TAIRĀWHITI continues to have no dedicated government-funded problem gambling service despite proceeds from gaming machines here reaching a record $12.84 million last year.
Proceeds from pokies were up $1.48m, or 13.1 percent on the previous year, data from Department of International Affairs shows.
That was boosted by $3.9m from the last three months of the year — a 63 percent rise on the same period in 2021.
The 2022 losses were made across 11 venues, three fewer than the previous year.
Despite this increase, Tairāwhiti 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 $76m 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, Te Whatu Ora interim director of addiction Peter Carter told The Gisborne Herald there had been “challenges” trying to recruit people to staff the service.
“Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand recognises harm from gambling is a significant public health issue for our communities and to individuals and whānau,” he said. “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.
“Due to workforce shortages, there are currently challenges sourcing clinical staff specifically for gambling harm services in Tairāwhiti.
“Work is actively under way at national and local levels to contract services (including at a local level) to prevent and minimise gambling harm across Aotearoa New Zealand.
“This includes growing our workforce, improving 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 — and public health initiatives to increase awareness and engagement with those at risk.
“It’s important to note that change on this scale takes time but since 2019 there are already new and enhanced mental health and addiction services in every district of New Zealand, such as online supports and telehealth services.”
A Ministry of Health spokesperson said subsequent to the introduction of the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022, the success of the Strategy to Prevent and Minimise Gambling Harm was now a shared responsibility across health entities — the Ministry of Health (Manatū Hauora), Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand and Te Aka Whai Ora - Māori Health Authority.
“The ministry maintains responsibility for monitoring progress, as well as delivery of some elements within the strategy, such as research.”
Te Whatu Ora and Te Aka Whai Ora are responsible for commissioning services.
“While it is too early to say if the strategy as a whole has been successful, the ministry and the other health entities are working on the actions outlined in the strategy while monitoring progress at the service and system level.
“Monitoring progress includes considering feedback from our communities, service providers and expert advisory and lived-experience groups, and through analysing data and evidence, including research, evaluation and service data.
“The work in the strategy is not limited to the commissioning of services. The ministry, with the support of the other health entities, also has an important role in providing advice to support healthy policies that prevent and minimise gambling harm.”
■ People with concerns about their gambling behaviour can seek advice through the Gambling Helpline website, or by calling 0800 654 655 anytime (24/7, free-phone), or by texting on 8006 (free of charge).
