Waitomo District Council wants local business owners to get in touch before erecting advertising signs (hoardings) beside local roads.

A review of the advertising signs across the District has identified that a significant number of the current roadside hoardings are not consented, and therefore do not comply with the rules of the District Plan. 

Business owners who plan to promote their business with roadside signage; whether it is located on their private property, on public land, or on someone else’s land must first check with WDC that their sign complies with the Plan. If it does not, then, a resource consent is required before any sign can be erected. The various factors that are considered as part of a consenting process include placement of the sign, the size of lettering, and design (including the number of characters). 

WDC wants to support local business and understands the need for appropriate promotional signage as an effective way to attract customers. Our aim is to minimise potential safety issues for motorists by keeping distraction and physical hazards to a minimum. 

Regular checks will be undertaken along the roading network to identify unauthorised signs and address these accordingly as provided for under Section 19 of the District Plan. 

To arrange a meeting with a WDC representative, please phone our friendly Customer Services Team on (07) 878 0800, or email [email protected]