5 Jun 2010

Bid to get more local control over gambling machines

10:28 am on 5 June 2010

Waiariki MP Te Ururoa Flavell is to try to introduce a bill giving communities more control over where gambling machines are installed.

Waatea News reports the Gambling Harm Reduction Bill would also require machine operators to use technology such as player tracking devices and pre-commit cards.

Mr Flavell says the Maori Party is sick of the damage pokie machines are doing to whanau and Maori communities.

"If we're do-gooders and save families from destruction and partnerships from breaking up and children from crying when they go to school, then so be it," he said.