Call for local voice on pokies

Karney Herewini

Wanganui residents are being urged to make their views on the city's gambling policy known to the Wanganui District Council.

The policy covers the location and number of gambling machines in the city and district, and now the Government has told local authorities, including the council, to consider a "relocation" rider to its policy.

Karney Herewini, gambling health promoter at Nga Tai O Te Awa, said he would like to see as many people as possible make submissions before the March 7 deadline.

Mr Herewini said his view, and the view of Nga Tai O Te Awa, was Wanganui's current sinking lid policy must be retained.

"Pokies are causing harm to our community. We are not in short supply in Wanganui with approximately six pokie machines available per 1000 people, therefore the problems associated with them are our problems."

Mr Herewini said the current sinking lid policy would "not be effective" if a relocation policy was introduced.

A sinking lid policy means the number of pokie machines decreases by a process of natural attrition as venues cease operating; while a relocation policy would mean that pokie machines can be moved from one venue to another.

He said the sinking lid policy had worked well since it was introduced in 2008.

"In 2008, Wanganui had 286 pokie machines in 21 venues, and in 2013 there were 257 machines in 18 venues. So the number is definitely decreasing over time."

Mr Herewini's view was supported by council policy analyst Marie Gorinski, who said the sinking lid policy was inexorably linked to the council's own family-friendly strategy, particularly in terms of prosperity and a safe and healthy community.

However, Mr Herewini said the decision on the future of gaming machines in Wanganui was one the public should be involved in as much as possible.

"It is important our community has a voice, not only for the consultation process, but for the future of pokie machines in Wanganui."

To find out more about the council's policy, and to have your say, visit www.wanganui.govt.nz.