Class 4 Gambling and TAB Venues Policy review 2026

Introduction

Council has an existing Class 4 Gambling and TAB Venues Policy. The purpose of this policy is to:

control the growth of gambling in the Taupō District within the legislative means available.
minimise the harm to the community caused by gambling while allowing those who wish to participate to do so.
ensure that the council and the community has influence over the location of new Class 4 and TAB venues in the Taupō District.
facilitate community access to information about the funds produced and distributed from Class 4 venues within the Taupō District.

About the policy

Class 4 Gambling and TAB Venue Polices are implemented in accordance with the Gambling Act 2003 and the Racing Industry Act 2020 local authorities are required to have these policies. They set out rules such as the number of class 4 gaming machines (pokies) permitted in the district, locations where class 4 gambling is permitted, and if venues can relocate or merge.

Our current policy is due for review and based on the most recent social impact assessment Council believes there is some need for change.

Draft Class 4 Gambling and TAB Venues Policy 2026 (PDF, 274KB)

Social Impact Assessment (PDF, 399KB)

Proposed changes

The proposed changes are outlined below.

Reduce district-wide cap from 164 to 149

Currently, the district has 149 operating gaming machines (pokies), but the district-wide limit is 164. Council is proposing to reduce the limit to 149 so the number of machines cannot increase in the future.

Remove Tūrangi from the permitted location mapped areas

Tūrangi currently has one class 4 gambling venue operating outside of the current mapped area. Council has no ability to close or require it to relocate.

Given Tūrangi has a high level of deprivation, removing the town from the permitted areas is proposed by Council to minimise harm.

Additionally, early feedback from the Tūrangi co-governance committee supported rules limiting gambling in Tūrangi.

Remove Mangakino from the permitted location mapped areas

Mangakino currently has no class 4 gambling machines. Given Mangakino has a high level of deprivation, removing the town from the permitted areas is proposed by Council to minimise harm.

Additionally, early feedback from the Mangakino representative group was in favour of preventing any gaming machines (pokies) from being added to the town.

Retain mergers and relocations approach

While not a change, it is important to note that the proposed policy retains the existing approach to mergers and relocations. This means that machine operators can relocate to new locations within the remaining mapped town area in Taupō and two clubs can combine into one within this mapped area.

Align policy with recent legislative language related to alcohol

Instances where the policy referred to liquor have been replaced with alcohol to ensure consistency.

Have your say

The consultation period for the policy opens at 9am Thursday 1 October and will close at 4.30pm on Monday 2 November 2026.

This is your opportunity to let Council know what you think of the proposed policy. You can:

Make a submission online
Email us at bylawreview@taupo.govt.nz

If you have any questions about this proposal or how to make a submission, please email bylawreview@taupo.govt.nz.

Make a submission

Hearings

When making a submission, please tell us if you would like to attend a hearing to speak to Council in support of your submission, and include a telephone number and email address to ensure we can contact you to arrange a time for your presentation.

Hearings will be held on Tuesday 10 November in the Council Chambers at He Whare Hono ō Tūwharetoa.

Timeline

1 October to 2 November 2026: Public submissions open on proposed changes to policy.
10 November 2026: Hearing of public feedback in Council Chambers. After the hearings, Council will consider all the submissions received and make decisions on any amendments to the policy as a result.
24 November 2026: Council is expected to consider a final Class 4 Gambling and TAB Venues Policy for adoption.

All submitters will be notified of Council's decision.

Disclaimer

This statement of proposal (information above) has been prepared in accordance with the requirements set out in section 83 of the Local Government Act 2002.

Copies of the statement of proposal and the proposed policy are also available from our customer service centres.