9 July 2007
Gambling Helpline appoints kaumatua

Gambling Helpline has appointed a kaumatua, Mereana Peka, as part of its ongoing efforts to address problem gambling among Maori.

Research shows that Maori are disproportionately affected by problem gambling, being four times more likely than the rest of the population to suffer gambling harm. In 2006, 30 per cent of new gamblers to the Gambling Helpline identified themselves as Maori, which is the highest since Gambling Helpline began operating eight years ago.

Mereana is currently a Maori leader advisor for Counties Manukau Police, kaumatua for Inland Revenue in Manukau, on the management team for Project Walkthrough, and chairperson of the Turehou Maori wardens in Manukau.

The appointment, which will see Mereana providing cultural and professional support to the organisation, is part of Gambling Helpline’s strategy to help battle the effects of problem gambling within the Maori community.

Gambling Helpline chief executive, Krista Ferguson, said she is delighted to have Mereana as the Gambling Helpline’s first kaumatua, because of Mereana’s connections to the Maori community and her extensive experience and social services work.

“Mereana brings deep connections into and greater understandings of the Maori community including tikanga and te reo skills to the Gambling Helpline. She has been involved in community work for more than 35 years, with first hand experience in Maori communities where problem gambling has had serious personal and financial effects,” said Ms Ferguson.

Ms Ferguson said Mereana’s role is an important part of continuing to improve the services and support available to problem gamblers and _to Maori and their affected others.

In 2003 the Gambling Helpline established the Maori Gambling Helpline - which is staffed by Maori - to listen to and support Maori people and their friends and whanau in dealing with the effects of problem gambling.

Mereana regards her new role at the Gambling Helpline as an opportunity to work with Maori to help them take ownership of problem gambling in Maori communities and reverse a trend she describes as alarming.

“We have to take responsibility for our actions and support individuals and communities who have gone through problem gambling and have been left with nothing – their families have been split up, they have no money and no self-esteem, and often they end up in prison.

“It is really hard to see all of this and not be able to help them. I’m prepared to put my hand up and take ownership in this new role,” she said.

Mereana became a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2002 for services to the community.

The Maori Gambling Helpline has four staff operating on Wednesday from 5pm to 9pm and Saturday from 8pm to 12pm.

If you are worried about your own gambling or that of someone close to you call the Maori Gambling Helpline 0800 654 656 or alternatively contact the main Gambling Helpline 0800 654 655 any day of the week.

ENDS

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