Media
For all media enquiries, contact david.coom@pgfnz.org.nz, Communications Director , ph (09) 369 0622 or 0274 594 722 .
Click here for current press releases.
Click here for 2007 press releases.
Click here for 2006 press releases.
Click here for 2004 press releases.
Press releases from 2005:
Young and old affected by gambling and fraud [22.12.05]
The combination of gambling and fraud has once again caused despair in Christchurch,” says John Stansfield, CEO of the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF). more
Cost of gambling too high for banks and businesses[09.12.05]
“The costs of a flutter have got too high,” says John Stansfield, CEO of the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF). more
Casino licence suspension strongly supported [10.11.05]
“Suspending the licence of Dunedin Casino for allowing a problem gambler to continue gambling would be a great service to all problem gamblers, and an important lesson to gambling operator,” says John Stansfield, CEO of the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF). more
Gambling industry robs communities of good citizens[26.10.05]
“Trusted employees gambling work funds is an unfortunate but increasingly common situation,” says John Stansfield, CEO of the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF). more
Gambling Act proves purpose in quarterly statistics[10.10.05]
“The Department of Internal Affairs is to be congratulated on regulating the tighter laws around gambling,” says Graham Aitken, National Operations Manager of the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF). more
Pop-ups small step towards eliminating gambling harm [30.9.05]
“The introduction of pop-up messages on pokie machines are a short step in the right direction, but don’t go quite far enough,” says John Stansfield, CEO of the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF). more
Communities lose to publicans under National's gambling policy [15.09.05]
“Local communities will lose power to determine how many pokies in their area under National’s proposed gambling policy,” says John Stansfield, CEO of the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF). more
Pop-ups step towards gambling harm minimisation [01.09.05]
Mandatory pop-up messages on pokies are a step in the right direction but not far enough,” says John Stansfield, CEO of the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF). more
Green's gambling policy congratulated [01.09.05]
“The Green Party is to be congratulated on its progressive gambling policy,” says John Stansfield, CEO for the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF). more
Christchurch concerned on Gamble Free Day [31.08.05]
The first ever Gamble-Free Day is being supported by three Christchurch services, the Problem Gambling Foundation, the Salvation Army Oasis Counselling Centre and Familial Trust to highlight the impacts of gambling on our community. more
Department's stand on illegal casinos congratulated [31.08.05]
“The Department of Internal Affairs should be congratulated for eradicating an exploitative illegal casino,” says John Stansfield, CEO of the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand. more
Hoki at pokies feeds problem gambling [25.08.05]
The mixing of a cheap meal of fish and chips with pokie losses at the Casino is outrageous,” says John Stansfield, CEO of the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF). more
Wellington marks Gamble-Free Day under The Canopies [19.08.05]
"The first ever national Gamble-Free Day will address problem gambling in New Zealand with a number of events in Wellington," says Adrianne Transom, Wellington Regional Manager for the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF). more
Pokie trusts scare-mongering community organisations [16.08.05]
"It is very disappointing to find that worthy charities are being scare-mongered into believing that funding grants are drying up," says Richard Northey, Chair of the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF). more
International experts at problem gambling community conference[18.07.05]
"A gourmet recipe to eliminate gambling harm will be presented at the 2005 International Conference on Problem Gambling - Living with Gambling - A Global Community Response,' says John Stansfield, CEO of the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF). more
Gambling a reason for community concern at conference [18.07.05]
"Problem gambling is having major negative effects on our communities, and is pointing to an increase of crime," says John Stansfield, CEO of the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF). more
Problem gambling conference encourages community presence [18.07.05]
"Communities are set to shed some light on how the gambling industry is impacting their lives at the 2005 International Conference on Problem Gambling - Living with Gambling - A Global Community Response," says John Stansfield, CEO of the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF). more
West Coast robbed by pokies [12.07.05]
“Coasters and their communities have been robbed of over $13.9 million in the last year by pokie machines,” says Ian Newcombe, West Coast counsellor for the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF). more
Government congratulated on community-based projects fund [05.07.05]
The Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF) congratulates the Government on its establishment of a Significant Community-Based Projects Fund. "Such a fund will help reduce the community reliance on pokie trusts," says John Stansfield, CEO of PGF. more
Gambling needn't be a problem for businesses[21.06.05]
"The link between white collar crime and gambling is increasingly evident and wreaking havoc for New Zealand companies and communities alike," says Mark Vivian, South Island Regional Manager for the Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF). more
