Latest news with #TheGreens
RNZ News
5 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Online casino bill: Greens vote with coalition govt to pass first reading
The bill introduces 15 licences for online casinos, which would require companies to provide a harm prevention strategy. File photo. Photo: 123RF The Greens have broken with their opposition party colleagues to vote in support of the coalition's online casino bill. The law change, which aims to protect online gamblers, has passed its first reading 83 to 39 in a conscience vote at Parliament, with the Green' support. The bill was introduced by Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden and would introduce 15 licences for online casinos, which would require companies to provide a harm prevention strategy and data showing past compliance. Online casinos would need an age verification system to ban under-18s, contribute 1.24 percent of profits to a levy, and abide by advertising restrictions. Companies breaking the rules would face fines of up to $5m. The minister has said New Zealand-based online casinos would get no preferential treatment in obtaining licences. Van Velden in a statement said the bill would seek to protect New Zealanders who gambled online, and the bill would impose regulations on the currently unregulated market. "The most important part of this bill is protecting New Zealanders who enjoy gambling online by introducing robust safety measures for licensed operators. The bill will now proceed to select committee, and I would encourage interested New Zealanders to have their say when public submissions open," van Velden said. In the first reading vote in Parliament on Tuesday, all MPs voted along party lines, with the coalition parties all in support. Labour and Te Pāti Māori voted against the bill, but all 14 Green MPs voted in support. The Greens' internal affairs spokesperson Benjamin Doyle told RNZ the party wanted to bring the issue to select committee with the aim of convincing the coalition parties to make significant changes. "We always want to support movements towards harm reduction. So with online gambling, it's totally unregulated at the moment, and we see this as a very small step in the right direction to enact harm reduction techniques," they said. "It's definitely not far enough, but we believe that going to select committee to hear from experts, community, people with lived experience of online gambling harm, and advocacy groups may be able to help us to inform changes and amendments and improvements to this legislation that will actually enact harm reduction." However, the Problem Gambling Foundation has raised concerns about the approach. Advocacy and public health director Andree Froude said she feared usage of online gambling would increase, rather than decrease. Froude called for changes including making requiring online gamblers to say how much money and time they would spend gambling before starting a session, and a ban on online gambling using credit cards which could leave them deep in debt. The funding from the levy would go into the problem gambling levy pot of funding. The independent Gambling Commission in a report this year highlighted the Ministry of Health had been unable to find evidence showing that $81m fund actually reduced harm. Doyle said the Greens wanted to ensure 100 percent of the funding recouped from the moves would go back to harm reduction. "There needs to be extremely high levels of transparency around where that funding is going, that revenue is going, and my ideal would be that 100 percent of the revenue goes towards community harm reduction... it shouldn't be going towards the back pockets." They also wanted a ban on advertising for online gambling, and possibly a reduction in the number of licences. The party had not yet approached the coalition parties to see what kind of support they could get for the changes, they said - and called for more consultation with Māori. "The value mai i te kākano 'from the very seed' is the best approach when engaging with Māori. We should be engaging right from the beginning of drafting this piece of legislation." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
5 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Online casino bill: Greens vote with coaltion govt to pass first reading
The bill introduces 15 licences for online casinos, which would require companies to provide a harm prevention strategy. File photo. Photo: 123RF The Greens have broken with their opposition party colleagues to vote in support of the coalition's online casino bill. The law change, which aims to protect online gamblers, has passed its first reading 83 to 39 in a conscience vote at Parliament, with the Green' support. The bill was introduced by Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden and would introduce 15 licences for online casinos, which would require companies to provide a harm prevention strategy and data showing past compliance. Online casinos would need an age verification system to ban under-18s, contribute 1.24 percent of profits to a levy, and abide by advertising restrictions. Companies breaking the rules would face fines of up to $5m. The minister has said New Zealand-based online casinos would get no preferential treatment in obtaining licences. Van Velden in a statement said the bill would seek to protect New Zealanders who gambled online, and the bill would impose regulations on the currently unregulated market. "The most important part of this bill is protecting New Zealanders who enjoy gambling online by introducing robust safety measures for licensed operators. The bill will now proceed to select committee, and I would encourage interested New Zealanders to have their say when public submissions open," van Velden said. In the first reading vote in Parliament on Tuesday, all MPs voted along party lines, with the coalition parties all in support. Labour and Te Pāti Māori voted against the bill, but all 14 Green MPs voted in support. The Greens' internal affairs spokesperson Benjamin Doyle told RNZ the party wanted to bring the issue to select committee with the aim of convincing the coalition parties to make significant changes. "We always want to support movements towards harm reduction. So with online gambling, it's totally unregulated at the moment, and we see this as a very small step in the right direction to enact harm reduction techniques," they said. "It's definitely not far enough, but we believe that going to select committee to hear from experts, community, people with lived experience of online gambling harm, and advocacy groups may be able to help us to inform changes and amendments and improvements to this legislation that will actually enact harm reduction." However, the Problem Gambling Foundation has raised concerns about the approach. Advocacy and public health director Andree Froude said she feared usage of online gambling would increase, rather than decrease. Froude called for changes including making requiring online gamblers to say how much money and time they would spend gambling before starting a session, and a ban on online gambling using credit cards which could