Loaded 29th June 2012
Don’t let councils run pokies - Problem gambling is a major issue for those affected by it. Dodgy pokie machine operators are a problem for those who operate under the rules set down by the Department of Internal Affairs and legislation. The proposed solutions in a private member’s Bill by Maori MP Te Ururoa Flavell will, however, do little to fix either of these problems. Invercargill mayor Tim Shadbolt said in a column last week that his council would go from being a tax collector to a community benefactor. Other councils are thinking the same way – pet projects such as the arts, facility upgrades, and other “nice to haves” will be paid for by pokie machine grants. The Department of Internal Affairs is currently undertaking 20 investigations into pokie trusts – 14 of which involve sporting organisations. The Department has a very lean record at getting any substantive hits on any of the biggest system rorters. Changing the law to harden up penalties, opening up trusts to more transparency, and putting more onus on dealing with problem gambling issues is the way to go.http://www.capitaltimes.co.nz/Dont-let-councils-run-pokies
NZ - House divided – Newsbyte - The lead negotiator for the Government on the SkyCity convention centre is married to a priest whose church is opposing the deal. Ministry of Economic Development director Roger Wigglesworth is handling the deal —and wife Judith is a priest at Wellington's Onslow Anglican Church. The Anglican Church has indicated it will oppose any increase to the number of pokie machines at the casino.(News
in Brief – NZ Herald, full story)
Loaded 27th June 2012
Whangarei - Pokie grants keep clubs going - Northland's premier horse racing club would face financial ruin if a gambling bill passes into law, club officials say. The racing industry is heavily reliant on pokie grants and the bill has alarmed racing clubs. If the bill became law, the 92-year-old Whangarei Racing Club would have to borrow money, sell land or close up
shop, club finance manager Karen Houlihan said. Problem Gambling Foundation chief executive Graeme Ramsey said the Flavell Bill targeted racing because it was a professional sport. ''The real problem is that racing, as both a form of entertainment and a form of gambling, has been losing popularity for a long time and I think racing in New Zealand has become dependent on gambling,'' Mr Ramsey said.
shop, club finance manager Karen Houlihan said. Problem Gambling Foundation chief executive Graeme Ramsey said the Flavell Bill targeted racing because it was a professional sport. ''The real problem is that racing, as both a form of entertainment and a form of gambling, has been losing popularity for a long time and I think racing in New Zealand has become dependent on gambling,'' Mr Ramsey said.
Gisborne - Adopting 10-year plan - Craig Bauld - BY the time you read this we will have already had our first session of the week. Amongst other items, we (the Council) also consider Local Government New Zealand’s submission on the gambling bill, to see if we support it. Basically the submission supports the intention (reducing the harm caused by problem gambling) but despairs that central government politicians should be so dumb they don’t even understand the current law. Similar for new local government legislation.
Loaded 25th June 2012
Porirua - Thieving constable blames dead bodies - A young constable who stole from his colleagues at Porirua police station says he was suffering from stress after seeing too many death scenes. Marcus Guy Andrew Molnar, 23, admitted stealing cash and soft drinks from a bar at the police station on four separate occasions last year. He was sentenced in Wellington District Court on April 12 and resigned six days later. He became addicted to gambling, spending about $200 a week, and had to borrow about $20,000 to pay his debts. "Generally people who are suffering from PTSD may also develop a dual diagnosis of addiction as a coping mechanism," Dr de Terte said. That was most often to alcohol or drugs, but could also be gambling he said.
Taranaki yet to evaluate pokies bill - The prospect of local government being responsible for the distribution of pokie funds has not been discussed by any of Taranaki's district councils. Public submissions closed last week for the Gambling Amendment Bill, a private member's bill put forward by Maori Party MP Te Ururoa Flavell. Pub Charity chief executive officer Martin Cheer said if the bill passes it will end to gaming trusts and leave about 250 people out of work in the sector nationwide. "Basically we would shut up shop," Mr Cheer said.
Loaded 22nd June, 2012
Editorial - Bible fiasco lands SkyCity in deeper hole - In all walks of life, playing things by the book is always the easiest course. In some circumstances, however, it is not the wisest response. That lesson should now be reverberating around an embarrassed SkyCity as it licks wounds arising from the curious case of Tuni Parata and her Bible. The dangers of this reaction were multiplied by SkyCity's apparent lack of anticipation of where it might all lead. The mere juxtaposition of a Bible and the Temple of Mammon should have offered reason for caution. Throw in a dignified woman apparently baffled and bemused by the actions of her employer of 16 years and fearful that her habit of carrying a Bible could cost her her job and the potential for a public relations disaster was complete. In any battle of claim and counter-claim, the company would never win.
Australia - Castlemaine club rejects pokies revenue - Castlemaine Football and Netball club will not accept funding in the form of pokies revenue from 2013. The Bendigo Football and Netball League club has joined forces with new organisation Funded by People not Pokies and will instead source funding for the club elsewhere. The Magpies general manager Stuart Dunn said the new partnership was a show of community support. "We are excited to be entering into this historic partnership as it puts the emphasis back on communities having ownership of their club, rather than relying on handouts from pokies generated revenue."
Loaded 21st June, 2012
Communities want a say on pokies – Newstalk ZB - Communities want more say on the number of pokie machines in their towns and cities. Submissions on the Gambling Amendment Bill are due to close today (updated from article). Problem Gambling Foundation spokeswoman Andree Froude says they've received thousands of submissions."There's a lot of people who just want to see less pokies in our community and they want communities to have a voice or more of a say about the number of pokies they have in their communities."Andree Froude says people are well and truly aware of the harm pokies can cause.
PM could give evidence in SkyCity inquiry - Prime Minister John Key could be called to give evidence in an independent inquiry into the SkyCity convention centre for pokies deal, after the Office of the Auditor-General today said ministers could be called. The office last week announced it would investigate the Government's decision to choose Sky City over other bidders to build a national convention centre in central Auckland. The Government has offered legislative changes which could allow the casino to have hundreds more pokie machines in return for SkyCity building the $350 million centre.
