Planning on hiring a bouncy castle for that special birthday party or event?

If the event is on Council-owned land or in a Council-managed hall or venue, then the bouncy castle will need to be inspected and given a tick of approval before it can be used.

Compliance and Development Group Manager Jane Donaldson said bouncy castles or inflatable devices used on private land did not need authorisation to operate, but those on Council property did.

“New rules came into force last year and Councils throughout Canterbury deal with inflatables in much the same way. If you’re having a birthday party and hiring a bouncy castle for your back yard, then you don’t need authorisation.

“But if you’re running an event in a Council park or reserve, or in a community hall, then the inflatable will need to be inspected and the operator will need to provide paperwork proving its compliance to accepted standards and safe operation.”

Operators need to apply for authorisation at least 10 days out from an event to allow the application to be processed and an inspection time agreed. From 1 July 2024, a fee of $100 will be charged, though that could be waived for community events.

Examples of land-borne inflatable devices include inflatable tents, bounce houses, bouncy castles, inflatable slides, and other temporary or portable structures designed for recreational, promotional, or shelter purposes on land. They are often made from durable materials such as PVC or nylon and can be inflated using pumps or air blowers for easy setup and deflation for storage or transport.

Operators need to supply evidence that the inflatable complies with standards approved by WorkSafe and how it will be operated on the day. They must also supply an emergency plan in the event of sudden wind gusts or deflation.

Ms Donaldson said the new rules were all about safety.

“We’ve been working with inflatable operators, and will continue to do so, to help them understand what they need to do to be compliant when the inflatables are on Council land.

“There was a case in recent years where a Council was found liable when an inflatable slide collapsed and people were injured. The council was found to have failed to keep people safe on the slide, despite it being operated by another party.

“We all have a responsibility for health and safety.”

Information about Land-borne Inflatable Devices and applications for authorisation can be found on Council’s website, ashburtondc.govt.nz