Performing and busking in public places

Busking and public performances on the Kāpiti Coast are managed through our Public Places Bylaw 2017. This includes musical, dramatic or other activity, including (but not limited to) dancing, singing, clowning or juggling, pavement art, poetry or busking.

You don’t need a permit to busk or perform in a public place, but if a Council officer asks you to stop performing (as outlined in the bylaw), you’ll need to stop performing immediately. See section 7 of the Public Places Bylaw 2017 for details.

While you don’t need a permit, there are some really good things you should think about to build a connection with your audience, and the community you want to perform in.

As a busker, you can be a real asset to the community. Your performance can add life and interest to your patch, giving passersby a lift. If they like you, they’ll reward you.

But you can also annoy people. In some cases, you might annoy them so much they’ll be turned against all buskers, not just you.

Here are some guidelines for making busking an enjoyable experience for both you and your audience.

• Make sure you have some skill. Practise your act before you hit the street – not when you get there.
• Ask permission before you perform outside a shop. Some shop owners will welcome you, others may not.
• Perform well away from entrances, accessways and facilities like ATMs.
• Never outstay your welcome. Leave the audience wanting more, rather than wanting you to leave.
• Your maximum stay at any one spot should be no more than one hour.
• Keep your volume to a reasonable level – Council is required to follow up on noise complaints.