3. RAHUI KATENE (Māori Party—Te Tai Tonga) Link to this
to the Minister of Internal Affairs
What advice has he received about the actions of Waitakere City Council, which has decided to stop granting consents for more gambling venues and gaming machines, and is its new “sinking-lid” policy likely to have implications for local government policy at a national level?
Hon NATHAN GUY (Minister of Internal Affairs) Link to this
I am advised that a number of territorial authorities have adopted sinking-lid policies. The Waitakere City Council policy appears to be an example of a territorial authority using the provisions of the Gambling Act to help to achieve outcomes that reflect its own community views and its own circumstances. If this policy is adopted widely by local authorities, then it is likely that the number of venues and gaming machines will remain steady and may gradually decrease over time.
What work has been undertaken to support councils to continue funding vital community development, when they have decided to cease receiving socially destructive gaming revenue in their commitment to address problem gambling?
In reviewing their gambling venue policies, councils need to weigh up the potential benefits and the negative impacts of gaming machines in their districts. Of course, councils determine these local policies to suit their own respective communities.
Is he aware of the finding of Judge Somerville in the Westport District Court last week, who told a Reefton woman that she was a victim of a Government-sanctioned industry that encouraged people to gamble; and what actions will he take to review the explicit connection between Government policy and gambling addiction?
I am indeed aware of those comments. Government policy is governed by the Gambling Act. The Act takes a balanced approach and aims to ensure, as far as is practicable, that gambling-related harm is prevented and minimised. The number of people seeking help for the high-risk forms of gambling has dropped significantly over the last few years. This suggests that the measures to prevent and minimise harm are working.