Parking Changes 2026

• Why is council changing the parking system?
  The current parking contract is nearing its expiry which gave council the opportunity to review the direction of parking services. Technology has evolved, as have the needs of our community.
• Why do we need a parking system?
  Everyone deserves fair access to parking for shopping, work, appointments and recreation. Well-managed parking helps keep things fair and makes sure there are always spaces available – this helps support local businesses and keeps town accessible for everyone.
• Why can’t parking be free or time-limited?
  There is no such thing as ‘free’ parking – someone always has to cover the cost of managing it. Right now it’s a user-pays system, meaning those who use it, pay for it. If that wasn’t the case, council would need to use other funding sources like rates to cover the cost.
• Why do we have parking?
  Rotorua Lakes Council is required under Local Government Act 2002 and Transport Act 1962 to manage and ensure parking compliance. This helps to ensure there are appropriate levels of parking spaces to:
  • support local businesses and retailers
  • support a vibrant CBD by ensuring people can get to where they want to go
  • provide 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
• Is this just about council making more money?
  No, parking is not about making revenue. While the aim is to have a sustainable service that pays for itself, parking is more about ensuring everyone can access the inner city easily and fairly. If any extra money is made, it is invested back into the areas from which it was collected to help with upkeep and maintenance.
• How does Rotorua parking costs compare to other locations around NZ?
  Except for smaller towns, Rotorua is either the same or cheaper than most places around NZ.
• Why are the fees for long stays so much higher in the central city?
  This is to encourage turnover in the busiest areas of the inner city. These areas should be for convenience shopping, short breaks at cafes or restaurants and appointments. People can stay much longer if they want but we encourage long stay parking in permit areas or free areas where it is much cheaper to do so.
• Why not make the first hour free across the whole city?
  This was financially modelled and it was not plausible while keeping prices for longer stays as affordable as possible.
• How was the new parking system designed?
  Council staff worked with a number of groups to understand the various needs of people visiting the inner city – this included the Rotorua Business Chamber and Parksyde Community Centre. Staff also visited and talked to other councils about was and wasn’t working for their own communities. The new system also addresses much of the feedback that came through during the public consultation earlier this year.
• What’s happening with the parking building?
  From 1 July the parking building will offer corporate parking or permit parking making it suitable for businesses or inner city workers.
• When is installation of the new machines scheduled to happen?
  Preparation work will start from 1 June. This includes prepping the bases for the new machines, installation of signage poles and some line painting on the road. Contractors will try to keep any disruption to a minimum during these periods. Some parking spaces may be used by contractors and some traffic management may be needed, but roads will remain open. The final installation will happen the weekend before 1 July. Any machines installed earlier will remain offline until 1 July.
• Will it be easier or harder to find a park?
  - The aim is to ensure plenty of turnover so that there is always an available park when you need it. It might not be right outside the shop you want to go to but should always be relatively near.
  - More consistent enforcement and better options for inner city workers should also free up some of the parks around the central city.
• What about parking for contractors or people doing work in the city?
  From 1 July contractors or people doing work in the city will be able to apply for a Contractor Permit. This permit will be registered against a number plate and can be applied for online. More information about this process will be available before 1 July.

