Victory for the little guys says Maori Party MP

Maori Party MP for Te Tai Tonga Rahui Kātene congratulates the Victory community for their achievements, following the recent declaration by the High Court to review the amendments made to Nelson City Council’s gambling policy.

“Victory is a community in my electorate that is already over-targeted by various social vultures. This decision will put a stop to those who wish to take away what little money is left to whānau and deprive them of all hope and ability to improve their lives.” said Mrs Kātene.

“Victory’s reputation of being one of New Zealand’s most outstanding communities is being upheld thanks to the hard work of locals” adds Mrs Katene. “The community’s efforts are a testament to the building opposition towards the placement of pokie machines in small communities”.

“Consultation with the community was obviously ignored. The bar at the centre of this case cannot justify the use of these machines especially in its location – next to a kindergarten and opposite a playground.”

“Gambling damages whānau and communities, which is why the Maori Party through a private member’s bill sponsored by my colleague, Te Ururoa Flavell, wants to reduce the harm caused by problem gambling through decreasing the number of pokie machines, and providing for more community input into the placement of machines.”