New Zealand’s Health Ministry has announced plans to launch a new gambling harm prevention strategy, a project which will cost around $76 million.
The five-pronged project will cover areas such as:
– Supporting training pathways to boost skills and diversity of a workforce
– Expanding digital services.
– Focusing on younger consumers and those in communities deemed ‘vulnerable’.
– Creating a ‘de-stigmatization initiative’ which would encourage people to seek help if they have gambling problems.
The latest statistics show that one fifth of New Zealanders have experienced gambling harm (directly or indirectly).
Identifying gambling as a “significant and economic issue” in the country, New Zealand’s Labour government is keen to tackle any potential problems.
“The new funding and strategy aligns our gambling harm prevention and minimisation efforts with the reforms to the health and disability system and the new mental health system we’re building,” said the Health Minister, Andrew Little.
Responsibility of Three Government Agencies
Three government entities will be responsible for implementing the new plan: The Department of Internal Affairs, the Te Hiringa Hauora/Health Promotion Agency and the Ministry of Health.
“The Strategy to Prevent and Minimise Gambling Harm was developed following public consultation in late 2021 and will ensure that services are co-designed with people with lived experience of gambling harm, service providers, community groups and industry bodies,” said Internal Affairs Minister, Jan Tinetti.