Council seeks feedback on Gambling and TAB Venue Policies (2026)

South Taranaki District Council is inviting public feedback on its Class 4 Gambling Venues Policy and TAB Venues Policy as part of a legally required three-year review.

The review gives residents an opportunity to have their say on how gambling venues are managed across the district, including whether current settings should be retained or changed.

The current Class 4 Gambling Venues Policy allows a maximum of 121 gaming machines across South Taranaki and limits the number of machines permitted at individual venues. Eligible venues must primarily operate as licensed premises serving alcohol or alcohol and food, or as sports or community clubs operating under a club licence.

As part of the review, the Council is seeking feedback on a range of options, including maintaining the current approach, introducing more restrictive measures such as a sinking lid policy that would gradually reduce the number of gaming machines over time, or adopting a less restrictive approach.

The TAB Venues Policy applies only to stand-alone TAB venues whose sole purpose is gambling. South Taranaki currently has no stand-alone TAB venues, with TAB services operating from premises where food and alcohol are also available.

Policy and Governance manager Becky Wolland says community feedback will help inform the Council's decision.

"We encourage residents to take the opportunity to review the proposals and tell us what they think. Community feedback is an important part of the decision-making process."

Consultation opens on Monday 14 September and closes on Monday 19 October 2026.

Residents can give their feedback online at www.southtaranaki.com/consultations, or by paper at any South Taranaki LibraryPlus centre, or the Council Administration Building on Albion Street, Hāwera.

For more information, call 0800 111 323 or email policy@stdc.govt.nz