“I think we really need to think about what we’re doing here.” Her warning came as the New Plymouth District Council considered updating a policy to see the district s gaming machine cap drop from 320 to 300 at an extraordinary meeting on Tuesday. The current sinking lid policy for Waitara will be retained until the number of machines in the area is reduced to 25. Carlson wasn t alone in her angst over pokies, Councillor Dinnie Moeahu said he had witnessed the effects of problem gambling.
SIMON O CONNOR/Stuff
Councillor Dinnie Moeahu told councillors he d get rid of all pokies if he could.
But it was announced at Wednesday s council meeting it now had the funds. The Eastern and Central Community Trust, the New Zealand Community Trust, the Lion Foundation and the Mainland Foundation have gifted the remaining $235,000 for the installation of the splash pad and finishing the playground. With the confirmation of the funding, the council is working to see how fast the installation can happen so the park can reopen. But the council’s parks and reserves manager, Kathy Dever-Tod, said even with the funding the pool would not be open for the main part of the swimming season. It’s likely to open towards the end of March.