Mayor uses casting vote on pokies issue

Mayor Peter Tennent yesterday used his casting vote to break a deadlock on what New Plymouth's policy on gambling machine numbers should be.

Last month the New Plymouth District Council's policy committee recommended a sinking lid policy should be presented to the public for consultation. That would inevitably have meant a reduction in the number of machines in the district.

Last night the full council decided otherwise.

Phil Quinney moved the council overturn the policy committee's decision.

"This has no regard to any other forms of gambling. There are no controls on online gambling, a major scourge in our society."

He also pointed out that Lotto outlets and other forms of gambling were not subjected to "nanny-State legislation", as was proposed.

Heather Dodunski urged councillors to hold their debate until the submissions were heard.

She later took issue with the mayor using his casting vote, saying standing orders meant the mayor should have gone with the status quo, which she interpreted as being the recommendation before the council.

"I'm disappointed, with the decision and the way it was made," she said after the meeting.

Mr Tennent rejected that, saying his vote was used properly and endorsed the current policy of the council.

By law, the council has to review its gambling policy every three years, but now it will ask the public for its views on the existing policy.

If the recommendation is approved after a public hearing in late April, the policy will continue to allow for up to nine gaming machines per new venue, or up to 18 machines if two licensed venues legally and physically merge.

People can make submissions on the proposal from March 11 to April 9, with feedback forms available through all council offices and libraries. Submissions can also be made online through www.newplymouthnz.com.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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