Shut illegal pokies or the people will - Harawira - "I can't understand how pokie operators who've had their licences cancelled can keep fleecing poor people while they appeal the cancellation" said MANA Leader Hone Harawira, in response to statements from Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain that the government would allow Galaxy Takeaways to continue to operate 18 pokie machines in Otara, even though his department had cancelled their licence. http://www.voxy.co.nz/politics/shut-illegal-pokies-or-people-will-harawira/5/126920
Illegal pokie operator still open – ZB Newstalk - A poker machine operator has been operating illegally in Otara and had its registration cancelled, but is still open while it appeals the decision. Mana leader Hone Harawira says the takeaway shop has been running 18 pokies since last year without a licence.(Newsbyte)
SkyCity accuses union of being alarmist in bible case – National Radio - SkyCity says the union acting for an employee accused of misconduct for carrying a bible is misrepresenting the situation. SkyCity’s General Manager discusses the case with Geoff Robinson on Morning Report. - Audio
Casino worker wins right to keep Bible at work - SkyCity worker Tuni Parata has won the right to keep her Bible with her at work following a meeting with her bosses today. Ms Parata met SkyCity managers yesterday afternoon about her alleged misconduct for carrying the Bible during shifts as a host at the casino - a habit she feared could cost her her job. It was determined at today's meeting that carrying a pocket Bible was not a disciplinary matter and Ms Parata was allowed to carry the book with her at work as long as it was not visible and she could use it during her breaks. (TV One and NZ Herald)
http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/pocket-bible-skycity-worker-keeps-job-4938108
Loaded 20th June
Shut the pokie takeaways - Harawira - Harawira said that MANA vice-president John Minto had noticed a pokie venue operating illegally in Otara - one of New Zealand's poorest communities. "So last month we wrote to the Department of Internal Affairs asking why a takeaway shop had been allowed to run 18 pokies since last year without a licence"."Last week DIA wrote back to tell us they'd cancelled the licence but they're going to let them continue to operate so they can appeal to the Gambling Commission"."What the hell do you have to do?" said Harawira "First of all we do DIA's job for them by springing these rip-off merchants and then DIA tell us they're going to let them keep running".http://www.voxy.co.nz/politics/shut-pokie-takeaways-harawira/5/126798
Gaming Trust Circle their wagons – Pub Charity’s Martin Cheer says the real goal is to get rid of the Pub based pokie machines all together. If the bill was passed there would be a reduction in the number of gaming machines and therefore proceeds for distribution. Digital link only.http://huttnews.realviewdigital.com/
Casino worker apologises for pocket Bible – TV One - A SkyCity worker reprimanded for carrying a pocket-size Bible has apologised, saying she did not mean to cause offence. "Reading the Bible is for myself, to encourage myself, to inspire me while I'm at work," said Parata. "It's not meant to offend anyone at all."She said SkyCity management were informed about the Bible by a cleaning supervisor who discovered the Bible on a vanity while Parata was in the bathroom. "It's not meant to offend anyone at all." But Parata insists she has never read her Bible in front of customers in the 16 years she has worked for the casino-giant nor has she spoken to customers about her faith. "Management termed it 'unrelated work material' but in my faith he's everything. http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/casino-worker-apologises-pocket-bible-4937518
Sky City worker speaks out on Bible – TV3 - Sky City bosses have brought forward a disciplinary meeting with one of their workers amid an unholy row over a Bible.Tuni Parata fears she'll lose her job for breaking uniform rules by carrying a pocket Bible, but the Unite Union is hoping Sky City will back down. To Ms Parata the little book was her lifeline, but to Sky City, carrying it was a disciplinary matter.
Close Up – Pokies Bill Debate - The ability of gambling trusts to spread the largesse wherever they like is under threat. A bill before Parliament would force trusts to pour the gambling proceeds back into the same community that coughed it up in the first place. The bill's creator, Maori Party MP Te Ururoa Flavell, goes head-to-head with one of the trusts set to lose the right to pass the money out, Martin Cheer of Pub Charity. Also features Andree Froude from PGFNZ. http://tvnz.co.nz/close-up/pokies-bill-debate-video-4937792
Loaded 19th June 2012
Mother steals $330,000 through marae job to feed pokies - A mother of two stole more than $330,000 from her employer to feed into SkyCity casino's pokie machines.The fraud is the latest criminal case where a person had stolen hundreds of thousands of dollars after becoming addicted to gambling at the casino. More than $600,000 passed through Renata's gambling account at SkyCity. She used the trust's credit card to obtain $42,939 of cash advances at the casino. She also cashed cheques worth $18,149 using the trust's account.
Ashburton's Harness Jewels under threat –Ashburton's prestigious Harness Jewels race day could be under threat if the Gambling Harm Reduction Amendment Bill is ticked off. If the private members' bill is passed by Government in its present form, funds from pokie machines will no longer be available to the racing industry and that means three quarters of the cash needed to fund the big ticket race day will disappear says Ashburton Racing Centre manager Fiona Tonks.
Ashburton Guardian – Editorial on Racing and Gambling, June 19, 2012 - The racing industry is up in arms because of the potential loss of gaming machine grants under proposed new legislation. The Gambling Harm Reduction Amendment Bill is currently before Parliament and one of the key ingredients of the bill is that only charitable purposes will become eligible for grants.
Racing stakes and racing clubs do not qualify under these criteria and the writing is on the wall that many race meetings and jobs may end up on the chopping block. I want the racing industry to flourish, but I remain unconvinced that it deserves any grants from charitable trusts to keep its business ticking over.http://www.ashburtonguardian.co.nz/news/todays-news/7818-editorial-comment-june-19-2012.html
Racing stakes and racing clubs do not qualify under these criteria and the writing is on the wall that many race meetings and jobs may end up on the chopping block. I want the racing industry to flourish, but I remain unconvinced that it deserves any grants from charitable trusts to keep its business ticking over.http://www.ashburtonguardian.co.nz/news/todays-news/7818-editorial-comment-june-19-2012.html
Pokies Must Go – Michael Laws – Radio Live - They are disproportionately poor but we insist that any money that they receive – be it by welfare or work – be allowed to be siphoned via the evil of gambling. As of today, there are 18,000 pokie machines being operated in New Zealand – in pubs, clubs, casinos and bars. Their takings are presided over by a wide range of vampiric identities – from those that host their physical presence to those 50-odd trusts that administer their winnings This is the same article in the Sunday Star Times but is now also on RadioLive NZ. Listeners have the option to post their opinion at the bottom of the article.
Casino worker faces action over Bible at work - A union claims an Auckland casino worker faces the sack after bosses caught her carrying a pocket Bible with her at work. Tuni Parata was left stunned after receiving a letter from her SkyCity managers accusing her of misconduct for carrying the Bible on her shifts as a tower host at the casino. SkyCity says carrying the Bible is a breach of the uniform code. Ms Parata has worked at SkyCity for 16 years. Unite, which has 8000 members across several sectors in New Zealand, including 700 - 800 at Skycity, said it had already tried to argue for their member but the casino seemed unmoved.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10813873
Loaded 18th June 2012
We want rat-bags out too Mr Cheer - Flavell - "As if that's not bad enough, the very public admission of Pub Charity Chief Executive Martin Cheer that the organisation used money sourced from pokies to publically lobby against the Bill is just as dodgy, however small the amount, and I raised questions in the House this week asking what DIA is doing about it" Te Ururoa Flavell, MP for Waiariki and Anti-Gambling Bill Champion says.