• Will there still be free parking in the city centre?
  Yes, along Tūtānekai Street and the first part of the connecting side streets will still be ‘P60’ or free for the first hour. The changes in this area are:
  - You MUST enter your number plate when you park, even if you are only using your first free hour, or you will receive an infringement.
  - No maximum time limit but after your first free hour it’s $2/hr (2-3 hours) then $5/hr (4+ hours).
  - One free hour, per day, per number plate.
  - You must use your free hour all at once.
  - If your visit starts in another zone, you can still claim your first free hour by moving to zone 1 and entering your number plate into a machine or through the app.
  - You can move around anywhere within the zone you have paid for including during your free hour in Zone 1.
• Will there be fees for using cards or the app?
  No, council heard public feedback and has decided to absorb all surcharges and transaction fees. All people will be paying is the hourly fees for parking or permit prices.
• I want to visit my hairdresser on Tūtānekai Street, I will be about 3 hours, and I want to park close. Where should I park?
  - Anywhere on Tūtānekai Street – get your first hour free and pay $2 per hour for the next two hours. Total cost $4.
  - Use the PayStay app as a registered user and easily extend your time or stop it early and only pay for the time you’ve used.
• Can I use my free hour in two parts? Half now and half when I come back later?
  - No, you must use the hour all at once. But you can shift your car to another spot in that zone and your free hour will continue.
  - You can also begin your parking in Zone 2 and then move into Zone 1 to claim your free hour by entering your number plate into a machine or via the PayStay app.
• How will I know which ‘zone’ I am in?
  - Parking instructions are communicated using the traffic signs (blue and white signs) around the inner city. Machines will also display the specific pricing for the zone they are in.
  - If you are using the PayStay app – there will be PayStay signage displaying the ‘zone’ number. This information will also be displayed on the nearby parking machines. The map within the PayStay app will also show which zone you are in however, it’s best to double check by looking at the signs and arrows near where you are parked.
• Do I need to move my car after my free hour is up?
  No, there is no maximum time limit in this area. You just need to pay the applicable hourly fee either before or when your free hour is up.
• Why do I need to enter my number plate to get my free hour?
  This lets the system know that you have arrived and are claiming your free first hour. It also enables you to extend your parking time easily if need be. It is important to ensure you enter your number plate within 10 minutes of parking – if you don’t you may receive an infringement for $70 for ‘failure to correctly activate parking meter for space occupied’.
• Will there still be plenty of machines?
  Yes, there are actually more machines in the central city. Machines won’t be used in the permit areas.
• How do the virtual meters work?
  If you have NFC enabled on your phone (i.e. you use Apple or Google pay) then all you need to do is hold your smartphone up to the virtual meter and it will open the PayStay Guest portal or app if you are already a registered user.
  Alternatively, if you don't have NFC enabled or your phone isn't capable of that function, you can scan the QR code with your camera to open the PayStay Guest portal.
• Where does my data go once I scan a virtual meter?
  All data is securly stored by PayStay (Orikan Group Pty Limited). Orikan leases all parking-related technology to Rotorua Lakes Council. Orikan services a number of areas around New Zealand.PayStay respects people’s privacy and is bound by the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020, a copy of the privacy policy can be viewed here https://www.paystay.co.nz/privacy.If you are not comfortable sharing any sort of data, you are more than welcome to use a card or coin-operated machine. There are plenty located around the inner-city.

