Nelson man Darci Goldsworthy has been selected as a finalist in a national rap competition aimed at preventing gambling harm.

Goldsworthy, who was involved in the campaign against pokies in Victory, entered the Scribe With Us competition because of his concern about pokies and also because of his love of rap.

Hundreds of people from throughout the country entered the Scribe With Us competition, which is run by Choice Not Chance and supported by rapper Scribe, who has faced his own struggle with pokies.

Scribe selected the six rap finalists and helped them record their entries at a recording workshop in Wellington.

A winner will be chosen by online public votes. To vote visit scribewithus.org.nz

Goldsworthy will perform at the Choice not Chance - The Nelson Experience community event on Saturday.

Goldsworthy said his involvement with the Victory campaign made him realise that pokies could destroy individuals and communities.

“Kids aren't fed, they go to school hungry, grow up feeling angry and end up in jail.”

His own father died when he was 14-years-old and Goldsworthy said he started listening to rappers who were interested in social change.

“I'm interested in rap that makes a difference.”

Choice Not Chance campaign manager Hannah Booth says one of the main goals of the competition, which also includes song, poetry and story sections, is to encourage people to seek help early for harmful gambling.

Saturday's event will include dance and music and Scribe will attend between 10am and 1.30pm.

- © Fairfax NZ News