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\nIn New Zealand, M\u0101ori and Pasifika continue to be disproportionately affected by gambling.
\nPhoto: Screenshot\n<\/p>\n
A new digital platform and advertisement campaign has been launched to combat the harms of gambling in Aotearoa.<\/p>\n
Chief operating officer at H\u0101pai Te Hauora Jason Alexander said it was an important move to help shift the balance back towards wh\u0101nau.<\/p>\n
“Firstly, a campaign to help wh\u0101nau understand the harm from gambling – it’s not just harmless fun. And then the P\u0101tea, our digital app to give them some tools to help them get through any harms they’re suffering from.”<\/p>\n
Gambling loss in Aotearoa sits over $2.6 billion each year, M\u0101ori and Pasifika continue to be disproportionately affected.<\/p>\n
The campaign was created by Mahitahi Agency in partnership with H\u0101pai Te Hauora, Te Rangihaeata Oranga Trust and Poutiri Charitable Trust.<\/p>\n
There are two ads – Their House Always Wins and The Game is Rigged, Don’t Get Played – which shows how the gambling industry is designed to keep people hooked.<\/p>\n
Alongside the ads, the new digital platform P\u0101tea provides a tool to help people “pause and reflect” on gambling behaviours and get support<\/a>.<\/p>\n P\u0101tea, meaning to be free or lifted of burden, is an indigenously designed, built and operated platform.<\/p>\n It was co-designed using people who have lived experience of gambling harm, to ensure every part of the app feels supportive, culturally grounded and wh\u0101nau-friendly.<\/p>\n Speakers at the launch described gambling as a silent harm – often hidden from view but deeply felt by their wh\u0101nau.<\/p>\n General manager of H\u0101pai Te Hauora Jessikha Makoare said the campaign came at a critical time as gambling exposure for tamariki and wh\u0101nau was set to increase.<\/p>\n “Our tamariki and wh\u0101nau are already exposed to gambling harms, and with new regulations allowing advertising and up to 15 more online casino licences, this will only get worse.<\/p>\n “The new normal we need to see is a collective understanding that gambling is harmful – and that the industry is operating exactly as it was intended to.”<\/p>\n