Wairarapa’s three district councils have adopted an updated joint gambling policy following a policy review earlier this year.
The policy aims to prevents any increase in gaming machines (pokies) and limits movement of existing machines, while preventing the set-up of any standalone TAB venues.
Councils are required by law to have a policy and review such policies every three years. There are four main changes to the joint policy for Wairarapa. These are:
- Class 4 Gambling Venues cannot permanently relocate in Masterton District under any circumstances but may temporarily relocate while an existing site undergoes remedial work due to an adverse event such as a fire, flood or earthquake. A Class 4 gambling venue is one in which gaming machines (pokies) are operated.
- Class 4 Gambling venues cannot relocate to Carterton and South Wairarapa District’s most deprived areas if the proposed location is outside a main town centre.
- No standalone TAB venues can be established in the Wairarapa.
- No additional electronic gaming machines will be granted consent, in any Class 4 venue in the Wairarapa (amendment for clarification purposes).
A total of 23 submissions were received as part of the consultation.
The updated policy can be found on Masterton, Carterton and South Wairarapa District Council websites.
Robyn Cherry-Campbell, Carterton District Councillor and the Chair of the Wairarapa Policy Working Group, said the revised policy was based on the findings of a Social Impact Assessment, an assessment of gambling harms and benefits, and the effectiveness of the current Policy in achieving its purpose.
“The Policy takes a community wellbeing and harm reduction approach, and was developed in consideration of the harm and economic/social benefits of gambling. There is rationale that supports the more restrictive policy position for Masterton and regional variations are appropriate where justified.”