Council's pokie vote a close one

The Nelson City Council almost voted down the change to its gambling policy that has allowed the application for poker machines in the Brewers Bar at Victory Square to be approved.

Council records show that following a discussion of the importance of the council's role in promoting community wellbeing, councillor Denise Henigan put forward a motion that would have preserved the status quo, keeping poker machines away from schools and playgrounds. Deputy Mayor Rachel Reese seconded her. Councillor Ian Barker called for a division and the vote was 5-5.

For: councillors Henigan, Reese, Derek Shaw, Graeme Thomas and Mayor Kerry Marshall. Against: councillors Barker, Ali Boswijk, Gail Collingwood, Mark Holmes and Alison McAlpine. Abstention: Aldo Miccio. Absent: Pete Rainey and Mike Cotton.

With the vote tied and the resolution lost, Mr Barker then moved the recommendation from the gambling policy hearing panel that changed the proximity rule. He was seconded by Mrs Collingwood and the motion was carried. The vote was not recorded.

- © Fairfax NZ News