It’s been two decades since Christchurch City Council’s Gambling and TAB Venues Policy was introduced, and the Council is checking back in with the community to see if it’s still fit for purpose.

Head of Strategic Policy and Resilience David Griffiths says central government is the main regulator of gambling in New Zealand.

“Christchurch City Council’s only role in gambling is to decide whether to grant consent for new class 4 or TAB venues – we can’t close existing venues or force them to relocate,” Mr Griffiths says.

Class 4 gambling is pokies located outside of a casino.

“Nevertheless, it’s good to check in to make sure we’re doing all we can to reflect what our community wants,” Mr Griffiths says.

“Our combined Gambling and TAB Venues Policy was introduced in 2004, and, while we review it every three years, it’s remained unchanged since then.

“We’re going out to industry as well as the community with a short questionnaire that outlines our current policy settings and asks people whether or not they support our approach. This feedback will help us develop policy options for the Council to consider in July.”

Councils must have a policy on class 4 gambling. The policy must state whether and where new pokie venues may be established, can specify any restriction on maximum number of machines, and can include a relocation policy.

Councils must also have a policy for standalone TAB venues. This does not include pub, kiosk, or online TAB. The policy must specify whether and where new TAB venues may be established.

“Our policy takes a sinking lid approach, meaning we don’t grant consent for any new pokie venues to establish in the district, and don’t allow venues to relocate. However, subject to District Plan and legislative requirements, we do allow standalone TAB venues to establish.”

Have your say here: Gambling and TAB Venues Policy review | Kōrero mai | Let’s talk

Consultation closes on Sunday 14 June 2026.