MEDIA RELEASE

18 October 2001

Gaming Decisions Rest With Community - ‘Where They Belong’

Local Government New Zealand congratulates the Government for taking account of the community’s desire to be consulted and have a say in decisions about the location of casinos and gaming machines in our cities and districts.

The review’s findings include recognition that community groups should take part in casino re-licensing hearings and that they, the communities themselves, have the power of veto on the introduction of new gaming machines if they wish.

Local Government New Zealand says that the decision about gaming machines is very much one that local communities should make – rather than having decisions imposed from a central agency.

Local Government New Zealand is unclear, however, as to how the transitional process will work, in particular the suggestion that councils have a “retrospective veto”. This is something that still has to be worked through.

Local Government New Zealand says it loosk forward to working with the government on the development of appropriate community based mechanisms for regulating the location and spread of machines, and ensuring that the gaming industry reflects rather than dictates community desires.

Contact person:
Mike Reid
Strategy Leader, Governance
025 240 6787

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