Gisborne's chance to speak out about pokies

Monday, 12 December 2011

In the Editorial featured in the Gisborne Herald on Saturday December 10th, Jeremy Muir writes about pokies - the 'social evil' that creates misery in many homes...

The three-yearly review of Gisborne District Council’s gambling venue policy is a chance for the community to speak out against a social evil that costs it nearly $10 million a year and creates misery in many homes.

The council has agreed to keep its sinking lid policy that has seen the number of machines fall from 272 machines in March, 2004 to the present figure of 210.

However, it has proposed that pokie machines may be relocated — with conditions that they do not exceed nine machines, and venues can only be in a commercial area.

That won’t be enough for some. The Tairawhiti District Health Board wants pokie numbers reduced to nine at all clubs, and no alcohol sold at gaming venues.

This has some potential. All but one of the 14 local premises sell alcohol, and the council has the power to govern opening hours for licensed premises.

The council’s environment and policy committee was told the spend in Gisborne (there is also one venue at Ruatoria) reached $10.4m for the year ended September 2008, decreased over the next two years, then climbed again to $9.9m this year.

That is amazing in a community with a high percentage of beneficiaries and people on low incomes. Sadly, people addicted to pokies tend to come from this group.

The proposed changes now go out for public submission, with a closing date of February 13.

Realistically, Gisborne is not going to ban the machines. But chipping away with actions like restricting the hours premises can operate has real possibilities.

Gisborne, this is your chance to speak out. Don’t waste it.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

A statement of proposal containing full information on the proposed policy will be available
from Friday 23 December 2011, until 4pm Monday 13 February 2012. Copies can be inspected or obtained from:

• The Gisborne District Council, Fitzherbert Street building
• Te Puia Springs Service Centre
• HB Williams Memorial Library
• Online from www.gdc.govt.nz

HOW TO HAVE YOUR SAY?

Submissions must be in writing and contain:
• A heading for the policy that is being submitted on.
• The submitter’s name, address and contact phone number.

Submissions on the proposed policy can be made by:
• Sending a written submission to Have Your Say Gambling Policy, Gisborne District Council,
P O Box 747, Gisborne.

• Faxing a written submission to (06) 867 8076.

• Delivering a written submission to the front counter at the Gisborne District Council,
Fitzherbert Street building or Te Puia Springs Service Centre.

• Emailing a submission to service@gdc.govt.nz.

Submissions close 4pm on Monday 13 February 2012.