Positive thoughts for Christchurch
21 March, 2011
News Update!
We have been happy to hear from Christchurch supporters who are doing okay after the February 22 earthquake. Best wishes to anyone affected by this event! In the meantime, news and updates from People Before Pokies may be irregular. We'll be back soon!
More youth seeking help for problem gambling
10 February, 2011
News Blog Update!
The media was abuzz last week with the realization that youth gambling problems are increasing. The new statistics were published in articles on Scoop, Stuff, and NewstalkZB.
Youth gambling has been a particular concern with the increasing numbers of online gambling activity-- but over half of youth seeking help reported a problem with pokies.
Our communities deserve a say in where pokie machines are located and how many there are!
Wrong focus to charity funding reform
9 February, 2011
News Blog Update!
An article in the Press last Friday mentioned the People Before Pokies bill. Unfortunately, the author didn't seem to understand that several of the problems she brought up were problems that People Before Pokies seeks to fix. In fact, the author seems more concerned about reforming charities themselves than about reforming pokie trusts. We're working on a response. In the meantime, can we get fifteen comments on this article by noon tomorrow?
Contact your MP!
8 February, 2011
How You Can Help Update!
Supporters started sending postcards to their MPs on Waitangi Day. It was great to see people so excite to voice their support to their MP!
If you check the "How You Can Help" section of this site, you can find an updated list of MPs who need to hear from us the most, complete with a pre-composed message to them. It doesn't evn matter if they're not from your electorate. These are MPs that have said that they are concerned about pokies, but who haven't committed their support yet. We need to remind them how important People Before Pokies is!
MPs who need to hear from you most include Nick Smith, Jackie Blue, Paula Bennett, Nikki Kaye, Peseta Sam Lotu-liga, Hekia Parata, Chester Burrows, Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, Nicky Wagner, Tau Henare, Bill English, Todd McClay, and Cam Calder. Use our pre-composed message at "How You Can Help" or write your own.
Contact them today!
Pokies accessibility
2 February, 2011
Blog Update!
Take a look at our new graphic. In wealthy areas the ratio of people to pokies is 1:465. In poorer areas, the ratio of people to pokies is 1:75. Why are pokies concentrated in the communities that can least afford them?
Two new articles from the weekend
1 February, 2011
News Blog update!
Two new articles from the weekend have been posted to the blog. Find one about a serious gambling motivated theft, and one about rapper Scribe, who comes clean about his addictions.
New Ways to Reach Out!
31 January, 2011
How You Can Help update!
Now you can download a lovely People Before Pokies Info Sheet or Postcard to help spread the word and show your support for People Before Pokies! Click the links above or find them under "How You Can Help."
ALSO: People Before Pokies now has a Facebook page! "Like" it, and tell your friends to do the same!
People Before Pokies sentiment in Nelson
19 January, 2011
News Blog update!
An article in yesterday's Nelson Mail reported that 84% of Nelson households support councils having more powers to control the location and number of pokie machines in their electorate. Read more about it at the News Blog.
People Before Pokies new website launches!
18 January, 2011
The launch of the "People Before Pokies" issues.co.nz site has begun! Using this site, you can keep up to date with news surroundign People Before Pokies. Plus, you'll be able to access our resources, such as People Before Pokies postcards or submissions templates. Watch this space!