Moving closer to gambling harm service in Tairāwhiti

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Tairāwhiti’s five-year wait for a gambling harm service could finally be about to end under a national procurement strategy.

The district has not had a government-funded problem gambling service since September 2018 when former provider Te Ara Tika Trust relinquished its “unsustainable” contract with the Ministry of Health.

New funding was supposed to result in a gambling harm reduction service returning to Tairāwhiti after the Government launched its $76 million Strategy to Prevent and Minimise Gambling Harm in July last year.

It was also to provide “support for vulnerable communities”, including Māori, Pacific and Asian.

However, procurement had proven difficult.

“Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand recognises harm from gambling is a significant public health issue for our communities, and to individuals and whānau,” Te Whatu Ora Interim addictions Director Peter Carter said yesterday.

“We’re committed to meeting the needs of people affected by harmful gambling and reducing gambling harm-related health inequities to ensure that anyone who needs support gets it — regardless of age or location.

“Procurement is under way to contract services to prevent and minimise gambling harm across Aotearoa New Zealand, and we hope to have an announcement in the coming months regarding services covering the Tairāwhiti area.

“This procurement will improve access to a range of more targeted, culturally responsive services and support, developed in collaboration with affected communities and people with lived experience of gambling harm.

“We also remain focused on growing our workforce and rolling out public health initiatives to increase awareness and engagement with those at risk.”

Over the first six months of the year, government data shows gamblers here lost $6.39m to pokie machines.

Last year, gambling losses across the region hit an all-time high of $12.84m.

Anyone with concerns about their gambling behaviour can seek advice through the Gambling Helpline website, or by calling 0800-654-655 anytime (24/7, freephone), or by texting on 8006 (free of charge).