Public Notice of Consultation: Draft Gambling Venue Policy

Buller District Council is commencing a consultative procedure to obtain community views on the Draft Gambling Venues Policy, as required under the Gambling Act 2003, the Racing Industry Act 2020 and Local Government Act 2002 (Special Consultative Procedure).

The intent of the Gambling Venues Policy (the Policy) is to minimise the harm caused by gambling, in particular pokie machines, in our community. Council has reviewed the current policy (Class 4 Gambling and TAB Venues Policy) and is proposing changes which include capping the number of gambling venues and machines, restricting the number of machines per venue and requiring any new venues, including standalone TABs, to be located more than 50 m from community facilities (e.g. schools, kindergartens). This approach is considered to provide an appropriate balance between enabling Class 4 gambling and the associated community benefits, such as grants and entertainment, while addressing the social costs of problem gambling within the Buller District.

Before the final Policy is adopted, Council is seeking the views of the community and will consider any submissions expressing those views under the requirements of Section 83 (Special Consultative Procedure) of the Local Government Act 2002. After consideration of the submissions, Council will decide on a final version of the Policy, which will be adopted.

A Statement of Proposal has been prepared, summarising the key changes proposed and outlining the three overall options that were considered –retaining status quo, capping the total number of machines and venues (preferred option) or a sinking lid approach. The Statement of Proposal, Draft Gambling Venue Policy, current Class 4 Gambling and TAB Venue Policy, and submission forms are available for inspection and may be obtained from the Buller District Council offices and service centre, libraries and on Council’s community engagement hub Let’s talk Buller: www.letstalk.bullerdc.govt.nz

Written submissions on the options are invited during the consultation period, which runs from Wednesday 19 November 2025 to 4:30 pm, Friday 19 December 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.

Submissions can be made online via Council’s community engagement hub Let’s talk Buller, delivered to Council’s offices, emailed to submissions@bdc.govt.nz, or posted to Council’s main office.
If you have any questions, please contact Buller District Council.

Web: www.bullerdc.govt.nz
Address: 6-8 Brougham St, Westport
Phone: 03 788 9111 or 0800 807 239
Email: info@bdc.govt.nz

Submitters who wish to speak will be given the opportunity to address the Council in support of their submission at a hearing in early 2026.

Buller District Council, Chief Executive Officer, Simon Pickford.