Two policies adopted: Here’s what you need to know

 The Council recently reviewed and adopted its Gambling Policy at the 27 November 2024 meeting, ensuring our community continues to have a voice in managing gambling activities. 

The policy retains a cap of 9 venues and 69 gaming machines, helping to keep gambling activity controlled while allowing the community and Council to influence where new Class 4 and TAB venues can be located. 

This approach aims to contribute to reducing gambling harm. 

One of the key updates is a stronger focus on protecting young people. 

Venues can no longer be located within 50m of the legal site boundary of a Council-administered children’s playground, replacing the previous rule of 50m from the playground itself. 

This ensures an even greater distance between gambling venues and spaces designed for children.

Another change is that if two or more clubs operating gaming machines merge, Council will not grant consent to continue to operate gaming machines. Further supporting a gradual reduction in the number of gaming machines across the community. 

Overall there has not been a significant change in the policy. 

The Gambling Policy will be reviewed again in three years, as required by the Gambling Act 2003 and the Racing Industry Act 2020. 

These adjustments underline the Council’s commitment to reducing gambling-related harm while maintaining community input and control. 

Visit our website for the full policy.

The Council has recently readopted its Legal Highs (Local Approved Products) Policy. 

While no legal highs are currently available for sale in New Zealand, this policy ensures we’re prepared if any products are approved in the future. 

The policy outlines where licensed retail outlets would be permitted to sell legal highs within our district. 

👉 Read the full policy here