Regulatory Activities
The objective of the Regulatory group of activities works is the effective and efficient provision of a safe and sustainable environment. This is achieved through the administration and enforcement of Central Government legislation and District Bylaws. The activity encompasses Council's responsibilities for the sustainable management and use of natural resources under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA).
Regulatory Strategy
The Regulatory Strategy informs Council's compliance-related policies, guidelines, procedures and decision making. It outlines Council's aspirations, priorities and approach for its compliance system and processes.
Council's Regulatory activities has four operational areas being:
Building Services
The Building Services team inspects all building works and relocated buildings to ensure they meet the Building Act 2004 and Building Code requirements.
Compliance
The Compliance Team's role is to ensure compliance with Council's Bylaws, the District Plan and legislation such as the Dog Control Act 1996.
The work covered is incredibly varied and includes:
- Animal Control,
- Resource Consent monitoring,
- Parking,
- Air Quality (under contract* to Horizons Regional Council)
- Noise Control and
- Bylaws.
*Air Quality management is still the legal responsibility of Horizons Regional Council. Ruapehu provides compliance response services via our Compliance Officers within the Ruapehu District. Any complaints with respect to air quality need to be made to Horizons Freephone 24/7 0508 800 800
Compliance Officers ensure that the amenities of the District are maintained to be enjoyed by all.
Resource Management
Resource Management involves both the issuing of resource consents and monitoring of conditions of these consents, in line with relevant legislation and the District Plan.
The revised Ruapehu District Plan became fully operative on 24 December 2014. The District Plan is one of Council's key planning documents that sets out the rules and policies that guide development in the district.
Legislation requires the District Plan to be reviewed every ten years. In future, it is unlikely that Council will undertake a complete head to toe' review of the District Plan, instead undertaking a rolling review' of discrete sections as required to satisfy the prescribed review process.
Environmental Health and Alcohol Licensing
The objectives of Environmental Health and Alcohol Licencing activity is to ensure that health and safety of the public is protected by ensuring that food and alcohol premises comply with statutory requirements, and that an excellent standard of health is promoted, by providing a healthy environment for residents and visitors.
This activity has a number of functions, including:
- Food safety
- Alcohol licensing
- Making sure premises and events comply with standards, as well as
- Monitoring environmental issues and investigating complaints
The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 came into force on 18 December 2012. It replaced the Sale of Liquor Act 1989, in response to a review by the Law Commission in 2010. Changes were implemented in 2013/14 to the way alcohol licences are issued and a Local Alcohol Policy was put in place.
The Food Act 2014 came into force in March 2016. Its aim is to make it easier and less costly for many food businesses to comply with legislation, while ensuring the food produced is safe and suitable for sale. The Food Act will provides a consistent approach across the country to food safety through the use of Food Control Plans. These plans, which are based on the national standards, ensure food retailers deliver consistent, safe food to their customers.
