Ngā Manga Puriri - providing support to tackle problem gambling

Here at Ngā Manga Puriri we understand that problem gambling can result in a sense of whakama or embarrasment for individuals and whānau. We encourage people to aspire to change and seek the support of professionals that can help.

We are a free mobile service, servicing all of the Te Tai Tokerau. (Northland). Our staff are trained and registered professionals that pride ourselves on providing bi-cultural practice and improving the health outcomes of Māori and all other people living here in Northland.

How much of a problem is gambling in Aotearoa?

For many New Zealanders gambling is no more than recreational fun. For others, problem gambling can lead to negative health consequences for both the gambler and other people close to them.

Gambling can cause harm such as  increased stress, anxiety, depression, and lead to an overall sense of hopelessness and dissatisfaction with life.

When this happens people can experience suicidal thoughts.  In the most serious cases this can escalate to planning and even actual attempts at suicide.

Whānau who are affected by the gambling of others can often experience financial  instability, family harm – including violence, and can feel isolated from their family and friends.

Problem gambling has also been linked with substance abuse that can include alcohol, tobacco, sedatives, opiods, and methamphetamine.

When substance abuse is combined with gambling it can become a vicious cycle as people are then supporting  more than one addiction at a time.

This leads to even more risk of people and their whānau experiencing negative health outcomes and family harm.

Why are Māori and Pasific whānau more likely to experience harm from problem gambling?

Where there is already inequality, problem gambling tends to be more common.

Problem gambling can happen because of external influences, including social deprivation  and greater access to gambling opportunities.

Pokie machines, for example, are much more common in poorer communities than in more affluent neighbourhoods.

Māori and Pacific whānau are more likely to be exposed to these external influences. This means that Māori and Pacific whānau are at greater risk of experiencing the harm described above.

Next Steps

Referrals to the service can be self-referrals, referrals from whānau, or referrals from an organisation

GET IN TOUCH WITH NGĀ MANGA PURIRI

Phone: 0800 433 288

Email: info@nmp.org.nz

Website: https://www.nmp.org.nz/