Council Resources and Assistance
Access Council's district strategic plans, Long Term Plans and economic plans. See how the sector fits and aligns within the wider economy and community. Find information on resource consent and relevant information for setting up a tourism business or running events in our District. Use the drop-downs below to find the information you need.
Funding
Are you looking for funding for your tourism or hospitality business? This page includes links to potential funding opportunities you may be able to access as a business in our district.
Council Grants
A number of grants and funding options are available for a wide range of community groups and organisations in the district.
See Council funding and grants information here
Tourism Funding through MBIE
Investment in quality infrastructure and tourism assets helps creates positive economic, social and environmental benefits for New Zealanders and our visitors. MBIE offers a number of funding options for tourism businesses.
See MBIE general tourism funding
See MBIE major events and tourism package
TINZT Grants
The Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust (TINZT) supports the growth and education of New Zealand's tourism industry. Current focus areas include Predator Free & Biodiversity Stewardship, Tourism Sustainability Commitment (TSC), Climate Change Adaptation and Partnerships Encouraged. Please note TINZT offers one funding round per year.
Economic Wellbeing Strategy
This Ōtorohanga District – Economic Wellbeing Strategy first provides an overview of the impact of economic wellbeing supported by a shared vision and shared community aspirations. The Strategy then outlines a pathway towards our vision, through partnerships and collaboration, and further defining the role we play in economic wellbeing.
Long Term Plans
Every 3 years, the Council creates a Long Term Plan (LTP) outlining the direction of the District over the next ten years. The plan contains detailed information about the challenges facing the District. Key areas of spending over the ten year period. Activities provided by Council and how Council will measure their performance against these. Council's financial strategy for dealing with these issues over the coming ten years.
Resource Consents
Find details about Council planning and resource consent requirements, including those for land use, subdivisions, permitted boundary activities, development and financial contributions, our district plan and planning events.
Food Safety and Events
Planning on selling food in the Ōtorohanga District? All people selling food are subject to food and safety rules, set out by Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI). Please ensure you understand your obligations as a food seller.
Food Seller Registration
Do you need to be registered as a food seller? That depends. Food activities that are ‘low risk’, either because they don't happen often or only involve selling to a small number of people, or include low food safety risk foods, don't need to operate under a food control plan or a national programme. This applies to some fundraising and community group food activities and some food businesses. MPI also made an announcement in late 2025 exempting home based shelf-stable cake maker activities from registration until 31 October 2028. It all depends on your situation, so, it is always best to check.
Food Seller Exemptions
To check whether you are exempt from operating under a food control plan or national programme
- You can check this MPI guide
- You can use MPI’s online tool, 'My food rules'
Becoming a Registered Food Seller
If you are not exempt from registration, you’ll need apply to Ōtorohanga District Council to be a registered food seller. See more here.
Then, once registered, you’ll need to be verified as a food seller. See more here.
Follow Food Safety Standards
Whether you’re registered or exempt, you’ll need to ensure you comply with MPI’s food safety standards. See more here.
Need Help? Contact our Environmental Health Officer (EHO)
Sometimes its easier to talk in person about what your exact plan is, so give us a call or an email.
Email [email protected]
Phone 0800 734 000
Event Planning
Planning an event in the Ōtorohanga District? There are lots of things to consider when planning an event. There can be lots of aspects which impact different team at Council, so contacting us as soon as you can is always a good idea.
Contact our Environmental Health Officer (EHO) who can advise on:
- Requirements like building consents, liquor licencing, rubbish disposal, noise, traffic management and site information including water access for the event.
- Food safety legislation and any applicable local bylaws
- What equipment or facilities will be needed at the event site to sell safe food
- Whether the people wanting to sell food can do so, and what they’ll need to do to sell food at the event
Need Help? Contact our Environmental Health Officer (EHO)
Email [email protected]
Phone 0800 734 000
Are you planning a ‘bigger’ event?
You may be selling food as a vendor or maybe you are wanting to do something larger – like stage a market or a festival in one of our district parks? Maybe you are thinking about closing a road or including amusements, rides, stalls, entertainment, stages, marquees, fireworks or live music?
In those instances, the Lead Organiser of the whole event needs to get in contact with us so we can talk through your plan.
Every event is different, and can also impact different teams at Council and can take a few months, depending on what you are wanting to do, so contacting us sooner is always better!
Email [email protected]
Phone 0800 734 000