Dunne welcomes gambling services value-for-money review
8 June 2011

Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne today welcomed a Health Ministry Value-for-Money Review of problem gambling services that found they were innovative, well designed and with good coverage of the most at-risk groups.

 The review, undertaken by KPMG, focused on all aspects of the Government’s problem gambling programme, from the Ministry’s role through to the delivery of services to prevent and minimise gambling harm.

 “The report provides a robust, in-depth review, identifying a range of strengths and areas for further development,” Mr Dunne said.

 “It provides a strong level of reassurance that value for money is being achieved, and continues to improve significantly.

 “This is something which we seek in every area of public expenditure, but especially in such tight economic times,” he said.

 The review found that a strong trend in increased value for money was clearly evident.

 Areas identified for further improvements were delivery against contracted targets for service providers, better evidence for public health activities undertaken and strengthening communication between the Ministry, service providers and the gambling industry.

 “The report is robust and in-depth, identifying a range of strengths and areas for further development,” Mr Dunne said.

 “Issues around gambling are a complex area, and there are a range of activities and services. The review findings provide an ideal stepping stone for the ongoing delivery of quality problem gambling services.

 The full report can be found on the Ministry of Health website at

http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/problemgambling-publications