Public health

It’s our statutory responsibility to promote, protect and improve public health.

We have powers to investigate and resolve any conditions that are likely to be offensive or cause injury risk to health in our community. Our Environmental Health Officers in Te Awamutu and Cambridge routinely deal with issues like water quality, food quality, waste disposal, housing and vermin.

If you have a public health enquiry or complaint, please contact info@waipadc.govt.nz or phone 0800 WAIPADC (0800 924 723).

Annual business registration and inspection

There are business premises in the community, other than food premises, that have a potential to endanger the public health. These include shops, camping grounds, funeral directors, sale yards, and 'offensive trades' which include refuse collection, medical/sanitary disposal and wheelie rubbish bin services.

These businesses are subject to annual registration under the Health Act and are regularly inspected to ensure they comply with applicable legislative requirements.

Fees: Health licensing fees
Apply: Application for Health Premises Registration (PDF, 1.08MB)

Smoke nuisance

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is responsible for controlling fires in our area - but council has obligations under the Health Act 1956, the Resource Management Act 1991 and the Waipā District Plan.

This is to make sure nobody suffers a nuisance from smoke or ash from fires. Abatement notices, infringement notices and prosecution can result regardless of whether a person has, or requires, a permit.

A well planned, managed and controlled fire, in the right conditions with your neighbours in mind will avoid the need for any enforcement action. Outdoor burning and air quality | Waikato Regional Council

If you see a fire emergency, call 111.

Unsanitary conditions

Conditions can exist in our community that risk health, or are offensive, and risk causing mental distress and sometimes physical illness. In some cases these conditions may exist to such an extent that immediate action for the removal of these conditions is necessary.

We prioritise requests for service of this kind by their urgency and investigate as soon as possible to identify, isolate, and control any nuisance conditions that may be in existence. Contact the council if you are concerned.

Methamphetamine contamination

Waipā District Council currently uses the New Zealand Standard NZS8510:2017 as the reference for methamphetamine investigations and remediation.

This standard applies appropriate controls on how testing is done, and by who, in addition to specifying acceptable limits of contamination.

Council can, where it believes contamination exists within a dwelling, issue cleansing orders requiring investigation, remediation and reporting of contamination.

Hairdressers’ regulations are revoked as of 31 July 2025

In New Zealand, the Health (Hairdressers) Regulations 1980 have undergone a review. The updated regulations will be in effect 31 July 2025 and will focus on public health and hygiene while removing outdated rules. The review aims to reduce compliance burdens for hairdressers and barbers, allowing them more flexibility in managing their businesses.

Health (Hairdressers) Regulations Revocation Order 2025 has been published and the legislation will commence on 31 July 2025.

Public Health Guidance for Hairdressers and Barbers outlines practical actions that hairdressers and barbers can take to reduce the spread of infection.

If you are connected to council services, you will need to register with Trade Waste, to manage your businesses discharge to the wastewater system. If you have your own septic system, speak to your plumber or call Trade Waste for advice on how best to manage your businesses waste.

Tattoo and body piercing

In Waipā District, you do not need to register with council if you are a Tattooist or Body Piercer.

The Ministry of Health have Guidelines for the Safe Piercing of Skin which will help you minimise risk and promote safe practices.