Farming the addicts for the greater good – Michael Laws – Opinion - At heart, we know pokies are bad. Everyone knows this. We have only allowed them to become established in New Zealand because, we argue, they have beneficial ends. Sporting and community groups say that they will grow sick and die unless their own addiction to gambling revenue continues to be met. I say, let them die. Lotto, Big Wednesday and similar products sell a dream for the most minor of investments. I've yet to read or research any individual who stole from their company or abandoned their children to chase their (lotto) jackpot. One cannot make the same claim of pokies. They must go. http://www.stuff.co.nz/sunday-star-times/columnists/7114515/Farming-the-addicts-for-the-greater-good
Critics say no need for third Lotto shop - A third Lotto shop is not needed in Waitara, critics say. Waitara has a population of about 6200 people and already has two Lotto retailers. Problem Gambling Foundation communications manager Andree Froude said Lotto was not as harmful as playing the pokies or scratchie tickets. "It does tend to normalise gambling and makes access to buying Lotto tickets very easy," Ms Froude said. Many people did not see Lotto as a form of gambling, she said. "It can be problematic if people are spending more than they can afford."
Casino van kids' parents admit guilt - The parents accused of leaving five children in a locked van while they gambled at Auckland's SkyCity casino have pleaded guilty. The 39-year-old man and 29-year-old woman retained interim name suppression during a hearing at Auckland District Court this morning.
Govt eyes caution in future SkyCity deal talks - The Government is signalling a more cautious approach to its controversial convention centre talks with casino company SkyCity after previously saying it could sign a deal in spite of an ongoing investigation by the Auditor General.
Analysis on ACC resignations and SkyCity investigation – Checkpoint - Radio NZ National – Discussion with political editor, Brent Edwards - The Auditor General does not have the power to intervene decisions re putting SkyCity deal on hold. Even if they find to be critical of the process there still is no legal obligation of the Ministry to take that into account. (Audio - Start at 1:39)
Law with Mai Chen – SkyCity Proposal – National Radio - Mai Chen discusses the controversial SkyCity proposal to build a $350 million convention centre. …When the Government say they are in negotiations does that mean just negotiation in detail? The difficulty for the Government is the call in public interest. They discuss the background of Casino laws here in NZ. In the long term she thinks it is a done deal.
Key criticises Labour's SkyCity stance – Newstalk ZB - Mr Key says Labour also supported the current plan, when it was announced a year ago. "If they want to change their mind for politics they are free to do that but they shouldn't try and con New Zealanders with some new moral stance that they didn't have in government or twelve months ago." http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/auckland/news/nbpol/1676853856-Key-criticises-Labour-s-SkyCity-stance
Pokie operators warned over lobby laws – Newstalk ZB - Operators of pokie machines are being warned not to break the law around their lobbying.it comes after concerns have been raised about the way some representations have been made against Gambling Amendment Bill currently before parliamentMinister of Internal Affairs Chris Tremain says he is concerned about misuse of gaming machine money."But I am advised that the department has written to all gaming machine societies to remind them that gaming proceeds cannot be used for lobbying," he says. http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/auckland/news/nbpol/1901669233-Pokie-operators-warned-over-lobby-laws
Spooked Shareholders - Part of an article titled ‘Bumpy Ride’ in the Business section of the NZ Herald,which is a round-up of shares. (Scroll down for this section – Donna) Investors stood steadfast after weeks of political pressure and criticism of the Government and SkyCity for a planned 350 to 500 pokie machine increase being allowed as part of the deal and its possible links to an increase in problem gambling.But now there is some official involvement shareholders have been spooked. SkyCity has said it will fully co-operate with the Auditor-General over the inquiry but there will be little it can do to influence the outcome. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10813051
Loaded 15th June 2012
Communities could benefit from bill - Community and sporting groups stand to benefit from an extra $77 million annually if a new bill before Parliament is supported, Green Party gambling spokeswoman Denise Roche says. The bill will require councils to set up independent committees to distribute funds from the pokie industry. "Pokie trusts operating in Auckland only give 40 per cent of the $195m lost annually into their pokie machines back to the community," Ms Roche says. "The rest is used by the pokie trusts for administration costs. "The new bill will change this situation.
Millions at stake for Gisborne in pokies bill - COMMUNITY and sporting groups in the district will benefit by more than $2.6 million a year if a new bill before Parliament is supported. Green Party gambling spokes-woman Denise Roche says the Gisborne district has been short-changed by “pokie trusts” and she wants to “see the back of them”. http://www.gisborneherald.co.nz/article/?id=28091
Sports to struggle under new pokie rule - A proposed new law aimed at distributing a higher percentage of pokie machine takings to the wider community will hit sports clubs hard, a pokie trust's Taranaki chairman says. New Zealand Community Trust's Taranaki regional advisory group chairman Neil Wolfe said more than 80 per cent of pokie machine money that was put back into the community went to sports groups. If local government gained control of how those funds were distributed, rather than trusts, the money might not reach the sports clubs, he said. http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/7106960/Sports-to-struggle-under-new-pokie-rule
Northland - Fight brewing over pokie funds - Gaming trusts and sporting groups plan to fight a proposed law that would take millions of dollars of pokie proceeds and place it into the hands of local councils. However, supporters say the proposal will dramatically increase the amount of money going back into the community. Some trusts were rorting the system and community committees would be better placed to decide how to distribute the money generated by pokie machines, Mr Flavell, Maori Party MP. said. However, Pub Charity chief executive Martin Cheer said the Greens were misleading the public
NZ Herald – Letters to the Editor - Pokie pay - The executives of the pokie trusts have another reason to fear any external oversight or interference in their finances — pure self-interest.
As a remuneration consultant, I focused on the not-for-profit or charitable sector, and over 25 years acquired a comprehensive view of pay there. I was twice invited to review the salaries of chief executives of pokie trusts. In each case, applying the most professional tools available and based on a rigorous review of the data provided, I reported that they well were paid above the market norm for the work performed, which was essentially collecting the money from pubs.
