2010 International Gambling Conference
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The conference officially opened with a powhiri on Tuesday evening, 23 February, held at the Nga Wai o Horotiu (AUT) Marae. Guests were treated to a traditional welcome ceremony and presentations by guest speakers.
The official programme began on Wednesday 24 February in the Ballroom at the Crowne Plaza with a whakatau (welcome) by Kaumatua, Maori Elder, Bob Hawke.
Hon Nathan Guy, Minister of Internal Affairs and MP for Otaki, gave the Ministerial opening address.
Over 60 presentations were given over the course of the three days examining technology and the implication for the future shape of gambling, and a range of other informative papers, workshops and posters addressing other aspects of innovative practice and research that advances fundamental knowledge and informs gambling policy and professional practice.
Over 35 people attended the two workshops held the day before the conference: Prevention of problem gambling (run by Professor Robert Williams) and Public health and gambling - The way ahead for Aotearoa/New Zealand and the world (run by Associate Professor John Raeburn).
The conference certainly had an international flavour with delegates attending from many different countries. After the conference, PGF welcomed groups from Finland, Sweden and Singapore who visited our office in Auckland to meet staff, see how the organisation operates and to exchange information.
Highlights
Presentations by keynote speakers:
Moana Jackson (Ngati Kahungunu, Ngati Porou), Nga Kaiwhakamarama I Nga Ture (the Maori Legal Service)
Professor David Korn, Health and Addictions Consultant and Faculty member, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Toronto, Canada
Professor Robert Williams, Faculty of Health Sciences, and coordinator, Alberta Gaming Research Institute, University of Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.
Consumer voices panel:
Three courageous people spoke about their experiences with gambling. It was an opportunity for conference delegates to hear 'first hand' from those whose lives have been affected by gambling, to talk about their journeys through gambling and gain a greater understanding of the impact problem gambling has on people's lives.
Conference dinner:
Guests were treated to fine food, entertainment (by an outstanding kapa haka group) and an enlightening and powerful speech by Professor Mason Durie (Rangitane, Ngati Kauwhata, Ngati Raukawa) Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Maori and Pasifika) at Massey University.