A refreshed version of the Strategy to Prevent Gambling Harm has been released by the New Zealand government, which includes a targeted investment of NZ$81m.
The money is intended to “improve access to support, strengthen prevention and early intervention and reduce the impact of gambling-related harm across New Zealand,” according to Matt Doocey, the minister for mental health.
“We want New Zealanders to see real change and make progress, that is why as part of this strategy we’ve built in an independent review in 2025/26 to track what’s working, and what’s not,” said Doocey.
The country’s ministry of health said it would be working towards targeted outcomes over the next three years, focussing on a number of priorities including increasing access to gambling harm support, growing the gambling harm workforce, strengthening the focus on the prevention of and early intervention in gambling harm and improving the effectiveness of gambling harm support.
“I want to thank those who shared their experiences with us. You’ve helped ensure this strategy is reflective of real-life experiences and have helped to ground the strategy with a strong understanding of what support works best for you and our communities,” said Doocey.