SkyCity deal probe spurs Key caution - Prime Minister John Key says the Government would be "cautious" about signing a deal with SkyCity to build a national convention centre while an official inquiry is carried out. The auditor-general yesterday announced it would investigate the process the Government undertook in choosing SkyCity to negotiate with. http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/7098980/SkyCity-deal-probe-spurs-Key-caution
“Pretty cautious” is not cautious enough – Greens - The Prime Minister’s promise to be “pretty cautious” about signing a deal with SkyCity while the Auditor General’s inquiry proceeds, is not cautious enough - he should promise not to sign a deal till the inquiry is over, the Green Party said today. “Today, Mr Key has been back peddling, instead saying he would be “pretty cautious” about signing up on a deal.“But pretty cautious is not cautious enough. http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1206/S00195/pretty-cautious-is-not-cautious-enough.htm
Govt not taking inquiry process seriously – Greens – Newstalk ZB The Greens say the Government's not taking the Auditor-General's inquiry into the SkyCity convention centre process seriously.The Government says it's relaxed about the investigation, striking out at Labour and the Greens, saying they're against job growth.
Political round-up - NZ Herald - 'No worries' seems to be John Key's response to the Auditor-General's office investigation into the Convention Centre tender process. However, as John Armstrong points out, this issue has one crucial factor that all of the Government's other problems don't have: 'The convention centre is the Prime Minister's pet project. He is up to his neck in it
Joyce unconcerned about Sky City inquiry – TV 3 - The Government is shrugging off opposition concerns about the convention centre deal with Sky City. Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce says it probably won't be signed before the auditor-general's office finishes an inquiry into the tender process and might not be signed at all. The details are being thrashed out and the Greens say negotiations should be put on hold until Ms Smith reports. http://www.3news.co.nz/Joyce-unconcerned-about-Sky-City-inquiry/tabid/1607/articleID/257788/Default.aspx
Stakes higher with PM's reputation on the line - Of all the self-inflicted crises, sideshows and distractions that have bedevilled National this year, the "extra pokies in exchange for a national convention centre" wrangle is something of an exception. It has one very prominent character who is central to the action - the Prime Minister. And that ups the political heat to pressure-cooker levels. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10812900
Full cooperation from SkyCity in inquiry - SkyCity says it will cooperate with the Auditor-General and welcomes the inquiry into the convention centre deal. The Auditor-General's Office has announced it'll look into how the project was tendered and how proposals were assessed. Spokeswoman Grainne Troute doubts the inquiry will halt SkyCity's negotiations with the Government.(Newsbyte)
Punter fraud sees casino bank sued - One of New Zealand's largest banks is being sued after a fraudster cashed cheques for tens of thousands of dollars at a branch inside SkyCity casino without red flags being raised. The High Court civil case comes after a Department of Internal Affairs report highlighted concerns that cash machines in the casino gave punters "unlimited access" to cash, which could exacerbate problem gambling. The Bank of New Zealand's casino branch is open for up to 15 hours a day, seven days a week, and has been labelled "socially questionable" by an anti-gambling watchdog.
BNZ defends its SkyCity branch – TV 3 News - The Bank of New Zealand is defending itself against accusations that its SkyCity Casino branch is fuelling problem gambling. BNZ is being sued by Domestic Agencies Ltd, who say the bank failed to red flag tens of thousands of dollars worth of fraudulent cheques used by an employee to gamble at the casino in central Auckland. Over a six-year period, Herminia Lanuza stole $2.7 million from her employers and used the money to gamble at the high rollers' lounge at the casino.
Other convention centre bidders not worried - Bids for the convention centre were also made by Auckland-based iwi Ngati Whatua and ASB Showgrounds, a consortium led by infrastructure company Infratil and The Edge.Ngati Whatua chief executive Tiwana Tibble said SkyCity had been given an unfair funding advantage because of the Government's promise of an extended gambling licence. Mr Tibble confirmed that Ngati Whatua would bid if the process was reopened, but he felt that calling for tenders again was "a waste of taxpayers' money". http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10812899
Loaded 14th June 2012
Maori Party MP puts
people before pokies - Maori
Party MP for Waiariki and anti-gambling champion, Te Ururoa Flavell, has today
defended his bill, The Gambling (Gambling Harm Reduction) Amendment Bill,
following claims that the bill would be detrimental to communities."So for
the record, let's get the facts straight. "You always know when you're on
to a winner when you get the kind of ridiculous scaremongering being touted by
those who would put profits before people. Every conceivable piece of nonsense
propaganda has been thrown around the place in an attempt to confuse the aims
of my bill. In fact, the issue has grown so out of hand that some lobbyists
could conceivably be breaking the law to oppose it http://www.voxy.co.nz/politics/maori-party-mp-puts-people-pokies/5/126252
Tauranga - City pokies take $28m a year - The $28.2 million lost by Tauranga gamblers last year to
pokie machines was equivalent to the amount that Tauranga Moana tribe Ngati
Ranginui will receive from its Treaty of Waitangi settlement. "It is a
wake-up call for Maori," Mr Wilson told the Bay of Plenty Times after his
passionate speech to Tauranga City Council yesterday. About a third of city
gamblers were Maori. Iwi board member Tommy Kapai Wilson was one of three
speakers who addressed the council before it decided how to respond to Maori
Party MP Te Ururoa Flavell's private member's bill. Also presenting were Graeme
Ramsey, CEO of PGFNZ and Martin Cheer from Pub Charity http://www.bayofplentytimes.co.nz/news/city-pokies-take-28m-a-year/1415352/
Tauranga - A dollar each way on gambling - At a workshop on the Bill on Tuesday, city councillors heard
from both sides of New Zealand’s gambling industry before deciding it will call
for submissions. Councillors agreed with Mayor Stuart Crosby’s stance that
gambling is not the council’s core business and that it should not become
involved in owning pokies machines, or operating and servicing them. Problem
Gambling NZ chief executive Graeme Ramsey says South Auckland has a pokie
machine for every 75 people, while in Remuera there’s one for every 465 people.
The issue is gambling harm, which he says relates more directly to Maori,
Pacific Island and Asian gamblers – and pokie machines. Most problem gamblers
have a problem with pokie machines, he says. “If it wasn’t for pokie machines
we wouldn’t exist.”
Community groups could reap millions from pokie changes - Party
legislation to abolish pokie trusts is passed. The party's gambling
spokeswoman, Denise Roche, has released figures showing that nearly half of the
profits from gaming machines disappear in taxes and the trusts' administration
costs. Cr Bruce Wilson (Palmerston North) described pokie trusts as "a
very inefficient method of supporting community groups". He said the idea
of councils distributing the money had appeal.
