Problem gambling 'ignored'

Churches have been accused of too often turning a blind eye to the problems of gambling in New Zealand.

At a workshop held in Auckland yesterday for clergy organised by the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand and the Salvation Army John Stansfield, the foundation's chief executive, said that in the United States the greatest resistance to gambling came from churches and in Australia there was a churches' commission on gambling.

"But it doesn't happen here."

Mr Stansfield said some churches did not want to know about the problem and there was potential for them to become "addicted to the gambling dollar" because of the grants they received from gambling proceeds.

He said that was a "losing equation" for them as the first victim of gambling was philanthropy.

"There is not enough money left to put in the [collection] plate."

Mr Stansfield said last year the foundation investigated where the profits from a brothel's pokie machines had ended up and found some had gone to church operations.

"When told they were aghast."

Cynthia Orme, director of clinical services, said the church's voice on how gambling was dealt with had been absent in New Zealand.

Using gambling as a primary means of fundraising compromised the moral position of the church, which had happened with some Pacific Island churches, she said.

Many Pacific church members had started their gambling careers at the church, and then felt compelled to continue to try and meet their financial obligations of giving.

"What starts out as something seemingly innocent soon turns into a problem which can impact the person's emotional and physical health, work, family relationships and financial status."

Major Lynette Hutson, of the Salvation Army, said churches could be very useful in addressing the problems of gambling.

"In times of trouble people will go to a church minister ... there is still a level of trust and safety in the church."

Major Hutson said churches had extensive networks that reached into the community and had links with social services.

It was important to provide churches with targeted resources and show them how they could help people with gambling problems including a pastoral role and supporting affected families.

There was also a strong spiritual perspective like how a lack of hope could lead to gambling, she said.

An Otara pastor, Max Tavilitonga, said in his Christian belief gambling was not to be encouraged as it was harmful to his congregation, families and society.

The problems had been hushed up in the Pacific community because of the shame and stigma, he said.

He said churches had their heads in the sand about the problem and he did not agree with those who ran housie evenings or expected large donations from members.

"I do not want to run my brothers down but I would encourage them to look at what they are doing."

Brian Peterson, minister of the Tuakau Union Parish, said it was not just the Pacific churches as other mainstream churches had at times run such things as housie nights to raise money.

EACH DAY IN NZ

* $35 million is wagered.

* $5.5 million is lost in gambling.

* Families access 118 emergency food banks because of a problem gambler.

* 14 convictions are related to problem gambling.