Gambling is everywhere in Aotearoa – from pokies to Lotto to online casinos. But who makes the rules, what’s legal, and what’s changing? This explainer breaks down how New Zealand’s gambling laws work, why they matter, and why Hāpai Te Hauora opposes the Online Casino Gambling Bill.
From rubbish collection to housing, councils make decisions that shape our everyday lives. We spoke with Tamatha Paul, former Wellington City councillor, about why Māori voices at the council table matter now more than ever.
Local boards shape everyday life in Tāmaki Makaurau – from parks and transport to community grants. We spoke with Anahera Rawiri, first-term Waitematā Local Board member, about why Māori voices at the local board table make decisions stronger for whānau and whenua.
Tahu Hollis lost over $20,000 before he turned twenty – but the real cost was the shame, lies, and the toll on his wairua. In this story, he shares how whānau, creativity, and culture helped him find a way out – and why there are no shortcuts to healing
Before we even place a bet, gambling has already worked its way into our everyday lives. From sports commentary to Lotto ads to personalised nudges on our phones – the industry’s marketing machine makes it all look normal.
Why do people get hooked on gambling? It’s not about weakness or willpower – it’s by design. From near-misses to dopamine hits, gambling products are built to keep us coming back.
The government plans to strip te reo Māori from 13 new children’s readers. They say bilingual texts confuse kids. But the evidence shows the opposite. Removing te reo from classrooms won’t improve literacy. It will harm identity, belonging, and public health.
The Pae Ora Act was created in 2022 to put equity, Māori leadership, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi at the heart of our health system. Now, just three years later, the Government is proposing major changes that could roll back those gains. Here’s what’s changing, why it matters, and how you can have your say.
Your right to vote is on the line – and the government’s latest proposal could make it harder for Māori, Pacific peoples and rangatahi to have their say.
Māori and Pacific whānau are more affected by gambling harm than anyone else. So we think it’s time to ask some serious questions about how Lotto works – and whether this model is really serving the people who need it most.