A Harder Stance on Noise Complaints

Dunedin (Thursday, 15 May 2014) - Following the excessive noise and associated violence at a Castle Street address last weekend, the Dunedin City Council has decided to take a harder line with noise complaints.

Now, if noise equipment is seized, the responsible person will be charged $56 for the cost of the seizure and $26 per day for storage and an infringement fine of $500 may also be DCC Environmental Health Team Leader Ros MacGill says, “Our Noise Control Officers have noted that parties are getting considerably larger and therefore it is more difficult to manage the situation when we are called out. This is having an effect on the health and safety of these staff.

“We have also noted that the speaker equipment appears to be getting bigger – this obviously leads to more noise and a greater likelihood of complaints from nearby residents.”

The DCC takes all residents’ comfort and safety seriously and is concerned at the increasing number of noise complaints, particularly in the north end of the city, and the escalating violence and disregard for enforcement officers – Police and Noise Control as well as emergency services.

The DCC encourages people who are planning a party to consider their neighbours to reduce the likelihood of complaints. This can be as simple as a visit to advise of the party and when it is likely to end and giving neighbours the party organiser’s phone number so they can call if the noise become problematic – this may prevent the escalation to Noise Control.

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