Supporting a well-managed parking system

A well-managed parking system supports local businesses, residents and visitors to Rotorua, and is a key part of our commitment to creating a vibrant and successful CBD.

To ensure there is a solid foundation supporting future improvements to the inner-city parking system, we're proposing updates to the Parking Policy, Guidelines and Traffic Bylaw. These documents will provide a strong framework for managing parking effectively and fairly.

Project information

Get the facts and info about the project.

What are we proposing?

Step 1 - Review of Policy and Bylaw

Rotorua Lakes Council is reviewing the Performance Based Parking Management Practices – Policy, and Traffic Bylaw 2025, with the aim of supporting inner-city parking. Both will be consulted on at the same time under the same process as per the Local Government Act 2002.

Having strong, well-made policies and bylaws set the framework for a well-functioning parking system. This is an important part of supporting our local economy and keeping access fair for everyone visiting the inner-city to work, visit shops and carry out their daily business. Having the right parking system:

  • Supports local businesses and retailers
  • Supports a vibrant CBD by ensuring people can get to where they want to go
  • Provides access to different user groups
  • Plays a part in community safety – usable layout, close enough to where people want to go, a busy city centre, reduced vehicle movements
  • Plays a part in sustainability – reducing vehicle travel times.

The summer 25/26 consultation focuses on the review of the Parking Policy, Guidelines and Traffic Bylaw. These documents will set a foundation for any future changes to the parking system. We'll be asking the community if they support these changes.

We're also asking for feedback on the future of coins as a payment method, and whether the community supports changes to the parking system itself, including layout, payment options and parking fees.

We won't be asking the community for feedback on parking machines or apps, because these decisions will depend on contract negotiations with the service provider.

We also won't be making any changes to bus stops, taxi stops and mobility parking at this stage.

The new mixed-model service delivery is also not part of the consultation, as this was already decided by the previous Council in July 2025.

Step 2 - Changes to the parking system

Council is also proposing improvements to make inner-city parking easier, quicker and more flexible. The proposed improvements include:

  • Technology review: parking machines, apps, and meterless payment options
  • Flexible permit options for inner-city workers
  • Reviewing the fairness of parking fees
  • Simplifying parking layout, changes to parking zones and timings
  • Refresh for the parking building.
Future of coin payments

We’re also reviewing the future of coin payments to reduce costs and machine maintenance, while focusing on more convenient payment options.

Timeline

  • Timeline item 1 - active

    Step 1 - Review of Policy & Bylaw

    November 2025 - March 2026

  • Timeline item 2 - complete

    Whakatuwheratanga | Consultation open

    15 December 2025

  • Timeline item 3 - incomplete

    Whakakōpani | Consultation closed

    13 February 2025

  • Timeline item 4 - incomplete

    Hearings

    24 February 2026

  • Timeline item 5 - incomplete

    E arotake tonu ana | Under review

    February - March 2026

  • Timeline item 6 - incomplete

    Whakataunga | Decision

    Late March 2026

  • Timeline item 7 - incomplete

    Step 2 - Parking changes

    TBC - April 2026

  • Timeline item 8 - incomplete

    Full implementation

    1 July 2026