Policies & Guidelines
Last updated: 14 Feb, 2024 04:41pm
Policies Under Review
The following policies are currently under review:
- Wairarapa Class 4 Gambling and Standalone TAB Venues Policy (due to be complete by end 2023)
- Wairarapa Local Alcohol Policy (due to be complete in the first quarter 2024)
About the Wairarapa Local Alcohol Policy
- What is the Wairarapa Local Alcohol Policy?
The Wairarapa Local Alcohol Policy (LAP) is a set of policies about the sale and supply of alcohol in the region. It was developed jointly by the three Wairarapa District Councils and came into effect in 2018. The LAP includes maximum trading hours allowed under each type of alcohol licence, restrictions around the location of premises, and includes discretionary conditions which the District Licensing Committee may decide to impose when considering applications for alcohol licences.
- Why does Council have a Policy?
The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 (the Act) puts in place a system to manage the sale and supply of alcohol at a national level. The Act sets out national rules for the sale and supply of alcohol which provide a baseline for the management of alcohol. In addition to the national rules framework, the Act allows territorial authorities to develop and adopt a LAP in order to reflect the particular circumstances of the local area and introduce other local requirements. The three Wairarapa district councils agreed that it was appropriate to have a LAP which reflected the circumstances of the Wairarapa and work began to develop it in 2013.
- Why is the Policy being Reviewed?
The LAP sets out review timeframes which require it to be reviewed three years after coming into force, and then every six years thereafter.
- Will there be changes to the Policy?
It is not yet known whether the Policy will be amended. The three Wairarapa district councils are currently undertaking research into the impact the LAP has had to date and whether alcohol harm has increased or decreased in recent years. Staff are also engaging with key stakeholders including the Police and Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand to get their perspectives on alcohol harm in the region and whether changes to the LAP are recommended. Once this stage of the review is complete, the Councils will publish a Statement of Proposal which will be widely consulted upon using the Special Consultative Procedure, as set out in the Local Government Act 2022.
About the Wairarapa Class 4 Gambling and Standalone TAB Venues Policy
- What is the Wairarapa Class 4 Gambling and Standalone TAB Venues Policy?
The Wairarapa Class 4 Gambling and Standalone TAB Venues Policy (the Policy) sets out policies relating to:
- The establishment of new Class 4 Gambling Venues (Class 4 Gambling is gambling using gaming machines, also known as “pokie machines”).
- The merger of Class 4 Gambling Venues
- Restrictions on the number of gaming machines
- The establishment of new Standalone TAB Venues
The purpose of the Policy is to:
- minimise the harm to the community caused by gambling,
- have regard to the social impacts of gambling in the Wairarapa region, including the cumulative effect of additional opportunities for gambling in each district,
- control Class 4 gambling in the Wairarapa region, and
- ensure that Councils and their communities have influence over the provision of new Class 4 gambling and TAB venues in the Wairarapa region.
- Why does Council have a Policy?
Territorial Authorities are required to adopt a Class 4 Gambling Venue Policy under Section 101 of the Gambling Act 2003. Territorial authorities are required to have a TAB Venues Policy under the Racing Industry Act 2020.
- Why is the Policy being Reviewed?
It is a legislative requirement the that the Policy is reviewed every three years. It was last reviewed in 2019.
- Will there be changes to the Policy?
It is not yet known whether the Policy will be amended. A Social Impact Assessment (SIA) of the impacts of gambling in the Wairarapa community has been commissioned as the first stage of the review. Using guidance from the Department of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Health, staff will develop recommendations based on the results of the SIA as well as engagement with key stakeholders. If any changes are proposed, Council will consult the community using the Special Consultative Procedure.