Council community facilities terms of use

• Bookings are for a minimum of one hour.
• The hirer must truthfully and accurately state the type of activity the community facility is being hired for.
• The hirer must truthfully and accurately state the type of user the community facility has been hired by.
• The hirer must only use the community facility area they have booked and paid for.
• Set-up and pack-down time must be allowed for and included in the hire period.
• The hirer shall ensure that all persons have vacated the community facility by the end of the hire period.
• Christchurch City Council reserves the right to have staff, or their representatives present at the event at any time.
• The hirer must adhere to the confirmed hire period. Failure to do so can incur additional charges (hourly rate) and possible cancellations of future bookings.
• Cancellation rules apply to all amended bookings that result in a different time period, except for the extension of existing booking time frames.
• Fees and charges(external link) are based on the current Annual Plan and apply for a 12-month period.
• All fees quoted at the time of making the booking are GST-inclusive.

• A hirer who has six or more confirmed bookings within the Christchurch City Council’s financial year is defined as a ‘regular hirer’ for the purpose of this Agreement.
• To confirm booking a regular hirer must acknowledge their booking within 7 days of receiving the booking schedule.
• These Terms & Conditions shall be deemed to be accepted if the regular hirer does not contest the booking schedule within 7 days from receipt of the booking schedule.
• A regular hirer may pay the total annual hire for all its bookings in the financial year:
  • At the time the bookings are made; or
  • By regular monthly invoicing issued by the Christchurch City Council and payment is due as stated on the invoice
• Future bookings are subject to cancellation due to non-payment as per invoice requirements.
• All new regular hirers must complete a successful credit check prior to a booking being confirmed, from 3 June 2025 onwards.
• New regular hirers, from 3 June 2025 onwards, will need to create a My Christchurch account.(external link) More information on My Christchurch(external link).

• A hirer who has less than six confirmed bookings within the Christchurch City Council’s financial year, is a ‘casual hirer’ for the purpose of this agreement.
• To confirm a booking (or bookings), a casual hirer must:
  • Accept the Terms and Conditions of Hire, and
  • Make full payment of the relevant venue hire price at the time of booking.

View Customer Service Hub opening hours.

Christchurch City Council reserves the right to invoice the hirer for any additional charges resulting from the hirers use. In addition to the venue hire price paid at the time of the booking, the hirer may also be charged for:

• Unsatisfactory standard of cleaning throughout the facility to ensure that it is ready for the next hirer.
• Any damage or loss to the community facility including but not limited to keys, facility locks or chattels caused during the hire period or through any breach of the Terms and Conditions in this Agreement.
• Any theft of Christchurch City Council property from the community facility during the hire period
• Failure to abide by the agreed start time and finish time of your hire.
• Failure to remove event rubbish from the community facility.
• Failure to secure the community facility after your agreed hire including doors, windows, fire exits.
• Any cost, losses or expenses that the Christchurch City Council incur due to a breach of the Terms and Conditions outlined in this agreement, including but not limited to extra cleaning, rubbish removal, cancellation or refunds for the next hire due to actions resulting from failure to meet your hire’s Terms and Conditions.
• Any unreturned access card(s) and/or key(s).
• Any Emergency Services call out or fire alarm activation attendance for a non-emergency situation.
• A security fee may be applied to certain bookings at the discretion of Christchurch City Council.
• A cleaning fee may be applied to certain bookings at the discretion of Christchurch City Council.

• The hirer agrees to cancel the booking by contacting the Christchurch City Council.
• Bookings can be cancelled without charge up to 7 days prior to the event.
• Christchurch City Council reserves the right to levy full booking costs for confirmed bookings not utilised or cancelled within 7 days of the event/booking.
• Christchurch City Council reserves the right to cancel the booking if any unforeseen circumstances arise after the booking has been confirmed.
• Christchurch City Council reserves the right to cancel any bookings at its sole discretion without liability for any loss or additional costs incurred by the hirer or payment of compensation to any party whatsoever. Fees or charges paid prior to the cancellation of the booking will be refunded or credited to the Hirer.
• Should a request for a booking be made at a time and/or venue that conflicts with another booking, Christchurch City Council reserves the right to determine which hirer shall be given use of the venue at its sole discretion.