Questions in Parliament for Oral Answer - June 13 - TE URUROA FLAVELL to the Minister of Internal Affairs: Is he concerned
that Pub Charity Chief Executive Martin Cheer has publicly declared that Pub
Charity was using gaming machine money to fight the Gambling (Gambling Harm
Reduction) Amendment Bill, and what actions has the Department of Internal
Affairs taken to enforce its direction that net proceeds were not to be used
for lobbying? http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1206/S00163/questions-for-oral-answer-june-13.htm
Auditor-General to probe Sky City convention deal - The Auditor-General will investigate how SkyCity
Entertainment Group’s proposal to build a convention centre in Auckland in
exchange for more pokie machines was chosen as the best option for the government.
SkyCity’s shares fell 0.9 percent. The inquiry was announced by deputy
auditor-general Phillippa Smith because her boss Lyn Provost owns shares in the
casino and hotel group and couldn’t be involved.
Auditor-general to probe SkyCity deal - The Government's controversial deal with SkyCity casinos for
a $350m national convention centre will be investigated by the
auditor-general's office. The announcement comes as yet another blow to the
Government, which in the last five days has backtracked on its plans for
teachers and started a clean out of the under-fire senior management of ACC.
Probe
into SkyCity convention centre – ODT - Labour
and the Greens have today demanded that negotiations with SkyCity be halted
until an investigation is completed into how the Government brokered the deal
for the international convention centre. The Auditor-General's office has
announced an inquiry into the way the Government sought proposals for the
Auckland convention centre. The Government has faced widespread criticism since
it emerged it was willing to allow SkyCity more pokie machines if it built the
centre at no cost to the taxpayer. http://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/213063/probe-skycity-convention-centre
Inquiry into MED’s process for convention centre proposals - The Deputy
Auditor-General, Phillippa Smith,1 has decided to carry out an inquiry into the
expressions of interest (EOI) process for proposals to establish an
international convention centre. This document sets out the terms of reference
for the inquiry
Time
for rethink on gambling - Flavell - Te
Ururoa Flavell, sponsor of the Gambling Harm Reduction Bill currently before
the Commerce Select Committee, has suggested the Auditor General's
investigation into the Government's proposed deal with Sky City provides a good
opportunity to consider the complex issues associated with gambling harm. "We
have always been vehemently opposed to any special arrangements which would
enable Sky City to reap further benefit such as a potential increase in gaming
tables and machines at the Auckland casino". We all know the extent of
harm created by the presence of gambling within our communities”.
Editorial - Probe should clear air on SkyCity deal – NZ Herald - The Office of the Auditor-General has stepped into deep
political water with its decision to investigate the Government's handling of
bids for an international convention centre in Auckland. The procedure must be
fair and transparent and no bid should appear to have the inside running. That
is essentially the focus of the Audit Office inquiry announced yesterday. The
fact that a finished deal has yet to be announced probably reflects the success
of the Problem Gambling Foundation in highlighting the potential social costs. That
campaign ought to have strengthened the arm of the Government's negotiators
since it will be clear to the casino that the deal must present a credible
response to its potential harm. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10812839
Auditor General to investigate govt process of awarding convention centre deal
to SkyCity following Green Party complaint -
The Deputy Auditor General will
investigate the process of awarding a government contract to the SkyCity
Entertainment Group to build a national convention centre in Auckland,
following a complaint from Green Party co-leader Metiria Turei. “From SkyCity’s
perspective, we were involved in a competitive selection process, responding to
the Governments request for Expressions of Interest to develop a
National Convention Centre for New Zealand," SkyCity General Counsel Peter
Treacy said.
Inquiry no obstacle to Sky City deal - The Government is prepared to sign on to a $350 million deal
with SkyCity for a convention centre while an official inquiry is carried out.
Its response to the auditor-general announcing a probe yesterday was panned by
Opposition parties. Both Prime Minister John Key and SkyCity insisted an
inquiry was welcome. Key said, "The auditor-general is going to have to go
through a lot of paperwork and what it's going to show is there has been a huge
amount of process by the Ministry of Economic Development." There was no
need to put talks with SkyCity on hold and it was "always possible" a
deal with SkyCity could be signed while an inquiry continued, he said.
Key
welcomes SkyCity deal probe – TV One - Prime
Minister John Key is welcoming an auditor-general led investigation into the
controversial SkyCity convention centre deal, despite his credibility being
called into question. Key said it was "absolutely appropriate" for
the deputy Auditor-General to carry out an inquiry into the expressions of
interest process for the new centre. "I think it's a great thing and I
welcome it," he said. "We asked a whole lot of people to tender, and
I met with whole of players not just SkyCity."But Shearer said there was
only going to be one winner in the process. http://tvnz.co.nz/politics-news/key-welcomes-skycity-deal-probe-4927404
Govt
confident of SkyCity deal process - Economic development minister Steven Joyce says an
auditor-general inquiry into the government's proposed deal with SkyCity will
not affect negotiations. Earlier today deputy auditor-general Phillippa
Smith announced an inquiry into the process involved in the deal, which would
have seen SkyCity get a wider gambling licence in exchange for building an
international convention centre.
National's shonky pokies deal on the ropes - Shearer - The shonky deal between National and SkyCity must
immediately go on hold until the Auditor-General's investigation into the
convention centre tendering process is complete, says Labour Leader David
Shearer. The cosy arrangement between him and SkyCity was dodgy from the very
beginning. It was stitched up in a way that essentially cut all other bidders
out of the running. "That's not the way we do business in New Zealand. We
have a strong reputation internationally for open and transparent government
and that must be protected.
SkyCity deal investigated – Auckland Now - The
Government's controversial deal with SkyCity casinos for a national convention
centre will be investigated by the Auditor General. The announcement comes as
yet another blow to the Government, which in the last five days has backtracked
on a major Budget policy and started a clean out of the under-fire senior
management of ACC.
Convention centre probe - Govt accused of arrogance - Labour Leader David Shearer has accused the Government of
"extraordinary arrogance" for refusing to halt negotiations with
SkyCity over an international convention centre while an investigation into how
the deal was brokered is held.
Govt
'arrogant' to continue SkyCity negotiations – ODT - Labour leader David Shearer has accused the Government of
"extraordinary arrogance" for refusing to halt negotiations with
SkyCity over an international convention centre while an investigation into how
the deal was brokered is held.
