Getting permission to hold your event
You will need to apply for an event permit if you are holding an event in a public space in Auckland. You may also need to apply for other permits and consents depending on the size and type of event you are holding.
On this page:
Apply for an event permit
We recommend contacting the events team first regarding your event once you have a firm idea, date and venue, so that we can discuss what permits you will require.
Two teams at the Auckland Council facilitate events in Auckland. The team you deal with will be determined by the size and scale of your event.
The Auckland Council Events Team facilitates and delivers local and regional events including:
- Christmas celebrations
- community fun days
- festivals
- parades
- protests
- sports events held in parks, reserves, car parks and on roads.
Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development Ltd facilitates major and regional event.
Event permit application form
To apply for an event permit download, complete and print the 
Event permit application form (PDF 119kb) and return it to us by one of the following methods:
A council event facilitator will contact you once we have received your application to discuss your requirements such as venue availability, fees and further licences and permits. We may also ask you to attend a planning meeting with stakeholders.
Depending on the size of your event other documentation may be required in your event permit application, including:
Event application processing times
Please send your event permit application to us well in advance of your event happening. We require a:
- minimum of seven weeks notice for low impact events
- minimum of three to six months notice for high impact events (particularly events with traffic management plans)
This gives both the council and our stakeholders enough time to fulfil any legal obligations.
Approval of your application
If all relevant parties approve your event, we will send you a permit via post or email. If we decline your application we will contact you and let you know the reasons why your event permit is not approved.
It can take three to four weeks for applications to be processed. However, you can contact us at anytime to check the status of your application.
Event permits for wedding ceremonies, picnics and BBQ
If you are planning to hold your wedding ceremony, picnic or BBQ in one of Auckland's many beautiful parks, reserves or beaches you are advised to apply for an event permit. In the central Auckland area you must have a permit.
The permit will give you user priority of the area (not exclusive use). This means other events and maintenance (such as lawn mowing) will not be given permission to happen at the same time.
Download and complete the Wedding/civil union ceremony and/or photographs application form (PDF 104kb) and return it to us by one of the following methods:
Permission to film in Auckland
Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development Ltd (ATEED) is responsible for facilitating and permitting the operations of filming in Auckland.
To find out if you require permission to film in Auckland and to speak with an ATEED film facilitator, please contact us.