Pokies not council problem

BY NICHOLAS BOYACK

Hutt city councillors have been urged not to let self-interest influence decisions on pokie machines.

Last week we reported that the strategy and policy committee had rejected an officer's proposal that would have reduced the number of pokie machines in Lower Hutt.

The committee rejected research that found there are serious problems with pokie machines in lower socio-economic areas such as Taita, Naenae and Wainuiomata.

During discussion on the draft annual plan last week, Councillor Barbara Branch said the council could not ignore damage that gambling on pokies causes. She questioned whether the amount of money the council receives from pokie trusts had influenced the decision not to support a reduction in machines.

"This makes me feel really, really uncomfortable. I understand this is a great money-making thing for the council, and we need the money, but in some areas gaming machines are a real problem."

She accused her colleagues of "flummery" and said the harm pokie machines cause is an important issue.

"Why are we saying it is alright to have 500 machines (in Lower Hutt). There must be some other way we can find to make money rather than from poor little beggars in the outbacks of Stokes Valley or Naenae."

The gaming trusts, she claimed, are only interested in funding sport and other community activities miss out.

Mayor David Ogden said the number of machines is not the problem and it is not a council issue.

"If there were only two machines in the Hutt Valley, people who are addicted would find them."

Councillor Margaret Cousins, who had warned the committee that it had to be careful about reducing the number of machines as the council receives funding from pokie trusts, disagreed with Mrs Branch.

"I am really, really concerned with the suggestion that the council takes money from these; clearly it does not."

Councillor Ray Wallace said he did not favour the council taking a position on the issue prior to consultation.

Otherwise the public could argue the council does not have an open mind and that the consultation is meaningless.

The council agreed to consult on the status quo. Mrs Branch and Mr Wallace voted against.

Council business unit Leisure Active and the Sports House on Hutt Park have received significant financial support from pokie trusts. Organisations the council is involved with that receive money are numerous and include Mitchell Park Tennis. The council is hoping to get funding for the Walter Nash Stadium upgrade from trusts.

- Hutt News