Northlanders spend $7.4m on pokies in first quarter alone - at $82,000 a day

Northlanders spent $7.4 million on pokie machines in the first quarter of this year, or just over $82,000 a day, as a significant investment to prevent and minimise harm caused by gambling is announced.

Figures from the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) show Northlanders sank $82,222 a day on Class 4 gaming machines in the first quarter, compared with $7.9m, or $87,777 daily, in the December quarter.

A staggering $36m was spent on pokie machines in Northland last year compared with $32.7m the year before.

Societies that give grants from pokie machine profits in Northland include the Oxford Sports Trust, Four Winds Foundation, Grassroots Trust, Pub Charity, Rano Community Trust, The Lion Foundation, Pelorus Trust, Trillian Trust, Bluesky Community Trust, Grassroots Trust and Kaiwaka Sports Association.

The Government is investing $76m into a new Strategy to Prevent and Minimise Gambling Harm nationwide that will include education initiatives to reduce harm to young people, and better support given to vulnerable communities including Māori, Pasifika and Asians.

"Gambling harm is a serious public health issue and can have a devastating effect on the wellbeing of individuals, whānau and communities. One in five New Zealanders will experience gambling harm in their lives, or know someone close who does," Health Minister Andrew Little said.

The strategy will also include new and expanded digital services and supports, and a de-stigmatisation initiative to help change the conversation around gambling harm and encourage people to seek help.

Whangārei-based Ngā Manga Puriri, specialists in problem gambling and addiction services in Northland, is supportive of the Government's strategy towards combating the problem.

Practice lead Cordelia Waetford said since there were a lot of barriers preventing gamblers from accessing treatment, strategies brought hope for initiatives such as korero around gambling harm.

"We know pokies are the most harmful form of gambling, and funding is necessary for us to continue our work in reaching marginalised and targeted groups that are the most vulnerable."

Source: By Imran Ali for NZ Herald

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Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2026

By Chala Chase • September 1, 2026

Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2026 Starting the Kōrero, Strengthening Whānau This Gambling Harm Awareness Week, Ngā Manga Pūriri is encouraging whānau and communities across Te Tai Tokerau to start conversations about gambling harm and its changing face. Gambling is no longer limited to casinos, pokies or the TAB. Today, gambling and gambling-like experiences can be carried in our pockets — through phones, online betting, apps, games and digital platforms. For rangatahi in particular, the lines between gaming, gambling and online spending can increasingly become blurred. Gambling harm can affect the whole whānau Gambling harm isn't only about how much money someone loses. It can affect relationships, whānau finances, mental and emotional wellbeing, employment, connection and the overall hauora of a person and their whānau. Sometimes the signs are obvious. Other times they can be difficult to recognise. A person may be spending more time or money gambling than they intended, hiding their gambling, borrowing money, chasing losses, experiencing financial pressure or finding that gambling is beginning to affect their relationships and everyday life. Recognising these signs early can make a difference. Kōrero is a powerful place to start This week is not about judgement. It is an opportunity to create safe spaces where whānau can talk openly about gambling, gaming, online influences and the things affecting their wellbeing. At Ngā Manga Pūriri, we believe in mana-enhancing support that recognises the strengths, aspirations and potential of every person. Seeking support does not diminish mana. It can be an important step towards restoring balance, strengthening relationships and taking back control over the things that matter. Supporting whānau across Te Tai Tokerau For more than 30 years, Ngā Manga Pūriri has worked alongside whānau and communities across Te Tai Tokerau. Our gambling harm support is free and confidential , and you do not need to be the person gambling to talk with us. We also support partners, whānau and others who may be affected by someone else's gambling. Throughout Gambling Harm Awareness Week, we encourage everyone to start a kōrero. Ask the question. Share the information. Check in with your whānau. Tūngia te ururoa kia tupu whakaritorito te tupu o te harakeke. Clear away that which hinders so that prosperity will flourish. Worried about your own gambling or someone you care about? Kōrero mai. We're here to help. Ngā Manga Pūriri provides free, confidential gambling harm support throughout Te Tai Tokerau. [ Get Support ] [ Contact Us ]