulations 1974 for food premises
• Camping Ground Regulations 1985 for camping grounds
• The Health (Hairdressers) Regulations 1980 for hair salons
• The Health (Burial) Regulations 1946 for funeral homes

A copy of the Regulations should be available at any bookshop.

Establishing and Operating Registered Premises

To find out more about the legal requirements of establishing and operating one of the premises listed, please contact the Environmental Health team on 07 306 0500.

Footpath/Road Occupancy Agreement

Premises wishing to have tables and chairs for customer dining outside on Council’s footpaths will need to get a Road Occupancy Agreement with the Whakatāne District Council. The agreement is subject to an annual fee per table (up to 4 chairs) and an application/administration fee. The Council’s Property Team administer the agreement and can help answer your questions as to what is needed.

Please Note: Liquor cannot be served on the footpath outside of the premises unless the liquor license recognises the specified number and physical location of the tables as part of the licensed premises. 

Road Occupation Licence Application Form - (PDF, 36 KB)

Fees and Charges

Annual registration involves inspection and related work in assessing compliance with the relevant regulations. Fees and charges are set out in the Council’s Annual Plan or Long Term Plan to cover this work. Compliance with the relevant standards and payment of the relevant fees means that the Environmental Health Team can approve and issue the Certificate of Registration for a business. 

Buying or Selling Registered Premises

If someone else is taking over your business, they will need a new Certificate of Registration. To get one, they will need to complete an Application for Registration of Premises and return it to the Council’s Environmental Health team.

You’ll also need to pay the transfer of ownership fee. We will then issue a new certificate showing the new details, which will be valid until the original registration period expires.