SIGNAGE BYLAWS
A
uckland Council and Auckland Transport are this year reviewing the rules that regulate signage in Auckland. At the moment there are 23 different sets of rules that the council and Auckland Transport have to manage that were inherited from Auckland’s former local authorities. Some of these are included in bylaws while others are in district plans or regional rules. The new Auckland Council has a statutory requirement to review its bylaws and rules by the 31st of October 2015 and the review of the signage rules are part of that. The aim of the review is to produce bylaws with a consistent set of regulations for signage across Auckland. Through the review process the council and Auckland Transport are conducting research and consulting with a range of stakeholders including industry, business, iwi and the disability community, before the bylaw is drafted.
Information gathered so far recognises that signage is an integral part of the environment, providing direction and information, and advertising services and products. It is also noted signage performs a valuable social and economic function and is valued by commercial enterprises. It has also been identified that poor signage can cause safety issues and create visual clutter. Some of the specific issues identified relate to the following:
• Too many signs or those inappropriately placed on a public footpath can cause problems for pedestrians – especially those with disabilities. They can also make the street look untidy and unmanaged roadside advertising can impact on traffic safety.
• The impact signage has on visual amenity and the character of an area.
• The role signage has for properties with no direct street frontage or above ground floor businesses. This information will be considered during the drafting of a bylaw, which is currently being undertaken. It’s expected a proposed bylaw and supporting documents will be ready by mid to late 2014 and these will then be made available for submissions from the public. This will be followed by public hearings where a panel will consider all submissions before a final bylaw is adopted. If you would like to provide any comments on the bylaw review or current signage regulations please send those through to Janine Brinsdon at the NHBA. Phone 09 968 2222 or email janine.brinsdon@nhba.org.nz
NHBA Women's Event Series
Network with Confidence If you've ever felt embarrassed walking into a crowded room or struggled to introduce yourself at business functions, this event is for you. 10.30am Tuesday 4 March AUT Millennium Institute, Antares Place, Mairangi Bay The NHBA is delighted to present Network with Confidence, the second event in our Women's Series. The confidence to successfully work a room is something many of us envy. Please join us to learn tips and techniques to help you develop your networking skills. The workshop will be led by professional business facilitator and connector, Sue Sinclair.
For more information and to RSVP go to www.nhba.org.nz/events