...Press Release...

March 22, 2007

Community Events to Mark the Launch of Problem Gambling Campaign

The Problem Gambling Foundation will join communities around the country tomorrow in a series of events to mark the launch of a campaign to prevent and minimise gambling harm.

The events precede a national campaign which kicks off this Sunday (25 March) with a 30-second television advertisement which encourages New Zealanders to think about problem gambling, who it affects, and the impact it has on communities

Tomorrows community activities will also be a celebration of community action taken in recent months by communities that have decided they need to something about problem gambling.

John Stansfield, CEO of the Problem Gambling Foundation says that people around the country are becoming increasingly proactive in trying to protect their communities from the damage done by gambling.

"In Christchurch over 2000 people got involved in a Council review process to prevent a return to open slather by pokie trusts," he said.

"In Otara the local gambling action group stopped the illegal sale of toy pokie machines. The same group mounted a picket against a Manurewa pokie bar to highlight the amount of money it sucked out of the community and handed over to South Island racing."

Mr. Stansfield says he is confident that a combination of community action and government legislation will eventually eliminate the harm caused by pokies.

Christchurch
The campaign will be launched by the Hon Ruth Dyson at the Christchurch Town Hall at 1 pm. Sponsors of the launch event include NZCOSS, He Oranga Pounamu, Gambling Helpline and the Salvation Army.

Local dignitaries, community organisations and problem gambling treatment providers will be present to hear details of the campaign and watch a preview of the advertising campaign.

Wellington
People passing through Manners Mall between 11-30 am and 2 pm will be entertained with drumming and free food. Pamphlets about gambling will be distributed.
Local politicians will speak on problem gambling.

Palmerston North
PGF and Whakapai Hauora will have a stall in the Plaza where they will show videos and give out information on problem gambling.

Hamilton
A range of community organisations and problem gambling service providers will hold a display in Garden Place at lunchtime (12 noon - 2 pm).

South Auckland
The 'Rise Up' concert at the Otara Town Centre will be both a celebration of the growing awareness about problem gambling in South Auckland and an opportunity to highlight that it affects everyone, our families, our neighbours, and workplaces.

The concert will feature a number of popular entertainers including musicians, a kapa haka performance, hip hop dancers and comedians. Children's activities including a bouncy castle face painting and a sausage sizzle will ensure it is a family event.

A number of local and national politicians will discuss gambling harm in the community.

A range of community organisations will have displays and stalls.

The concert runs from 11 am to 2 pm.

Auckland
A Korean cultural performance will open the PGF Asian services team celebration of the beginning of the campaign.

Support for PGF's work on problem gambling from Asian community leaders and media will be recognised by the presentation of community awards.

The Asian services team will do a presentation on their work with the Asian community in Auckland.

The social marketing campaign will be discussed and the television ads viewed.

A panel of politicians will discuss how problem gambling affects Asians.

Whangarei
Shoppers in Whangarei will be offered a free sausage and the chance to have a chat about how gambling affects their community - and what they can do to make a difference, at lunchtime on Friday.

An information stall will display resources on how to identify problem gambling and how to get free help.

Ends

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