If you want to sell goods or services from a mobile shop, stall or similar set up in a public space, you will need a licence from us first.
Mobile traders can operate in different ways. Here's what each term means:
- Mobile shop - a vehicle used to sell or hire goods or services in public places.
- Hawker - someone who travels from place to place selling or hiring goods or services.
- Mobile trader - anyone selling or hiring goods or services from a stall, or mobile shop that's regularly moved. This includes a hawker.
- Stall - a temporary set up like a stand, table, booth, tent, cart or similar structure used to sell or hire goods or services.
Read the full Mobile Traders Bylaw for detailed information and exemptions.
How to apply for a mobile traders licence
Apply at least 20 working days before you plant to start trading. You need to include the following to process your application smoothly:
- Complete the application form and police check form
- include 2 written character references
- if selling food - attach your Notice of Registration
- pay the fee.
We send your police check, this takes up to 20 working days to process.
Police check - we'll take care of it
As part of your application, we’ll send your full application to New Zealand Police for a background check. It's a simple step to help us confirm you meet our licensing requirements - it’s not a formal Police vetting.
You don’t need to organise anything yourself - we’ll handle the check as part of your application.
Where and when you can’t trade
If you plan to trade on a Council park or reserve, you need to apply for approval. This includes submitting a Commercial Activities application form to occupy the reserve and operate a commercial activity there. Commercial Activities Application Form
If you're planning to operate a mobile shop on a state highway where the speed limited is over 50km/h, you'll need approval from NZ Transport Agency.
Mobile trading is not allowed:
- In the central business district
- Outside schools or places of worship (unless approved)
- In residential areas without neighbour consent
- Near permanent retail shops (within 100m)
- Between sunset and sunrise
- For more than 7 hours in one spot (with an 8-hour gap before returning)
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