• Who should use permit parking areas?
  These areas are ideal for anyone needing to stay in town longer than 3 hours - so people visiting Rotorua for the day or inner city workers.
• What permit options are available?
  Daily permits, fortnightly permits, and 1 month or 3 month permits. See permit prices here.
• Am I guaranteed a parking space guaranteed if I buy a permit?
  - No, but to ensure there are enough spaces available for permit holders there will be a cap in the number of permits sold. This provides a ‘buffer’ so it will be unlikely that you will be without a parking space. There should always be a percentage of parks to accommodate day parkers or possible illegal parking. In the unlikely event that you cannot find a park in your usual location, you can park in any other permit area around town including the parking building.
  - There will be waitlists if the cap is reached and people still want to buy permits.
  - Corporate permits will be available in the inner city parking building to accommodate business vehicles. By purchasing a corporate permit you will be guaranteed a space within the corporate parking area.
• Is council confident there is enough capacity for permits, even if a cap is in place?
  Although we expect some difficulties during the transition as people get used to the new system, we are confident that there will be enough capacity to support the number of permits that may be needed.
• Can I get a refund on my permit?
  No, permits are non-refundable and are purchased by the user with the intent to use them. Please factor this in when choosing which permit duration you purchase.
• Do I need anything to prove I am a worker or resident to get a permit?
  No, although the permit areas were designed with workers in mind, they are available for anyone to use for longer stay parking.
• Do I need to display anything in my car?
  No, permits are digital and are related to your number plate.
• How will I purchase a permit?
  - Simply scan the QR code on a sign in the permit areas, or visit the e-permit portal via council's website. Alternatively, council staff can help you in person at the Civic Centre or Inner City Community Safety Hub.
  - For 1 month and 3 month permits you will receive a reminder before it runs out so you can choose your next permit.
  - 1 month and 3 month, Corporate permits and free RLC Mobility permits are available now. Get yours here.
  - Find a step-by-step guide for purchasing or applying for a permit here.
• What if I have to swap cars with someone else for the day?
  No problem, your permit is flexible. All you need to do is update the licence plate details yourself through online portal. You can change it back whenever you need to.
• What if I am a resident and I park my car on the street?
  All parking in permit areas, including for residential purposes, will require a permit to be purchased. Permit areas operate between 9am and 3pm on weekdays. Parking is free in these areas outside of those hours.
• Can anyone use the permit areas? Or is it just for workers?
  Anyone can use the permit areas. While they are designed to suit workers who need to park all week, anyone visiting the area can purchase a day permit for $12 ($2/hr). Permit areas are also free after 3pm for anyone to use without needing a permit.
• Permit areas operate between 9am and 3pm. Do I need to leave at 3pm?
  No, if you have a permit and you're already parked in a permit area you do not need to leave at 3pm. After 3pm it just becomes a free parking area.
• What if I work part time? Will permits work for me?
  The changes from 1 July are a starting point, we have tried to keep things simple and offer options that will suit most of the community. We acknowledge that all options may not suit some individual circumstances.
  - Depending on different circumstances, and the hours you work, you could choose to:
  - Rely on free parking areas or use permit areas which are free after 3pm.
  - Buy a permit. Even if not working every day, permit prices are cheaper than current parking prices which may impact your current spend.
  - Use alternative modes of transport if it suits your situation – buses, biking, carpooling, walking or even scootering.
  - Your permit isn’t linked only for work purposes. You can use your permit in all permit areas including the parking building if you come into town for shopping etc on your days off too.
  We are keen to hear your feedback. We will continue to review the suitability of the current options to confirm whether in time, there is enough need to investigate further options.
• Why are permit areas free after 3pm?
  Data tells us that most of the areas around the edges of the inner city begin to empty out after 3pm. To use these areas more, this change provides options for people who come into the city later in the day for work, recreation or to go out to eateries.

• How will parking be enforced?
  - Council has a new team of wardens who will monitor parking manually on the street. There will also be two licence plate reading scan cars which travel around the inner city and use cameras to digitally monitor parking.
  - The parking building will also use licence-plate reading technology for cars entering and exiting the building.
  - Infringements will either be placed on the windscreen or sent out using via post.
• What if I forget to enter my number plate?
  It is important that you always enter your number plate to register your parking. This ensures you avoid a $70 fine for ‘failing to correctly activate parking meter for space occupied’.
  The system allows 10 minutes for you to pay at a machine, virtual meter or go through the process of paying through the PayStay app.
• What if I get an infringement before 1 July?
  Any infringements received before 1 July will still need to be paid as normal. If you received an infringement before 1 July but are paying after that date, you will need to pay online through a separate link on council’s website, or in person at the main council office. This option will end on 4th August 2026.

