Summary Offences Act 1981

Offences resembling nuisance

32: Excreting in public place

You could also call this:

"Urinating or doing poo in a public place can get you a fine"

Illustration for Summary Offences Act 1981

You can get a fine of up to $200 if you urinate or defecate in a public place, except in a public toilet. You might not get in trouble if you can prove you thought no one would see you. The law says you must use a public lavatory to avoid getting a fine.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM53598.

This page was last updated on 11 December 2025 — View changes

Topics:

Crime and justice > Police and safetyHealth and wellbeing > Public health

31: Trespass on a ship, or

"Going on a ship without permission can get you in trouble"

33: Billsticking, or

"Sticking posters or signs without permission can cost you up to $200"

32Excreting in public place

Every person is liable to a fine not exceeding $200 who urinates or defecates in any public place other than a public lavatory.
It is a defence in a prosecution under this section if the defendant proves that he had reasonable grounds for believing that he would not be observed.

Compare

1927 No 35 s 3(o)
1967 No 154 s 2(1)

Notes

Section 32(1): amended, on 1 January 1998, by section 7 of the Summary Offences Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 97).