leave them deep in debt. The funding from the levy would go into the problem gambling levy pot of funding. The independent Gambling Commission in a report this year highlighted the Ministry of Health had been unable to find evidence showing that $81m fund actually reduced harm. Doyle said the Greens wanted to ensure 100 percent of the funding recouped from the moves would go back to harm reduction. "There needs to be extremely high levels of transparency around where that funding is going, that revenue is going, and my ideal would be that 100 percent of the revenue goes towards community harm reduction... it shouldn't be going towards the back pockets." They also wanted a ban on advertising for online gambling, and possibly a reduction in the number of licences. The party had not yet approached the coalition parties to see what kind of support they could get for the changes, they said - and called for more consultation with Māori. "The value mai i te kākano 'from the very seed' is the best approach when engaging with Māori. We should be engaging right from the beginning of drafting this piece of legislation." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Khaleej Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Top pet-friendly cafes in Dubai for your super dog
We've just been introduced to Krypto, the super dog on the big screen – and are impressed with the well-dressed pup. At the weekend, as some moviegoers headed to the cinemas to see the dog in red-and- blue save Superman, others took their own woofilicious friends to Reel Cinemas, where they saw Krypto take to the screens as part of a promotional event. Didn't get to go? Don't worry, you can still find some lovely things to do with your fur-child across the city. To begin with, here are some cafes where your fluff balls will find friends, food, and lots of pets. Aria and Bianca's Bubble Tea Café Looking for a place where you can relax, unwind, watch those tails wag in happiness? Check out this JLT café, which comes complete with an indoor dog park and play area, a special menu for the pups – including cake! – and enthusiastic staff that's always ready to give those extra cuddles and pets. 7am – 11.45pm (Sun-Sat). Cluster L, JLT, Dubai. 055 229 7416 Chaihona, The Greens It's the perfect time for ice cream, and there's no reason why your dog should miss out. While you slurp on homemade artisanal ice cream or sorbet, your dog can whet his taste buds too. Plus, it's a nice place to help him/her make a few new buds. 9am-midnight. Daily. The Onyx Tower 2 - Floor P2, Dubai. 052 684 3748. Pawdy Neighbors Get your dopamine fix at this pet-friendly bistro and spa, where the doggos get shampoos and fancy dos while you chat away with like-minded fur-parents. While dog-friendly spaces are the main draw of this café, it isn't like the food is an afterthought – the menu has something for everyone, including some vegan and gluten-free options. 7am-10pm. Daily. Souk Al Manzil - Old Town Downtown, Dubai. 04 568 9291. Tail Café Whether you just want to hang out with your pup and get a few pets in or you want to do an activity (such as yoga) with your pooch, keep an eye out for this café's menu of things to do. Small, but fun sessions are held often, so you can not only get your stretches in and sip your cappuccino, you can do it with your dog in tow. 7am-9pm. Daily. The Market, Green Community, DIP 1, 04 835 7281. Lime Tree Café Talk about a real treat. The pups have a special menu at this café, so while you enjoy your meal, they can scoff down theirs too. While all the eatery's branches – in The Springs Souk, Depachika - Nakheel Mall & Trampo Extreme. Waitrose Community Mall - Motor City and Town Square – allow pets in their outdoor spaces, the Al Quoz spot allows them indoors, too. Al Qouz 1, Next to the Courtyard Gallery, Near to Times Square – Dubai. 04 325 6325. Special mention Happy Bark Day Calling all the good boys and girls. The UAE's first pet restaurant and café is now in operation and it's got the treats. From pooch-friendly cupcakes to designer dog biscuits, there's something for every birthday (and budget). A certified pet nutritionist has helped formulate the delicacies, so you can feed your precious without worrying about the ingredient quality. But pawrents, please carry your own nosh – the menu is for dogs only.
The Sun
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Cannes Festival bans actor accused of rape
CANNES: The Cannes film festival said it had barred an actor in a prominent French film from the red carpet on Thursday because of sexual assault allegations against him. Theo Navarro-Mussy has a secondary role as a police officer in the film 'Dossier 137' by Dominik Moll which is to premiere on Thursday in the festival's main competition. According to French magazine Telerama, which broke the news, the actor was accused of rape by three former partners in 2018, 2019, and 2020, but the case was dropped last month for lack of evidence. The three women plan to appeal and file a civil lawsuit, Telerama said. Cannes Festival director Thierry Fremaux confimed to Telerama that Navarro-Mussy had been excluded because an appeal was underway. Navarro-Mussy's lawyer denied this. 'The procedure is still ongoing,' Fremaux was quoted as saying. The festival confirmed the decision and Fremaux's remarks when contacted by AFP. A French parliamentary inquiry into the entertainment industry published its findings last month, with MPs concluding that abuse of performers was 'endemic'. Inquiry chair Sandrine Rousseau, an outspoken feminist lawmaker from The Greens party, called on Cannes Festival to set an example in stamping out sexual abuse, as well as physical and psychological violence.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Cannes Film Festival BANS Actor Amid Sexual Assault Allegations
The Cannes film festival said it had barred an actor in a prominent French film from the red carpet on Thursday because of sexual assault allegations against him. Theo Navarro-Mussy has a secondary role as a police officer in the film " Dossier 137 " by Dominik Moll which is to premiere on Thursday in the festival's main competition. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now According to French magazine Telerama, which broke the news, the actor was accused of rape by three former partners in 2018, 2019, and 2020, but the case was dropped last month for lack of evidence. The three women plan to appeal and file a civil lawsuit, Telerama said. Cannes Festival director Thierry Fremaux confimed to Telerama that Navarro-Mussy had been excluded because an appeal was underway. Navarro-Mussy's lawyer denied this. "The procedure is still ongoing," Fremaux was quoted as saying. The festival confirmed the decision and Fremaux's remarks when contacted by AFP. A French parliamentary inquiry into the entertainment industry published its findings last month, with MPs concluding that abuse of performers was "endemic". Inquiry chair Sandrine Rousseau, an outspoken feminist lawmaker from The Greens party, called on Cannes Festival to set an example in stamping out sexual abuse, as well as physical and psychological violence.
