[JoanneG]

This comment was written by a friend of mine currently travelling in NZ.

'The drinking and gambling problem is everywhere and now gangs have really got a grip in some areas.'

I would like to know what you guys think of this comment. Have you found the same in your experience or have you not seen any of this at all?

[willsken]

How does the drinking problem compare to a night out in Cardiff?:exit ....... it doesn't in any way shape or form! Then you have to remember I live in quite a rural spot, so that may well be why. :)

[BaldyBeardyBloke]

Can't say as I have seen anything to worry about personally, however I was working opposite a building that got occupied by the Problem Gambling Foundation (Hamilton) who, apparently, are opening up all over NZ to try to tackle the gambling problem.

I'm told the casino in Hamilton is always busy. Lots of asians in there, I'm told. I know gambling as a big thing in the far east, and a lot of immigrants come from that part of the world, so that may a cause.

As for drinking. Nothing I've seen is anything like as bad as you would see in a UK city centre.

[Moorf]

You get the odd ruck outside pubs and such like at weekends, much like any place where there are lots of youngsters getting hammered.

I hear gambling on the pokies and in casino's is causing problems - there are ads on telly for gambling addicts but it's not something that's been in our face or a problem as such.

[Tia Maria]

I found gamdling is more of an acceptable past time here and in Oz. The casinos are more accessable to your average person and not seen as a special getting dressed up night or just for the rich.

I've also noticed that lots of bars have gaming rooms, little rooms full of slot machines etc

This obviously makes it a lot easier to gamble, that combined with the fact that your average Kiwi probably doesn't have that much disposable income, would make it more liable to become a problem.

However, apart from the adverts I personally haven't come across any kind of drinking/gambling/gang problem. Partly due to where I live and partly due to the fact that "I have a gambling problem", isn't exactly small talk.

Cheers

Tia

[andrewandjane]

drinking and gamblings a huge problem where we live on waiheke!

its real problem finding somewhere to drink and gamble..went out last friday to a pub with live music..there was 10 people in the pub (4 of them where the band!)

[vixxann]

went out last friday to a pub with live music..there was 10 people in the pub (4 of them where the band!)

:laugh :laugh

[barryp]

'The drinking and gambling problem is everywhere and now gangs have really got a grip in some areas.'

Those two statements are true but any implied casuality is not at all true.

Gang activity per se is not underwritten by alcohol consumption or gambling, precisely because those activities are legal. There is a relationship between dysfunctional use of alcohol by parents (particularly its relation to domestic violence) and gang membership of their children. And there is a very strong relationship between illegal drug distribution and gang activity. Turf battles over P supply are keeping courts very busy (that I know firsthand) and appear to be getting more violent over time (that's just my impression, which may well be wrong).

[kellyfamily]

drinking and gamblings a huge problem where we live on waiheke!

its real problem finding somewhere to drink and gamble..went out last friday to a pub with live music..there was 10 people in the pub (4 of them where the band!)

I hear ya on that one i visited a friend who moved there the other month and i think i was the main drinker in the little irish bar.
As for problems people percieve things differently , im born and bred Salford , Manchester and even the worst areas here do not compare to where i was brought up so it really depends upon what you are used to. Mt Maunganui where im living is a holiday area so i joined the local cosmipolitan club (beer is half the price) and it has a TAB (betting) and pokies etc , but so do most bars and basically its where the locals go . In town now its nearing holiday season it will go a little wilder with the youth etc but it will only bother you if you worry about it!

[andreamatt]

Haven't seen any problems on the same scale here (Wellington) as we used to see in the daytime in Plymouth (UK).

AndrewandJane - loved your post - sounds like my sort of place!

Andrea