Rides and Amusement Devices

Amusement devices include any fairground rides and any other mechanically-powered unit that is used for rider entertainment.

These include but are not limited to:

• Bumper boats
• Bumper cars
• Bungee jumping (when a mobile crane and platform are used)
• Can-Am cars
• Fairground machinery, e.g. merry-go-rounds, Ferris wheels, roller coasters, etc.
• Indoor go-kart operations
• Jet skiing
• Magic carpet riding
• Minibikes (three and four-wheel all-terrain vehicles)
• Parasailin

BEFORE you can operate the amusement device, you must obtain BOTH the certificate of registration AND the permit to operate. Allow sufficient time to obtain first the Certificate of Registration, and then the Permit to operate:

1. Certificate of Registration:

Provided the applicant has supplied all the information requested their application should be processed by WORKSAFE NZ within 20 working days (4 weeks). Complete and provide the following to WORKSAFE New Zealand, PO Box 165, Wellington 6140:

• Application for Registration of an Amusement Device (36KB PDF) and at least two photographs, minimum size 150 mm by 100 mm, each showing the whole of the device and taken from different positions
• Certificate of Examination from a registered engineer, who holds a current practising certificate, confirming that the device has been examined in accordance with the regulations and can be operated safely;

There is a fee for this certificate – please ask your local Council for the cost.

2. Permit to Operate:
Every permit application must be made at least 3 days BEFORE the applicant intends to use the amusement device and if the device is re-sited, then a new permit is required.

• Book an amusement device inspection, AND
• Complete and provide the following to the appropriate Territorial Authority (Council).
  • Application for a Permit to Operate an Amusement Device (31KB PDF)
  • The current Certificate of Registration – specific to the device (see above)

Remember to include the prescribed fee:

• For 1 device, for the first 7 days of proposed operation or part thereof, $11.50
• For each additional device operated by the same owner, for the first 7 days or part thereof, $2.30
• For each device, $1.15 for each further period of 7 days or part thereof

The permit will only be issued when the Council is satisfied that the device has current registration and can be operated on the proposed site, without danger to operators, users and others in the vicinity.  A local authority may cancel a permit if, in its opinion, the device to which it relates cannot be operated safely.

The owner has an obligation to notify the WORKSAFE in the following circumstances:

• Repairs or Alterations:
  Notice of repair or alteration to an amusement device (PDF37KB)
• Accidents or Incidents:
  Notification of Accident or Incident Involving Amusement Device (PDF 32KB)

For further information see Worksafes Website here