Rotorua Council is seeking public input on a potential parking overhaul that could eliminate coin payments.
Roughly half of Rotorua’s city centre parking machines still take coins, which make up 10.5% of payments but incur extra costs for maintenance, collection, and security.
The council is seeking views on whether to keep the current number of coin machines, remove them entirely, or limit them to high-use areas.
Other cities have ditched coin machines; Hutt City Council replaced its last 96 cash-accepting ones last year after vandalism.
Rotorua Lakes Council destination development group manager Jean-Paul Gaston said the council lacks a detailed cost breakdown for coin collection and machine maintenance, adding that vandalism isn’t a factor.
A council spokesperson, asked about contingency plans if coin machines are removed, said no decision has been made yet.
“Reviewing the future of coin payments is part of our due diligence ahead of decision-making,” they said.
“The ultimate aim is to ensure we have a well-managed system that supports businesses, residents and visitors and is cost-efficient.”
The council is also gathering feedback on an inner-city parking review, which includes proposals for a reshaped city centre layout.
The proposal omits details on affected streets, time limits, spaces, or pricing, with consultation feedback shaping the final design.
The council is also seeking input on reviewing fees, city worker permits, and upgraded payment options.
Proposed traffic bylaw changes would eliminate outdated references and align enforcement rules with the new parking layout.
Submissions close February 13, with a report set to guide councillors’ final decisions.