Wairoa District Council is seeking feedback on proposals to make changes to its Board (T.A.B) Venue and Gaming Venue policies.

The draft policies have been developed on the basis that no new or relocated Board (T.A.B) venues or gaming venues will be allowed in Wairoa.

Wairoa District Council Chief Executive Matt Lawson said while the policies are separate, in both cases, the review allows Council to minimise gambling harm in the community, limit the growth and availability of gambling opportunities within the district and provide a clear framework for Council's consideration of any applications requiring territorial authority consent.

Mr Lawson said the review process highlighted that while the former policies are generally working well, Council has proposed the change that under the Board (T.A.B) Venue Policy, no new or relocating of Board (T.A.B) will be allowed, and in relation to the Gaming Policy that Council’s sinking lid approach continues, which prohibits the establishment of new venues and that the new policy also prohibits the relocation of existing venues.

As of December 2024, the Wairoa district had 40 gaming machines operating across three approved venues. This represents a reduction from the 58 machines across four venues recorded in September 2016.

Consultation opened on Thursday 30 July 2026 and closes at 5pm Sunday 30 August 2026. A hearing of submissions will follow.

For more information and to have your say, please head to www.consultations.nz/wdc

3 August 2026

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