Class 4 Gambling Venue Policy Review 2020

Gambling Act 2003 and Racing Act 2003

Council is required, in accordance with the Gambling Act 2003 and Racing Act 2003, to undertake a triennial review of the Class 4 Gambling Venue Policy and the Board Venues Policy with regards to the performance of the existing policy over the preceding three years and consideration of options for the next policy period.

Class 4 Gambling Venue Policy Review

Ōtorohanga District Council adopted a Gambling Venue Policy in March 2004. Following the triennial review in 2010, the Council resolved to adopt the ‘sinking lid’ policy which remains the current policy. The number of licensed Class 4 Venues operating within the Ōtorohanga District has remained at two since 2013. These venues are the Ōtorohanga Club on Maniapoto Street, Ōtorohanga and the Kāwhia Hotel on Pouewe Street, Kāwhia with a combined total of 23 ‘pokie’ machines.

Following the most recent triennial review, Council wishes to propose a change in policy from a ‘Sinking Lid’ to a ‘Controlled Increase in Venues’. Under Section 83 of the Local Government Act, Council must consult with the public regarding any changes to the Gambling Venues Policy.

The Proposed Change

Council is proposing to amend the current ‘Sinking Lid’ policy in favour of a ‘Controlled Increase in Venues’ policy, citing an increased opportunity for business growth in the Ōtorohanga District.

Under the proposed new policy, any person/s or organization wishing to establish a new Class 4 Gambling Venue in the Ōtorohanga District will be required to obtain the consent of the Council prior to making application for a licence from the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). Consent for the establishment of a new Class 4 Gambling Venue will be subject to case-by-case consideration at the discretion of Council.

Council seeks to implement the ‘Controlled Increase in Venues’ policy to actively maintain a balance between the social cost of problem gambling and the social benefits of business growth, entertainment and funding for community, cultural, sport and education activities within the wider Ōtorohanga District.

For Further Information

Copies of the Statement of Proposal, the proposed ‘Controlled Increase in Venues’ policy and submission form are available from:

• Council’s website
• Ōtorohanga District Council; 17 Maniapoto Street, Ōtorohanga
• Ōtorohanga Library
• Kāwhia Library

If you wish to discuss any aspect of the Gambling Venue Policy, you may contact the Group Manager – Environment, Andrew Loe by email to andrewl@otodc.govt.nz or by phone on 07 873 4000.

*SUBMISSIONS HAVE NOW CLOSED* PUBLIC HEARING DATE: 8 JUNE 2021 at Saint David's Presbyterian Church, Corner of Ranfurly & Turongo Streets, Ōtorohanga