Class 4 Gaming Venue and New Zealand Racing Board Venue Policy Review - Consultation Open


What is this Policy and review about?

Hauraki District Council has maintained and enforced a Class 4 Gaming Machine Venue and New Zealand Racing Board Venue Policy since the introduction of the Gambling Act and Racing Act in 2003. This policy allows Council to set rules on where pokie machines and TAB venues may or may not be set up in the District.

All gaming machine venues need territorial authority consent to increase the number of machines they are operating. Council sets caps on the number of machines allowed in order to curb the negative social impact that problem gambling can have.

A review of this policy has now been undertaken and Council is recommending that it continues to enforce caps on venues and machines (a sinking lid policy). The review is also proposing some additional policy clauses which either help to clarify the intent of the current policy, include specific Kaiaua needs or update the current policy from information gathered at a social impact forum. The statement of proposal downloadable on this page details the amendments being proposed for the policy.

In order to review the policy an assessment of the social impact(430KB)  of pokie machine gambling was undertaken for Hauraki. The assessment concludes:

“The social impact assessment leaves little doubt that if a person is a ‘problem gambler’ the problem is real. It’s often such an addictive recreational habit that homes and livelihoods are put at risk and family and friends around the gambler are impacted.

Whether or not the numbers indicate that Hauraki has a disproportionate number of problem gamblers is hard to determine. Verbatim observations by the social service and church organisations presented at the forum would seem to suggest that there is a moderate problem in Hauraki, and one that would warrant a continued approach to capping the number of gaming machines and if ever allowed, reducing them further.

On the other side venue holders and trust representatives stated that people enjoyed gambling as a pastime and often use it as their ‘social avenue’ to meet friends and chat. The venue holders represented at the forum stated that there was little to no problem gamblers using their venues, and that currently the use of gaming machines is in decline.”


How can I view the Policy Review?

You can download a copy of the Draft Policy(160KB)  here and the statement of proposal for the Class 4 Gaming Venue and New Zealand Racing Board Venue Policy Review(239KB)  or phone 07 862 8609 or 0800 734 834 (from within the District) for a copy to be sent to you.


How can I make a submission on the Policy?

Submissions opened on 5 April 2011 and closed 4.00pm on Friday, 6 May 2011.

Have Your Say
The submission phase has now closed.
 


What happens next?

Following the closing date on 6 May 2011, all submissions received will be considered by Elected Members at the Council hearing meeting on Wednesday, 25 May 2011, to be held at the Paeroa Council Chambers, William Street, Paeroa.

Following the hearing, each submitter will be personally notified by correspondence of the Elected Members decision with regards to your submission. It is proposed that the Policy will be adopted prior to the end of June 2011 and will be publicly notified.
 

Other matters under consultation: