Consultation closed Friday, 22 April 2016. Thank you for your submissions.

View the current Gambling Class 4 Venue and Board Venue Policy on our policies page.

The Gambling Policy (Class 4 Venue and Board Venue) focuses on non-casino gaming machines (pokies) and Board Venues (stand-alone TABs). It specifies whether or not gaming machine venues may be established in the District and, if so, where they may be located. It also specifies any restrictions on the maximum number of gaming machines that may be operated at that venue. The Gambling Policy also determines whether or not new TABs may be established in the District and, if so, where they may be located.

The Gambling Policy must be reviewed every three years, taking into account the social impacts of gambling in the District. Whakatāne District Council has carried out a draft Social Impact Assessment which has helped to inform the Policy revision. The assessment concludes that the Whakatāne District has a medium risk of harm from gambling activities and that the level of risk has not changed significantly since the last review.

The draft Gambling Policy is now available for community input, along with the draft Social Impact Assessment which has helped to inform the Policy revision. The Council has not yet made a final decision about the Policy and welcomes your feedback.

View the full Gambling Policy Review Proposal (PDF, 4.6 MB), or you can take a look the Gambling Policy Review Quick Fact Sheet (PDF, 443.48 KB). These documents can also be collected from Council offices in Whakatāne and Murupara. Alternatively, you can call the Council on 07 306 0500 to request that copies be sent to you.

Public submissions opened on 21 March and will close on 22 April 2016.