The Public Amenities Bylaw was mainly made up of clauses to do with cemetery management and maintenance. A standalone Cemeteries Bylaw allows us to focus specifically on the management and operation of cemeteries. This helps to ensure clearer rules that reflect community expectations for our cemeteries as respectful and peaceful spaces.

We have made some changes to improve our cemetery operations and maintenance.

The draft Bylaw includes:

• Prohibiting breakable containers as memorials to improve safety;
• Clearer guidelines on maintaining gravesites to ensure consistency and care;
• Ensuring property is protected and our cemeteries are safe at all times, particularly during funerals or burials.

Breakable containers, like glass vases, can pose safety risks if they crack or shatter. This change aims to protect visitors and ensure maintenance teams can safely care for cemeteries.

The Bylaw includes provisions to manage nuisances, such as damage caused by animals and disrespectful behaviour, including interfering with a funeral service or ceremony. The updated Bylaw includes strengthened clauses around vehicles in cemeteries including a speed limit of 20km/hr or less. It allows us to take necessary steps to maintain the dignity and condition of cemeteries.

Bylaws are local laws made under central government legislation by councils in response to local circumstances and needs. The main purpose of a Bylaw is to manage nuisances and offensive behaviour, while supporting public safety in the community.

Bylaws are generally made under the Local Government Act 2002 and cover one or more of the following purposes:

• To protect the public from nuisance.
• To protect, promote, and maintain public health and safety.
• To minimise the potential for offensive behaviour in public places.

Some other Acts also empower local authorities to make bylaws on specific topics, e.g. the Waste Minimisation Act 2008.

Under the Local Government Act 2002 we are required to review our bylaws every five years after they are first made, and then every ten years after that, to ensure that they are fit for purpose and meet the needs of the community.

We are reviewing the Public Amenities Bylaw as it is due for review. The Public Safety Bylaw is not yet due for review, however is being reviewed at the same time as it covers similar issues to support public health and safety.

Bylaws help to keep our community safe and enjoyable by managing noise, waste, and behaviour. They ensure everyone follows the same rules, making Matamata-Piako a great place to live and visit.

If we didn’t have Bylaws, there would be no clear rules for the community to help guide behaviour and actions and set standards for how we live, work and play in our district. Without Bylaws, our district could face problems that threaten public health and safety, and it would be harder to keep our community safe, clean and peaceful.

A nuisance is a person, thing, or circumstance that is offensive or likely to be harmful to others’ health.

Bylaws can affect businesses when setting rules for things like signage, outdoor dining, and trading in public places. We encourage businesses to review the draft Bylaw and provide feedback to ensure their needs are considered and understood.

We usually start with advice and education. The appropriate action will depend on the issue, but we may issue warnings, seize property, impose fines (only where we can under legislation), or prosecute.

You can share your thoughts by completing a feedback form here.

Alternatively, you can pick up a hard copy feedback form by visiting your nearest council office or library.

We will review all feedback and there will be an opportunity to present your feedback to the Mayor and Councillors at a meeting. There may be changes to the draft bylaw before finalising and adopting it. We’ll keep you updated throughout the process.