A group of Auckland kaumatua dedicated to reducing the harmful effects of gambling on communities is looking at setting up a national group.
The Manaaki Tangata group recently received a Public Health Association award for outstanding contribution to Maori public health for its work with gambling.
The group, which was convened by the Hapai Te Hauora Tapui provider, has been convassing pockets of Maoridom, such as the Koroneihana [coronation] celebrations, about expanding.
Provider spokesperson Anthony Hawke says it's still early days but a national group is on the cards.
Kaumatua best understand how Maori were initially hooked into gambling by fund raising through bingo or housie, he says.
The key to reducing gambling harm is starting from the beginning, and kaumatua understand that better than anyone else, Mr Hawke says.