• As Christchurch City Council community facilities are self-managed, it is mandatory to complete a Pre-Use Check form prior to your booking to record the condition of the facility. This is a legislative requirement to ensure Council adheres to Building Warrant of Fitness requirements.
• Forms are located in the entrance to the facility and are to be left in the receptacle provided which will be clearly named.

All hirers must be a legal entity. Christchurch City Council reserves the right to ask for proof of legal identity. A legal entity is a registered group or individual 18 years and older, who has the capacity to:

• Enter into agreements or contracts.
• Assume obligations.
• Incur and pay debts.
• Sue and be sued in his/her own right.
• Be accountable for illegal activities.

1. The person who makes the booking (or the legal entity’s representative as notified to the Council) is required to be present for the duration of the event.
2. The stated capacity of the community facility must not be exceeded at any time as required to meet national Building Warrant of Fitness standards. It is the hirer’s responsibility to understand the venue’s capacity and ensure it is complied with.
3. All statutory rules, regulations and bylaws in force must be observed and complied with by the hirer.
4. It is the responsibility of the hirer to inspect the community facility at the commencement of their allotted booking time to ensure its condition is safe and fit for the purpose of the hire. Any hazards are required to be immediately reported to the relevant emergency response, and to the Christchurch City Council on 03 941 8999.
5. It is the hirer’s responsibility to ensure the general public does not have access to the community facility, including toilets, during the hire period.
6. Caged pet shows are permitted in a number of Council’s community facilities There are to be no live animals in other facilities with the exception of guide dogs for the visually impaired, registered companion animals or official animals of the NZ Police.
7. The hirer is not permitted to allow any illegal activities to take place in or outside the community facility during the hire period.
8. It is the hirer’s responsibility to contact the NZ Police immediately if there are any safety concerns due to disorderly behaviour.
9. Behaviour of the hirer and the attendees of the event must be respectful at all times towards attendees of other events (if any), Christchurch City Council staff and representatives of any Christchurch City Council engaged contractors. Any behaviour that is intimidating, harassing or harmful can be reported to the Christchurch City Council and future bookings of the reported group may be reviewed.
10. Noise levels must be kept to an acceptable level at all times and attendees are to be considerate of other occupants (if any) of the community facility.
11. All notices (including leaflets, posters etc.) are only permitted on Council notice boards and must not be stuck on/pinned to any other surface.
12. Chewing gum is not permitted in any of the Council’s community facilities.
13. Children under 14 may not be left unsupervised.
14. Notwithstanding any other provision contained in this Agreement, Christchurch City Council may refuse admission to any person or require any person attending the event to leave the community facility at the sole discretion of any Christchurch City Council staff or their representative.
15. Nothing in this Agreement creates a landlord-tenant relationship between the parties.
16. All persons accepting this agreement shall be personally bound to abide by all Terms and Conditions contained in this Agreement and to fulfil all of the hirers’ obligations under this agreement.

All hirers hosting events at which alcohol is available must have a meeting, by phone or in person, with our Facilities Management Team to discuss their role and responsibilities as the host.

We reserve the right to cancel any bookings if the hirer:

• Fails to arrange a meeting with the Facilities Management Team prior to their event.
• Does not demonstrate an understanding of their role and responsibilities as a host.

In addition to the requirements under cleaning equipment(external link) of these terms and conditions, the organiser must ensure that the venue is cleaned of any alcohol-related waste.

Licensed events

Certain events will require an alcohol licence. An alcohol licence cannot be obtained for BYO events.

It is the responsibility of the hirer to ensure that the sale and supply of alcohol complies with the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, including licensing requirements, host responsibility obligations and restrictions on minors and intoxicated persons.  

