Feedback sought on TAB and pokie machine policy

Far North District Council is seeking public feedback before 15 March on proposed amendments to its Class 4 Gaming and TAB Venue Policy.

The purpose of the policy is to address the consequences of gambling. It aims to control the growth of gambling and to minimise harm caused by gambling in Far North communities consistent with the objectives of the Gambling Act 2003.

The existing Class 4 Gaming and TAB Venue Policy (2014) includes a 'sinking lid' policy on ‘pokie machines’ or class 4 gaming venues, which means that no new ‘pokie machines’ are allowed in the district, and machines cannot be redistributed. Proposed changes to the policy will improve clarity and certainty and ensure that the whole policy is consistent with the sinking lid approach.

The proposed changes follow a 2022 review of the policy which included a report on the social impacts of gambling in the Far North. The review found that Far North communities are vulnerable to the detrimental effects of problem gambling and that a significant amount of money is removed from the district due to class 4 gambling. The sinking lid policy remains the most appropriate way to manage class 4 gaming and TAB venues in the Far North.

While proposed changes to the policy are not significant, section 102 of the Gambling Act 2003 and section 97 of the Racing Industry Act 2020, require that the council consult with the public on any amendments to the Class 4 Gaming and TAB Venue Policy.

To learn more about the consultation and read the Statement of Proposal, go to the Have your say page on the council’s website. Submissions can be provided immediately online via an online survey, can be emailed to submissions@fndc.govt.nz or can be posted to Strategy Development Team, FNDC, Private Bag 752, Kaikohe 0440, Attention: Strategy development.

The consultation closes at 5pm on 15 March 2023.