Presbyterian Church Protests Pokies
The Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand has expressed its outrage to the Government about the impact poker
machines are having on individuals, families and communities. In a letter to George Hawkins, Minister of Internal
Affairs, the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church, Rt Rev Michael Thawley, also wrote of the concern the Church has at
the level of funding community groups receive from gambling.
"Our Church is concerned that the proliferation of poker machines is having a severe effect on the lives of children and
families throughout the country", said Mr Thawley. "We are keen to see these effects minimised through the Government
taking action over poker machines and other forms of gambling."
One area of particular concern for the Church is that many community groups are being forced to rely increasingly on
gambling money for funding. "We would prefer that the provision of vital social and community services was not dependent
for their operation on income from gambling. The Government could do more to prevent this occurring," Mr Thawley said.
"The Church does not accept the argument that the financial contributions poker machines make to community activities
justify their existence."
Research has shown that after direct government funding and donations from individuals, money from gaming machine trusts
and the Lottery Board constituent the third largest source of funding for not-for-profit sector organizations.
Mr Thawley said that the Church welcomes the Responsible Gambling Bill, which should curtail the spread of gambling
outlets and give local communities some say in their location.
Mr Thawley wrote to the Minister following strong resolutions on gambling at the recent General Assembly of the
Presbyterian Church of Aoteraroa New Zealand.