If you require further information or advice on whether your event requires a licence, please contact our Alcohol Licensing Team.

If an alcohol licence is required for your event, you must provide a copy of the approved licence to the Council at least 10 working days before the event.

We reserve the right to cancel any bookings if the hirer does not acquire the correct licence before their event.

BYO events

Council facilities may be used for BYO events only if the hirer has advised the Council of this intention and has a meeting with Council facility staff.

The hirer agrees to:

• Complete a facility pre-use inspection form to ensure Council adheres to Building Warrant of Fitness legislative requirements. Forms can be found in the foyer areas or next to the entrance of the room, lounge or auditorium.
• Accept the responsibility to act as the building warden. Verifying the positions of all exit points and safety equipment. Confirming that doorways/exit points are stairways are clear and unobstructed.
• Being present during the total duration of the hire. Ask for assistance if you do not understand these responsibilities.

The hirer agrees to:

• Report any damage or heavy wear to equipment by contacting the Council via 03 941 8999 at the time of your booking.
• Accept the cost incurred by Christchurch City Council to make good on any damage or repair caused as a result of your function/event.

The hirer agrees to:

• Make available a first aid kit to service your own group’s needs.

The hirer of the community centre/hall becomes (or appoints) the chief warden.

The hirer of the community centre/hall appoints additional person(s) as floor warden.

What to do if a fire is discovered

• Warn occupants in the immediate area by shouting “Fire, Fire, Fire”.
• Operate the nearest fire alarm manual call point if applicable.
• Call Fire and Emergency NZ on 111, advising of a fire at the building name and address. Pass on any known information about the fire, e.g., see smoke/alarms sounding.
• Evacuate the building to the assembly area.
• Report to the chief warden at the assembly area and pass on any relevant information about the fire.
• Remain at the assembly area until the emergency is over and you have been given the all-clear to re-enter the building by the chief warden or Fire and Emergency NZ.

Firefighting should only be attempted if it is safe to do so.

Floor warden duties

If you are warned of a fire:

• Warn occupants in the immediate area by shouting “Fire, Fire, Fire”.
• Activate the nearest fire alarm manual call point if applicable, if not already sounding.
• Direct all occupants to evacuate the building to the assembly area.
• Turn off electrical appliances if it is safe to do so.
• Check all areas, including storage rooms and toilets, close doors, and leave lights on.
• Assist any occupants unable to self-evacuate to the assembly area.
• Report to the chief warden at the assembly area.

Chief warden duties

If you are warned of a fire:

• Activate the nearest fire alarm manual call point if not already sounding.
• Put on your identification (hi-viz vest).  Collect the evacuation folder if there is one on site.
• Go to the fire alarm panel, if applicable, and note the location of the alarm activation.
• Ensure that a 111 emergency call has been made; if in doubt, make another call.
• Proceed to the assembly area.
• Communicate and receive wardens’ reports. Maintain the evacuation checklist.
• Report to Fire and Emergency NZ on their arrival to advise the status of the evacuation and the location of anyone who is still evacuating the building.

Know what to do before your booking

• What to do if a fire is discovered.
• The roles and responsibilities of wardens.
• The fire action notices.
• The location of fire exits and assembly area.

• Emergency exit doors are indicated as such at any Christchurch City Council community facility by a sign.
• Emergency exit doors are to remain unobstructed at all times.
• Emergency exit doors are to remain closed at all times unless in an emergency.
• The hirer will ensure that no vehicles are parked in front of or obstruct in any way the venue's Emergency Exit/s.

The hirer agrees to:

• Ensure that there is provision of a cell phone for emergency purposes if there is no public telephone provided at the community facility.

The hirer agrees that:

• They will supervise and police the Christchurch City Council smoke free policy.
• Smoking (including vaping) is not permitted in any part of the community facility or within five metres of a doorway.
• Smoke-generating equipment is not permitted in any Christchurch City Council community facility.

