Articles tagged with Internal Affairs Minister

New Zealand Passes Online Casino Gambling Bill to Boost Consumer Protection and Community Benefits

1 week ago | 125 views

The Online Casino Gambling Bill has passed its final reading, introducing a regulatory regime that enhances consumer protections and ensures gambling revenue benefits local communities. It establishes up to 15 licenses for operators who must exclude problem gamblers and comply with strict harm prevention measures, while the Department of Internal Affairs gains stronger enforcement powers, including penalties up to $5 million. The Bill also closes tax loopholes, requires licensed operators to pay taxes, and will be followed by supporting regulations on advertising, harm minimisation, and consumer protection.

Tags: Brooke van Velden Online Casino Gambling Bill Internal Affairs Minister New Zealand gambling regulation consumer protection online casino operators harm prevention licensing system coalition agreement

Tony Balfour Appointed New Chair of New Zealand Lotteries Commission Board

2 weeks ago | 183 views

Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden announced Tony Balfour as the new Chair of the New Zealand Lotteries Commission Board, effective May 1, succeeding Mark Todd. Balfour brings extensive experience in governance, business strategy, and community engagement, ensuring strong leadership for the Commission. His appointment aims to enhance the Commission's integrity, transparency, and support for community initiatives through lottery funding.

Tags: Brooke van Velden Tony Balfour Mark Todd New Zealand Lotteries Commission Internal Affairs Minister Lotteries Commission Board governance business strategy community engagement leadership

$468K Grant Boosts SPCA Dog Desexing to Curb Roaming and Attacks in NZ

1 month ago | 317 views

Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden has granted $468,000 from the Lottery Minister’s Discretionary Fund to the SPCA for a targeted dog desexing program aimed at reducing irresponsible breeding and roaming dogs in Auckland and Northland. This initiative, totaling nearly $1.2 million with the SPCA’s contribution, seeks to improve public safety by preventing dog attacks and controlling the dog population, potentially stopping 7,500 puppies from being born in the first year. The program is part of a broader government effort to address dog-related harm, with progress monitored through quarterly reports and further measures to be announced.

Tags: Brooke van Velden Arnja Dale SPCA Lottery Minister Internal Affairs Minister New Zealand Northland Auckland dog desexing animal welfare