Centre
talks press on despite probe - The
Government will plough ahead with its talks over a pokies-for-national
convention centre deal with SkyCity in spite of an inquiry by independent
watchdog the Auditor-General. However the Herald understands any deal
struck with SkyCity will be kept under wraps until the inquiry is complete. The
Greens and Labour yesterday called for the negotiations to be suspended until
the inquiry was complete. But Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce said
the Government was "very relaxed" about the inquiry. "We don't
see any reason to delay negotiations." SkyCity chief executive Nigel
Morrison has told shareholders the company had made allowances to fund the deal
if its negotiations with the Government went as hoped. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10812901
Checkpoint Top Stories -
SkyCity Convention - Auditor General
investigates Sky City's deal for a convention centre in exchange for more
pokies. Interview with Steven
Joyce on the program. (Start at 3:43)
Joyce's defiance of Auditor-General unacceptable - Steven Joyce's determination to push ahead with his shady
pokies deal despite the Auditor-General launching an inquiry is unacceptable,
says Labour's Economic Development spokesperson David Cunliffe. "The
Minister must put the international convention centre tender on hold and fully
co-operate with the Auditor-General."He must also disclose any other
secret deals he has been working on to sell New Zealand's laws. http://www.voxy.co.nz/politics/joyces-defiance-auditor-general-unacceptable/5/126214
SkyCity
deal should go on hold during AG inquiry - The
Green Party is calling for an immediate hold on all negotiations over the
Skycity convention centre deal as the Auditor General investigates the process
which led to the casino being chosen to build the centre. Deputy Auditor
General Phillippa Smith has agreed to a request by Green Party Co leader
Metiria Turei to carry out an inquiry into the Expressions of Interest Process
for proposals to establish an international convention centre.
SkyCity Entertainment shares fall nearly 3.5% - Radio NZ - SkyCity Entertainment Group shares have fallen nearly 3.5% after
the Auditor General's office started an investigation into the Government's
controversial deal with the casino operator to build a convention centre in
Auckland. Craigs Investment Partner
investment adviser Jennifer Morton says even though the centre wasn't a done
deal, the market probably concluded it would go ahead, so Wednesday's share
price fall isn't surprising
SkyCity shares edge down after proposal probe announcement – TV One - The Auditor-General will investigate how SkyCity
Entertainment Group's proposal to build a convention centre in Auckland in
exchange for more pokie machines was chosen as the best option for the
government. SkyCity's shares fell 0.9%."From SkyCity's perspective, we
were involved in a competitive selection process, responding to the governments
request for expressions of interest to develop a national convention
centre," general counsel Peter Treacy said. Shares of the company declined
3 cents to $3.50 on the NZX today and have dropped 2.9% this year.
SkyCity shares may come under further pressure - SkyCity Entertainment shares could come under more pressure in
coming days, as analysts figure out just how much of a cloud hangs over its
proposed convention centre. Craigs
Investment Partners investment adviser Jennifer Morton says the market was
reacting to what it saw as negative news. http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/business/108213/skycity-shares-may-come-under-further-pressure
Loaded 13th June
Editorial - Pokie rorts must be stopped – Dominion Post - The gaming industry has been quick to highlight the glaring flaw in Maori Party MP Te Ururoa Flavell's legislative attempt to tame the pokie machine wild west. However, the flaw in Mr Flavell's gambling bill is easily remedied. The number 80 can be changed at the stroke of a pen. Neither Mr Flavell nor other parliamentarians should allow themselves to be dissuaded by the industry's campaign against the bill. When it comes to its own affairs, the (pokie) industry has shown itself to be an unreliable witness. Commitments made are broken; laws and regulations are flouted. In Francis Wevers, (former chief executive of the Charity Gaming Association) report, prepared for Nathan Guy, a former internal affairs minister, he effectively admits he failed completely.
Plan to fight proposed law change - The Timaru District Council does not want a bar of operating pokie machines and will front up to Parliament to say so. If it became law, the Gambling (Gambling Harm Reduction) Amendment Bill would result in local government taking over the role of the charitable trusts who operate the machines at present. Councils would also be responsible for distributing the profits from machines. "We would almost be running a casino through the whole district," Mayor Janie Annear said, objecting strongly to the proposed changes. http://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/news/7092269/Plan-to-fight-proposed-law-change
Crackdown on pokies could mean fee rises - Canterbury families could face fee rises for their children's sports if a crackdown on gaming machines goes ahead, a sports organisation says. Sport Canterbury has joined several community groups and sports clubs opposing the Gambling (Gambling Harm Reduction) Amendment Bill. http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/7083706/Crackdown-on-pokies-could-mean-fee-rises
Sport NZ 'must stop lobbying against Gambling Bill' - Crown owned entities such as Sport New Zealand should not be involved in lobbying on behalf of pokie trusts, Green Party gambling spokesperson Denise Roche said today. A confidential paper was sent by Sport New Zealand (formerly SPARC) to national sports organisations over the weekend. The paper urges sports groups to oppose Te Ururoa Flavell's Gambling (Gambling Harm Reduction) Amendment Bill. "It is completely unacceptable that a crown entity such as Sport New Zealand is apparently lining up with pokie trusts and the gambling industry," said Ms Roche. (2 links)
Pokie law may hurt charities - Liz Koh - A gambling bill which will change how the proceeds of gambling are managed and distributed is in the process of being debated. There is a cost to the proposed changes, however. Profits from gambling machines are one of the largest sources of funding for charitable organisations. Cut back on gambling and you cut back on charities who are working to improve the well-being of a community including, ironically, the victims of problem gambling. Problem gambling should be addressed at its root cause, as well as by limiting the number of pokies. http://www.bayofplentytimes.co.nz/news/liz-koh-pokie-law-may-hurt-charities/1407541/
Another Community Group Lobbies Against Pokies Bill - several organizations are lobby against the new Harm Reduction Bill, which wold give city councils the power to remove poker machines from certain communities. The most recent group to take up this cause is the National Sports Organisations Leadership Group – and politicians are not pleased with the organization’s stance. http://onlineroulette.co.nz/2012/06/another-community-group-lobbies-against-pokies-bill/
Another Community Group Lobbies Against Pokies Bill - several organizations are lobby against the new Harm Reduction Bill, which wold give city councils the power to remove poker machines from certain communities. The most recent group to take up this cause is the National Sports Organisations Leadership Group – and politicians are not pleased with the organization’s stance. http://onlineroulette.co.nz/2012/06/another-community-group-lobbies-against-pokies-bill/
The Green Party says communities in Hawke's Bay are short-changed by Pokie Trusts - The Green Party says communities in Hawke's Bay are short-changed by Pokie Trusts. Party gambling spokesperson Denise Roche says four of the Bay's largest Pokie Trusts have returned less than 40 percent of the money that's lost in their machines to local groups. She says a bill before Parliament would require a higher rate of return to the local community. (Go to link to see hoe gambling dollar is divided up). http://www.hawkesbay.co.nz/general-stories-page:/51016-the-green-party-says-communities-in-hawkes-bay-are-short-changed-by-pokie-trusts.html
Poke at pokie trusts slammed - Lion Foundation boss Philip Holden has slammed a Green Party broadcast claiming pokie trusts are short-changing Waikato people, calling it a "classic piece of political misrepresentation". The Lion Foundation, that dominates the pokie trust sector in the Waikato, returned less than 40 per cent of money lost in its pokie machines, Ms Roche said.
