Anti-gambling advocates are urging the country's local government body to change the location of its annual conference.
Auckland's SkyCity Convention Centre is set to host the next Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) meeting and Problem Gambling spokesperson Andree Froude says it's at odds with councils' responsibility to reduce gambling harm.
"We know that many councils want less gambling in their communities, and of course we have people come in through our doors every day who are being harmed by gambling," she says.
"Our message to them is that they should reconsider where they're having their conference."
Auckland councillor Cathy Casey and Hamilton's Dave McPherson have both said they will not attend unless the venue is changed, while a number of other councillors have expressed concerns.
LGNZ chief executive Malcolm Alexander told Newshub the decision was based on cost and availability.
Newshub.
