Pokies Manukau
Fierce debate over pokie machines could erupt around the Auckland Council table.
The council has developed a draft 'sinking lid' policy to reduce the number of pokie machines that many community groups rely on for funding.
A specified number of machines is permitted across the city and that tally would drop every time a venue closed down if the plan goes through.
But southern representatives are torn on how to approach the issue which the council is seeking public feedback on.
Councillor Calum Penrose represents Manurewa-Papakura and supports a sinking lid but has concerns about how funding for community groups could be affected.
'Everybody is always ringing me, whether it's sports clubs, highland dancing or ballet, looking for grants.'
Thirty-seven per cent of the money put through the machines goes to community groups, with the rest going to other organisations, including the Government.
Getting rid of the machines altogether won't work, Mr Penrose says.
'If we end up cutting the lifeblood off, who's going to fund those clubs that do good things in our communities?
'The council's got no money - it's dried up.'
He's also worried a black market could develop if pokies are banned.
Manukau councillor Arthur Anae says he'd find it difficult to support the proposal, even though he's against gambling.
It's vital to find alternative funding for community groups before any major changes are made, he says.
'Until someone comes up with a scheme to find financing for those groups, you're playing with fire if you get rid of them altogether.
'There's a group of people jumping up and down about it [gambling on pokies] and rightfully so but they haven't come up with a solution for the problem.'
Fellow Manukau councillor Alf Filipaina says it's essential people have their say on the issue to help the council make a decision.
'We know how much harm gambling does. It's massive in our communities out south. For me the sinking lid is what we pushed in Manukau city and now here.
'I'm saying to the community 'you have to tell us what other ways we can do it. What other options do we have'?'
Maori Party MP Te Ururoa Flavell's Gambling (Harm Reduction) Bill could also change the council's policy.
It would allow councils throughout the country to control where pokie machines are located and distribute profits to local groups.
It was supported by all political parties except NZ First on its first reading in Parliament.
A report on the bill is due in March before Parliament considers it further.
Go to aucklandcouncil. govt.nz/haveyoursay to get a full statement of the council's proposal or to make a submission. The proposals and submission forms can also be obtained from Auckland Libraries, service centres and local board offices, or by phoning council's customer service centre on 301 0101.
Pokies Manukau On The Beach
Manukau Courier
Pokies Open Now Manukau
most popular
Pokies Manukau Pictures
New Zealand specialists in sales of refurbished pokie gaming machines for private recreational use. Tactics Sports Bar is a popular sports bar and pokies gaming lounge in South Auckland offering the latest entertainment and a wide range of drinks and eats. The bar is located at 13, Aviemore Drive, Highland Park in the Manukau area of Auckland in New Zealand. Oct 12, 2020 New figures released by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) show south Auckland had both the largest number of machines and the highest pokie expenditure for the three months to June 30.