gambling harm

Inequitable burden of COVID-19 changed Māori drinking, smoking, and gambling habits during lockdown

National Māori Public Health Agency, Hāpai Te Hauora are concerned with multiple findings in the ‘Impact of Covid-19 August 2021’ survey released by Te Hiringa Hauora and NielsenIQ today. It canvassed the participants’ use of alcohol, tobacco, vaping and gambling in the August 2021 lockdown period. The survey had 1,401 respondents, 396 were Māori and 229 Pacific Peoples. 

Hāpai te Hauora warns against further dependence on gambling proceeds as new $40million Lotto Fund announced

The Lotto Community Wellbeing Fund was announced this week by Minister of Internal Affairs Tracy Martin, Presiding Member of the Lottery Grants Board. The new $40 million fund is targeted to community and social activities in response to COVID-19.

Stuff NZ - Ban pokies for good? Salvo's and Problem Gambling's bid to Government

The Government is being urged to shut down New Zealand’s pokie machines and itself replace the grant money they generate for Kiwi community organisations and sports codes.

A coalition of The Salvation Army, Problem Gambling Foundation and Māori health agency Hapai te Hauora have written a ‘white paper’ for Internal Affairs Minister Tracey Martin arguing that the Government could easily replace the annual $242m of pokie grants from its own coffers.

Media Release: Authors of White Paper provide solution to end community sector dependence on pokie funding

In a White Paper released today, the Salvation Army Oasis, Hāpai Te Hauora Tapui and the Problem Gambling Foundation, provide a solution to end the community sector’s dependence on funding from pokie machines.

With pokie grants all but dried up due to the COVID-19 lockdown and consequent closure of pokie venues, the authors are calling on the government to initially roll over existing funding directly to community groups for six months with a view to long-term reform of the system.

Media Release: Temporary relief for sport and recreation puts spotlight on unsustainable funding model

A $25 million relief package has been created by Sport NZ to provide much needed relief for sports and recreation. The package is targeted primarily towards community and regional recreation and sporting bodies who are struggling to stay afloat in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.