• Why do I need a RLC mobility permit if I already have a CCS Mobility card?
  CCS Mobility cards are linked to an individual not a vehicle. The scan cars used for enforcement recognise registration plates and can’t see what’s in the front window. This means the scan car cannot determine if you should be parked there or not.
  Parking enforcement staff will still manually enforce mobility parks but also rely on information collected by the scan cars. The permit will electronically ‘tell’ the scan car that you are allowed to park due to your mobility card status.
• When can I apply for a permit?
  You can apply for a free RLC Mobility permit now. Do that here.
  Please make sure you have the vehicle number plates you wish to add and a copy of your current CCS Mobility card (or similar alternative card endorsed by a GP/international card).
• What if I use more than one vehicle to get around?
  We understand that CCS Mobility card holders may rely on more than one vehicle for transport. In the application, card holders can specify other vehicles they rely on such as a family member’s or carer’s car. Our processing team may contact you if they require further clarification about the number of vehicles applied for.
  Please note: Any vehicle linked to your CCS Mobility card through an RLC Mobility permit, will still need to pay for their parking at all times that they are not actively transporting the holder of the mobility card.
• What if I only use designated mobility spaces?
  Designated mobility spaces will be manually monitored by parking wardens. If you only ever use these spaces then an RLC Mobility permit is not necessary.
• What will I need for an application?
  • contact details for the card holder
  • a copy of a valid CCS mobility card (including expiry date)
  • the number plate(s) of vehicles you rely on for transport
• Do I need to display my CCS mobility card?
  Yes, you will still need to display your CCS Mobility card so a warden can visually verify an RLC permit if needed.
• Will I still be able to park for free in standard parks and time-limited parks?
  Yes, the same options we have now will still be available. The only parks you need to be aware of are P15s which don’t change. Private carparks have their own rules.
• Will you be reviewing mobility parking spaces in the future?
  Yes, once the new parking system is implemented and has settled in, council will be reviewing mobility parks. We do not intend to reduce the number of mobility spaces or change the current policy, but we will be looking at mobility space placement, size and whether they are still working for mobility card users.
• How will you stop abuse of this system?
  This is a high-trust system just like it is now. By introducing a process to get people to identify specific vehicles they require, this may help to reduce abuse of the system and improve availability of mobility spaces for legitimate users. If we really need it, we have wardens to help verify validity and CCTV footage to assist. Council staff may also contact you when processing your RLC Mobility permit application if multiple vehicles number plates are provided.
• Can I get help applying?
  Yes absolutely, council staff can help with applications and with any questions you may have.
• What if I go out of town? Will my permit be valid elsewhere?
  No, unlike your CCS mobility card which can be used anywhere in NZ, your electronic RLC mobility permit can only be used in Rotorua. International visitors with equivalent overseas mobility cards, are also eligible to apply for a RLC Mobility permit during their time in Rotorua.
• What if I get an infringement and I have a CCS Mobility card?
  If you get an infringement that you feel is not correct you can always appeal it by getting in touch with us. If you can supply proof of a valid mobility card, then your infringement will likely be waived.
• Will there be better enforcement of the misuse of mobility spaces?
  By introducing two scan cars to focus on parking offences, combined with on-street parking wardens Council expects an improvement in our ability to detect misuse of mobility spaces. The greater the uptake of permits by legitimate mobility card holders, the easier it will be to detect offences and change undesirable parking behaviours.

• What if I don’t want to use a card or an app?
  There will still be plenty of coin-capable parking machines available through the inner city. If there is a non-coin machine on one side of the street then there will be a coin-operated machine in close proximity. Coin capable machines have been purposefully located in areas most likely to see higher visitation numbers.
• What if I don’t want to sign up to an app?
  PayStay offers a guest option. This means you can do a one-off payment by scanning the QR code on virtual machine. This is great for visitors and people who simply want to try out the app functionality without having to register as a regular user. If you enjoy it, registered users are able to access further functionality such as stopping and starting parking sessions and using a ‘wallet’ functionality to manage parking payments.
• How do I pay for a permit?
  Permits must be purchased online using a credit or debit card.

• How does the new mixed-model system work?
  Orikan is contracted to lease the technology to council. All other aspects will be managed and operated by Rotorua Lakes Council.
• Can I make parking payments at the Inner-City Community Safety Hub?
  No, for the safety of staff the Hub does not handle any payments. However, staff there can help you perform online payments for infringements, parking fees or permits.
• If I call with a question or an issue – who will I be speaking to?
  • If your question is about parking in Rotorua, fees, where to park, obtaining a permit or anything similar, you will be speaking to council’s friendly customer service team at the Inner City Community Safety Hub, or at council's main building
    • In the unlikely event that you have an issue with a meter – you will also be speaking to council who will pass the information through to the relevant Orikan support teams. Council’s customer service teams will be more than happy to help you with any other enquiries such as setting up the app and paying for parking.
    • Any technical questions regarding the PayStay app will be directed to PayStay.

From 1 July 2026 Orikan will lease parking technology, including on-street machines, software and additional payment options. Orikan was selected via an open tender process and is currently working alongside council to ensure that the revised service is ready to go on 1 July 2026.

Orikan's on-street meters are designed and assembled in New Zealand. They are robust machines, being developed initially for the harsh and variable conditions of New Zealand’s coastline and are used in many other NZ towns and cities.

About Orikan

Orikan is a world-class provider of an end-to-end suite of parking technology solutions that supports real communities. Orikan has over two decades experience delivering integrated parking services across New Zealand. You’ll find their parking technology in many communities including Auckland, Tauranga, Hamilton and New Plymouth.