Gas appliances, barbeques, spit roasts, cookers, naked flames (e.g. candles) or flammable liquids that are a safety or fire risk are not permitted in any Christchurch City Council community facility.

The hirer agrees:

• To ensure their activity/event noise is not excessive or disruptive to neighbours.
• To comply with any Christchurch City Council or Noise Control Officers request or instruction
• That failure to comply with any Christchurch City Council or Noise Control requests will result in the Police being called to stop the event.

• It is the responsibility of the hirer to ensure that the community facility, including the surrounding grounds, is left in a clean and tidy state ready for use by the next hirer.
• Supply your own kitchen materials, rubbish bags and cleaning materials.
• Empty the dishwasher before you leave.
• Oven, stovetop and benchtops are to be left in a clean ready-to-use condition.
• Return all Christchurch City Council-provided cleaning materials/equipment to the allocated cleaning storage area in a clean condition.
• All rubbish generated from the activity/event including but not limited to catering materials, food, containers, glassware, boxes etc. is the hirers’ responsibility to remove from the Christchurch City Council community facility.

• Furniture is not to be moved between rooms. Each venue has allocated equipment relating to the capacity and legal occupancy levels.
• All furniture is to be stacked and stored as indicated in the instructions present at site.
• Furniture is not to be stacked/stored in any emergency exit point in any circumstance.
• Christchurch City Council furniture is not to be used as moving equipment for any equipment being bought onto the site by the hirer; the hirer is required to supply any additional equipment they may require.

• There is no storage available at any community facilities for hirer’s equipment unless an existing agreement is in place with Christchurch City Council.
• Under no circumstances is food to be kept in any of Christchurch City Council’s storage units.
• Christchurch City Council reserves the right to request hirers to remove any item remaining at a community facility where circumstances warrant.
• Items belonging to hirers are not to be left on site that impedes the Buildings Warrant of Fitness in any way, if they do, the Christchurch City Council reserves the right to remove and dispose of said item as they see fit.
• Christchurch City Council is not responsible for any loss or damage to any item(s) left in or stored in a community facility by the hirer.

• At the conclusion of hire, unless the next hirer is present for their booking, the community facility is to be locked up, made secure, lighting turned off and alarms set as required before leaving the premises.
• Any cost associated with securing the facility after use due to a hirer not completing their responsibilities can be invoiced back to the hirer.

• The Council does not warrant or represent that the community facility is suitable for the event or the Hirer’s specific purposes in holding the event, and the Hirer acknowledges that the Hirer has relied on its own enquiries and judgement in selecting the community facility and entering into this Agreement.
• Unless this Agreement expressly provides otherwise, to the fullest extent permissible by law all warranties, conditions or other terms implied by law are excluded.
• The Hirer acknowledges that the Hirer had a reasonable opportunity to review this Agreement, discuss it with the Council, and receive advice from the Hirer’s legal advisor, if the Hirer wished to do so.

Where the Council collects any personal information in relation to the hirer, the hirer authorises the:   

• Collection of such personal information.
• Use of such personal information for the purposes of enabling the Hirer to hire the community facility.
• Disclosure of the personal information to such third parties as is necessary for the purposes of enabling the Council to administer and manage the hire of the community facility by the hirer, including but not limited to recovery of any monies owed by the hirer or costs incurred by the Council pursuant to this agreement.

The hirer acknowledges that:

• The Council, in its capacity as a territorial authority, is required to carry out its statutory functions under the Resource Management Act 1991 and the Local Government Act 2002 in accordance with the provisions of those statutes.
• The granting by the Council of any consent or approval by the Council as a territorial authority under either of those.
• Acts will not of themselves be deemed to be a consent or approval by the Council under this agreement.
• The Council is bound by statutory obligations to exercise its powers, including discretionary powers and duties under either of those acts without regard to any relationship it may have with the hirer under this agreement.