Consultation open on changes to dog control and gambling policies

Ōpōtiki District Council reviews its policies every three years and is currently seeking feedback on two draft policies – Dog control and Gambling TAB Venues.

Council’s Group Manager Strategy and Development, Antoinette Campbell, said policy reviews are a standard part of council operations and having two at once should allow a ‘two birds, one stone’ approach, where staff can find efficiencies while seeking feedback.

“Council have approved community consultation on both policy reviews which allows us to do our work to ensure the draft policies reflect current practices, meet legislative requirements and through consultation, reflect our communities’ expectations,” Ms Campbell said.

Under the draft Dog Control policy, the most significant proposed changes include a stronger emphasis on an education-first approach, the inclusion of guidance on the rehoming and euthanasia of dogs, and updated expectations for dog care, neutering, and responsible ownership across the district.

“Adding these new details brings our policy up to the nationally accepted standard and by asking our community for their feedback now, we hope to future proof it for another 3 years at least,” Ms Campbell said.

The significant change in the draft Gambling and TAB Venues policy is the inclusion of TAB venues, and outlines conditions for applications for venue extensions, relocation and merging.

“We know gambling is a high harm activity where council must balance enabling lawful gambling activity while minimising potential harm to the community. In doing so we need to consider our statutory obligations alongside the known, negative social impacts and this added guidance around venues, which our last policy did not have, gives council staff the tools and transparency for when these scenarios arise.

“Community feedback here will also be helpful, to let us know if we are on the right track, or if there is more the community wishes we would do,” Ms Campbell said.

The public are encouraged to provide their feedback on the two proposed policies, and more details are available on the council engagement website Hono Mai | Connect www.connect.odc.govt.nz.

Feedback opens Thursday 18 June and closes midday on Tuesday 23 July 2026.