Operational Update from
the Department of Internal Affairs
Kia ora koutou,
DIA acknowledges the immediate pressures facing the gambling sector, as a result of the Government’s decision to move to a level 4 emergency response to COVID-19.
The immediate consequence of the Government’s Alert Level 4 for the Class 4 (C4) gambling sector is that all C4 gambling
venues are now closed. The shutdown period is currently 4 weeks, but it is unknown whether this period will be extended, and if so for how long.
The Department will be implementing the following measures in the short term, to provide the C4 sector with some relief from financial and regulatory pressures and ensure that appropriate regulatory oversight continues:
Automatically extending all C4 operator, venue and club licences for which a renewal application has been made for an initial period of twelve weeks beyond expiry date, with flexibility to extend this period or respond to future COVID-19 risk levels as required.
Payment of renewal fees to be deferred, for an initial period of twelve weeks beyond expiry date, with flexibility to extend this period or respond to
future COVID-19 risk levels as required.
Extending the licence period for any new venue, operator’s and club licences to 15 months, with flexibility to extend this period or respond to future COVID-19 risk levels as required.
Allowing payment for any new fees to be paid in instalments, with the first instalment due six months after the licence is issued, with future instalments to be determined at a later date.
Deferring all application and licence fee invoicing for an initial period of twelve weeks, with flexibility to extend this period or respond to future COVID-19 risk levels as required.
These measures have been developed on the basis that they:
- Will provide the most effective relief to the C4 gambling sector for the duration of the COVID-19 shutdown period
- Are operational changes that can be implemented quickly, without the need for changes to
legislation or regulations
- Can be put in place with minimal disruption or imposition on the C4 sector
- Can be applied across the sector consistently, and as needs require
As the full impacts of COVID-19 and the shut-down period become apparent, the Department will be assessing what further action might be taken. This may
include legislative and regulatory options that can only be progressed once a semblance of usual Government business has been restored.
The Gambling website will be the primary source of information for the sector and we will be updating it regularly. If you have any specific questions, please email gambling.compliance@dia.govt.nz.
Lisa Docherty
Director Gambling Regulatory System