Backbencher – TV7 – Discussion on the Convention centre – Live Politics. In this live show at the Britomart Country Club in Auckland, MPs Nikki Kaye, Winston Peters, Russel Norman and David Shearer tackle the tough topics. 41.45 minutes to 47 minutes into program these MPs plus members of the public voice their opinion on the Convention Centre. http://tvnz.co.nz/back-benches/video
Loaded 12th June
Convention centre shrouded in silence - Documents released under the Official Information Act showed there had been 16 meetings since the announcement (of the Convention Centre deal) in June last year until May 7."The negotiations are expected to end at the point final agreement is reached," wrote Roger Wigglesworth, MED's tourism and events director. Problem Gambling Foundation chief executive Graham Ramsey said he was surprised over the length of time the negotiations were taking."Perhaps that is recognition from the Government of the social issues involved - and not just the economic ones." He said at least 40 per cent of revenue came from people with gambling problems.
Pokies payout claims rejected - A pokies executive has slammed a claim that Otago would be $11 million better off if a controversial Bill handing the distribution of gaming cash to local government was introduced. According to 2010 Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) figures, pokie trusts returned an average of 41% of proceeds to Otago groups, but the new Bill would require 80% be returned. However, Pub Charity chief executive Martin Cheer said: "You physically can't return 80% without going to jail ... because you would not be paying tax."
Trusts take swipe at pokies bill - Southern licensing trusts are not in favour of a proposed bill that could increase the amount of money going back into the community from pokie machines. Green Party gambling spokeswoman Denise Roche said pokie trusts operating in the south returned more than 53 per cent of the $17.6 million lost annually into its pokie machines. The proposed bill aimed to increase the amount to 80 per cent. Invercargill Licensing Trust Foundation chairman Alan Dennis said 80 per cent was ridiculous. "Every cent is already returned to Invercargill ... (they) are dreaming if they think 80 per cent will be returned. It's a nonsense.
Loaded 11th June
Editorial - Time to put the heat on pokie charities – NZ Herald - Te Ururoa Flavell's Gambling Harm Reduction Bill would strip power from the gaming trusts that dominate the pokie industry in pubs and clubs. It is easy to see why the gaming trusts strongly oppose the bill. Their very existence is threatened. It would strip power from the gaming trusts that dominate the pokie industry in pubs and clubs, placing the power to distribute the $300 million available to community groups in the hands of committees appointed by local councils. Further, 80 per cent of the poker machine proceeds would have to go back to the communities where the gambling took place. Two years ago, the Internal Affairs Department suggested that 30 of the country's 50 gambling trusts had "issues of non-compliance" similar to those of the Trusts Charitable Foundation, which paid more than $500,000 to one of its trustees to sign up new pokie venues.
Pressure on to oppose anti-pokie legislation - Pokie trusts are pressuring grant recipients to make submissions against MP Te Ururoa Flavell's reform bill, telling them if the legislation passes they risk funding cuts. Letters from several trusts to grant recipients, including sport and community groups, ask them to make submissions against the bill before a June 21 deadline. Some provide pre-written letters for the groups to sign. Problem Gambling Foundation chief executive Graeme Ramsey said the tactic was to swamp the select committee, and accused trusts of misinforming the public, saying better administration would see grants rise, not fall, and that the bill recognised the system was "constantly rorted".
Charitable trusts pressurise pokie-grant recipients to oppose anti-pokie legislation - Pokie trusts are pressuring grant recipients to make submissions against MP Te Ururoa Flavell’s reform bill, telling them if the legislation passes they risk funding cuts. Problem Gambling Foundation chief executive Graeme Ramsey said recipients were being put in difficult positions. “Groups will fear that not doing what the trusts want will jeopardise future funding, irrespective of what they actually think on the issue.”
Sports fear pokie change - Fears gaming machine proceeds may decrease has seen a petition launched in South Canterbury. Sport Canterbury sport and young persons manager Verna Parker said people needed to be vocal to ensure funding available from gaming machine proceeds was not decreased. "Sport Canterbury is co-ordinating a response to Parliament on behalf of the sport and recreation sector across Canterbury, and South Canterbury must have its say.
RSA warns Māori Party gambling bill could hit club survival - Reduced opening hours, staff cuts and potential closures of RSAs could be a result of the new Gambling (Gambling Harm Reduction) Amendment Bill introduced by the Māori Party. The Henderson RSA secretary manager, Rachel Burriss, says poker machines provide a huge income for RSAs and without them the Henderson RSA may have to close down. “If we lose our pokie licence we lose about 46 percent of our income which in money terms last year was $639,000,” he says. “I don’t believe we would be able to continue to operate if we have this source of income taken off us. I would say most if not all RSAs will be in the same position.”
Loaded 8th June 2012
Lotto targets poor areas, claimed health official - Health officials told Lotto bosses they were driving up the numbers of poor people with gambling problems by targeting sales at the country's most deprived areas, documents show. The claim was revealed in letters released by the Ministry of Health through the Official Information Act. It came after a surge in problem gambling statistics was challenged by the Lotteries Commission.
Call for sinking lid on pokies - Waimakariri District Council has been challenged to consider the wellbeing of its people by placing a sinking lid policy on gaming machines. Anti-gaming agencies expressed concern and surprise on learning the district council had received two applications to increase the amount of pokies by10. A sinking lid policy will cap the amount of pokie machines, and once removed, machines cannot be replaced. Problem Gambling spokeswoman Sara Epperson said, "The CCC had this issue but they made the call not to replace their pokie machines and maintain their policy on keeping a healthy city,"
Gambler used ill man's card for pokies - A Rotorua woman took advantage of a vulnerable and ill man by stealing his money to spend on the pokies, a court has heard. Dianne Aroha Isobel Skipwith, 52, has appeared in the Rotorua District Court before Judge Marie McKenzie to be sentenced for obtaining a document for pecuniary advantage She has previous dishonesty offences and has blamed an addiction to pokie machines for past offending.