In-line gambling taxes a good idea[20.06.05]
The Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand supports in principle the proposal of bringing the racing tax in line with casino tax. more
Increased violence in gambling-related crime[17.06.05]
"Gambling-related crime has become more violent and involves greater amounts of money," says John Stansfield, CEO of the Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF). more
Crime and gambling creates headstone[15.06.05]
"The fraud and forgery by a Hamilton funeral director for his gambling problems is another headstone for society's gambling problems," says John Stansfield, CEO of the Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF). more
Community groups win over site rentals [08.06.05]
"The Department of Internal Affairs should be congratulated for putting the interests of community groups before those of greedy publicans," says John Stansfield, CEO of the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF). more
Gambling-related crime still on the increase [08.06.05]
"The amount of gambling-related crime has not decreased," says Ann McMurray, Auckland Regional Manager for the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF). more
Outstanding attendance at training to address youth gambling [01.06.05]
The Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF) has applauded the Manawatu community for its record turnout at the recent training session to address gambling harm amongst its young people. more
Smokefree Legislation helps Problem Gamblers [20.05.05]
“Smoke-free legislation that assists smokers and gamblers should be applauded rather than knocked,” says John Stansfield, CEO of the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF) and Becky Freeman, Director of Action on Smoking and Health of New Zealand (ASH).more
New problem gambling regulations supported [31.03.05]
"We are very excited about the impact of Regulations 5 and 11 on problem gambling, and support all regulations to minimise gambling harm," says John Stansfield, CEO of the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF). more
Trusts cry crocodile tears over smoke-free profits[23.03.05]
The Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand is outraged that pokie trusts are scare-mongering community groups into thinking smoke-free legislation is bad for communities. more
PGF's new dawn [23.03.05]
The concrete jungle of Newmarket will awake to the sound of 100 feet stomping to the dawn Blessing of the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand's new building on Wednesday 30th March. more
Canadian problem gambling expert at PGF Hui [23.03.05]
Canadian expert, Roger Horbay, is set to visit New Zealand on 29th March to share his knowledge about gambling technology with the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand at their national Hui. more
International problem gambling expert to attend PGF Hui [23.03.05]
Tracey Schrans, international expert on host responsibility and problem gambling, will share her knowledge and experience with the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand at their national Hui on 29th March. more
Unsafe pokies risk children’s welfare [21.03.05]
“Children’s welfare cannot come second to the gambling industry,” says John Stansfield, CEO of the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF).“It is disturbing how quickly pokie machines can corrupt New Zealanders into forgetting their children,” says Mr Stansfield. more
Pop-up messages could have saved child's distress[11.03.05]
"Pop-up messages on pokie machines could have saved a child from being left in a car in a distressed state," says John Stansfield, CEO of the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF). more
Ministry's problem gambling strategy congratulated[04.03.05]
The Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF) congratulates the Ministry of Health for its 2005 strategic plan for the prevention and minimisation of gambling harm. more
Money laundering and problem gambling [03.03.05]
Gambling-related crime is wreaking havoc on our society," says Mark Vivian, South Island Regional Manager for the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF). more
Lotteries' technology perpetuates problem gambling[22.02.05]
The Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand is deeply concerned about the Lotteries Commission's announcement to make Lotto products available online and via mobile phones. more
Fewer gambling venues, more problem gambling?[27.01.05]
The Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand is encouraged by quarterly statistics that the Department of Internal Affairs released today. more
Gambling-related crimes not uncommon [13.01.05]
"The conviction of an Invercargill man for 28 gambling-related crimes is an unfortunate but all too common occurrence," says Mark Vivian, South Island Regional Manager for the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF). more
Click here to return to current press releases.
Click here for 2007 press releases
Click here for 2006 press releases
Click here for 2004 press releases.
Published articles
The rush of youth gambling
New Zealand studies show that high school students are not perturbed from gambling in casinos or at the local TAB. Age limits and legality are of little concern, with a staggering 54% having used pokie machines in pubs, bars, restaurants and other venues. more ...
The face of Chinese migrants' gambling: A perspective from New Zealand
This article is written from the viewpoint and experiences of two counselors who are community development workers and researchers working in the field of Asian social services for people with gambling problems in New Zealand. more
