Alliance Party media release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday 19 July 2007

Alliance launches campaign against “pokie” machines in West Auckland

The Alliance Party is to back up its stance against “pokie” machines in Waitakere City where there is a high number of victims of this addictive form of gambling.

Alliance Auckland chairperson Robert van Ruyssevelt says the Alliance wants to return the licensing trust to its core business of sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages in a responsible way that meets the needs of local people.

He says the Alliance wants to remove “pokie” machines from all premises owned or operated by the trust as soon as possible.

The Alliance has called a public meeting on the issue at the Kelston Community Centre, corner Great North Road and Awaroa Road at 2.00pm Saturday 28 July 2007.

Mr van Ruyssevelt says the meeting will invite candidates for the licensing trusts to pledge support for this aim, and says they will be welcome to state their views on this important question.

He says the Alliance will, if necessary, nominate members to stand in areas where such support is not forthcoming.

At the meeting, the CEO of the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand John Stansfield (who is not associated with the political campaign) will outline the nature of the problems associated with “pokies” especially in West Auckland.

Mr van Ruyssevelt says many social agencies and individuals will know of gamblers, and their families and friends, affected by the blight of "pokie" addiction.

"Many will welcome the opportunity to take action."

ENDS

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