Letters to the Editor - GAMBLING PROBLEM – The Aucklander - Gambling addiction is not simply a minor peccadillo of choice, it's a major and disastrous threat to the lives of many families. The suggested centre would dramatically increase and intensify the opportunity for worse to come. But it comes from a very active context. The Western world is driven by greed. It is widely promoted in the media and throughout society, and the casino offers the misleading dream of winning big. The Prime Minister's deal-making is too disturbing to treat in a cavalier manner.
Loaded 7th June 2012
Complaint lodged over lobbying by gambling trusts – Radio NZ - The Department of Internal Affairs has received a complaint that gambling trusts are using money to lobby against a bill before Parliament that seeks to give power to councils to control gaming machines. The Problem Gambling Foundation says some gaming trusts are using money intended for the community to lobby against the bill.
Are Gaming Trusts Misusing money – Radio NZ – Aired yesterday on the National Program with Catherine Ryan’s ‘Nine to Noon’, Catherine chairs a debate on whether gaming trusts are using money meant for the community to oppose a bill which seeks to reform the industry? Kathryn talks to Graeme Ramsay, chief executive of the Problem Gambling Foundation, who has laid a complaint with the Department of Internal Affairs, and Martin Cheer, CEO of Pub Charity Inc. – Audio
Pokie trusts accused of misusing community cash - Pokie charities have been accused of using money meant for community projects to oppose a proposed law change which threatens their survival. A complaint has been lodged with the Department of Internal Affairs asking if gaming trusts were legally entitled to spend money to oppose a bill which seeks to reform the gaming industry. The gaming sector's lobbying has had an effect on senior Cabinet ministers, said Maori Party MP Te Ururoa Flavell, who drafted the bill.
Editorial - Gambling bill on track - Okay, so maybe Maori Party MP Te Ururoa Flavell could have tidied up some of the wording in his Gambling (Gambling Harm Reduction) Amendment Bill. Like the name of it for a start. And his proposal that the amount distributed from the machines be lifted to 80 per cent; which is a tad difficult when the Government takes 37 per cent now and is not likely to reduce that. But the aims of his bill are sound. One of the bill's aims is to delete racing stakes from the list of charitable purposes that may receive funds. What? How many people think racing stakes are a charitable purpose now?
Fears pokie grants will disappear - Sporting clubs and charities fear they will lose thousands in community grants if changes to pokie machine laws go ahead. The Gambling (Gambling Harm Reduction) Amendment Bill has passed its first reading in Parliament and has been referred to the commerce select committee, with public submissions open until June 21.
Loaded June 6th 2012
Charities Commission
in hot water over email - The Charities Commission has found itself in hot water over an
email it sent to charities asking them to oppose anti-gambling legislation
because it could affect their funding. The Gambling Harm Reduction Bill has had
its first reading and submissions are due later this month. But Ruth Dyson,
Labour's Internal Affairs spokeswoman, says it was inappropriate for the
Charities Commission to get involved because it should be independent and
neutral on these issues. (Newsbyte)
Commission intervention in gambling crackdown inappropriate - “Although the information provided in the email is not
written by the Charities Commission, it has circulated it and given a very weak
justification of the reason for doing so. They simply say that many charities
are dependent on gambling funding, so there is a legitimate debate to be held.
Key
trumped on job figures - John Key's optimistic job forecasts for his much-hyped
convention centre in Auckland once again reveal his Government's economic
strategy is based on back-of-the-envelope calculations and the lack of any real
plan, says Labour Leader David Shearer. His comments follow a report showing
the number of jobs created by the initiative could be as low as 318 as outlined
in a feasibility study done for the government.
Should
the Govt's Sky City convention centre deal be reviewed – NZ Herald – This morning’s debate. Job numbers touted by Prime Minister John Key for a proposed
international convention centre at SkyCity are much higher than official
estimates. Should the Govt's Sky City convention centre deal be reviewed? Here
is the latest selection of Your Views from the NZ Herald
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10799983Loaded June 5th 2012
Intervention in gambling crackdown
'inappropriate' - The Charities Commission must
urgently retract an email it sent out to charitable organisations ramping up
opposition to legislation designed to crack down on gambling, says Labour's
Internal Affairs Spokesperson Ruth Dyson. "This is an extraordinary act
from a Government agency which is supposed to be independent”.
MP's
query sees 'all hell' break loose - A major Internal Affairs
investigation is alleged to have been "put on the backburner" after
United Future leader Peter Dunne inquired over a tardy pokie grant for annual
Christmas parades in his electorate. Former TTCF contractor Martin Legge told
the Otago Daily Times he was visited at his Levin home by a senior
Internal Affairs investigator in late 2010, who told him and his wife, Liz,
that "all hell has broken loose" following Mr Dunne's intervention. http://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/211671/mps-query-sees-all-hell-break-loose
Internal affairs to investigate ORFU, pokies - The beleaguered Otago Rugby
Football Union could be liable to pay back millions in pokie grants if its relationship
with three Auckland bars and a gaming trust is proven unlawful. New Zealand
Rugby Union (NZRU) representatives will meet Department of Internal Affairs
(DIA) officials to hand over the file concerning the union's involvement with
pokies.
Determined to
clean up sector
- Martin
Legge tried to clean up the gambling industry from the inside .But now outside
the industry and offside with it too, the Levin-based man's determination to
clean-up the poker machine sector remains the same. Earlier this year he came
out as the whistleblower against The Trusts Charitable Foundation (TTCF), which
had earlier led to an investigation of the pokies trust by the Department of
Internal Affairs (DIA).http://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/211666/determined-clean-sector
Puzzle
of Key's extra casino jobs - Mr Key has said a deal allowing SkyCity more gambling
facilities in exchange for funding the convention centre would provide 900
construction jobs and work for 800 people at the centre. But the figures are
much higher than those in a feasibility study done for the Government by
hospitality and travel specialist analyst Horwath Ltd. The feasibility study
put the number of people who would be hired at between 318 and 479."That's
not the number of employees at the convention centre. That's the number in the
whole economy”, said Horwath director Stephen Hamilton
Gambling claims rejected – The Problem Gambling Foundation has
rubbished Australian research that says gambling is not an addiction. The study
is aimed at changing treatments, because if gambling is a habitual poor choice
rather than a biological disorder, it could be treated with behavioural
therapy.
But
Philip Townshend of Problem Gambling says that approach assumes thinking
precedes behaviour.
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