Gambits:Now - Gareth's reflection on 2016
21 December 2016
It's almost a year since I joined Gambling Compliance Group, firstly in the role of Deputy Director and then moving into the Director role in April. It's also been a year since the Department introduced the sector to our vision for the Class 4 sector; where we regulate for a safe, trusted and transparent gambling sector that benefits communities. In this time a lot has happened!
Clubs New Zealand Christmas Hours and Important Dates 2016
14 December 2016
Clubs New Zealand National Office will be closed over the Christmas break from Friday 23rd December 2016 through to Wednesday 4th January 2017. As always the National Office team will be available during this period if you have any questions or require assistance.
Our main office line 0800 4 CLUBS (0800 425 827) and landline 04 815 9007 will be diverted to staff members, alternatively you can contact any of us via our email addresses listed below;
This little piggy went to market....to the member market place
14 December 2016
Clubs New Zealand is pleased to announce the launch of www.membermarket.co.nz. This is a brand new website which brings together a range of benefits and discounts that are available to clubs and members simply because you are part of the Clubs New Zealand community.
DIA Update - Pokie Proceeds, New Gaming Machine Standard and New Accounting Standards Framework
8 December 2016
Pokie proceeds - building strong communities
Pokie gambling often gets a bad press, including headlines about people who have stolen from family or employers to feed a gambling addiction.
DIA Mystery Shopper Campaign
8 December 2016
Those of you with Class 4 Gaming Machines should have received an email earlier this week advising that the field work for the DIA's Mystery Shopper Campaign has been completed.
ANZAC Day - Do you still need a Special Licence?
8 December 2016
Earlier this year The Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Exemption for RNZRSA Clubs from Special Licencing Requirements for ANZAC Day) Amendment Bill 2015 was passed by the Government through urgency. The purpose of the Bill was to amend the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 to exempt those RNZRSA (Royal New Zealand Returned Services Association) clubs that hold a current liquor licence (club licence) from having to seek an additional special licence to enable them to serve liquor before 1pm on ANZAC Day.
The Final Straw
7 December 2016
The Employment Court has recently had cause to consider the principles to be applied in a constructive dismissal setting in Spotless Facility Services NZ Ltd v. Anne Mackay [2016] NZEmpC 153. The Employment Relations Authority upheld Ms MacKay’s personal grievance claim of unjustified constructive dismissal and Spotless challenged the Authority’s determination on the basis that it considered the Authority had applied the principles relating to constructive dismissal incorrectly.
Insurance...not just a dirty word
24 November 2016
For many of us insurance is often considered a dirty word but it is a necessary element to any business. The earthquakes that struck Canterbury back in 2010/11 and more recently the North Canterbury quakes of November 14th have shown that insurance is something that every club manager should take more time with.
Grand Designs
24 November 2016
Great interior design makes a statement and redefines how customers feel the minute they step through the door.
Redesigning or developing a new interior space is one of the biggest challenges a club can take on. Not only is it a substantial financial investment but the stakes are high - design sets the tone of your establishment for years to come.
Top tips for a great club visit - time to inform your members
17 November 2016
Over the year we have been reminding clubs to review their processes around identifying members and guests to ensure that alcohol is only sold or supplied to Authorised Customers and Authorised Visitors. We have received so many calls and emails from clubs wanting to review their processes, which is fantastic, because as one club manager recently put it “we like our liquor licence”.
As we are now approaching the festive season and members are gearing up to travel the country it is the perfect time to pass on some top tips for a great club visit to your members through your club’s own communications and newsletters. Having informed and prepared members is only going to make it easier for club staff to identify who they can and cannot serve alcohol to and avoid any embarrassing situations where members could potentially be turned away.
Conflicting Interests
17 November 2016
The Employment Standards legislation that was passed earlier this year amended the Employment Relations Act to (among other things) restrict the application of Secondary Employment provisions in employment agreements. The legislation (s.67H of the Employment Relations Act) prevents employment agreements from restricting individuals from performing work for another person unless the restriction was there to protect the employer’s:
Agent of Change
8 November 2016
Overcoming the fear of new systems and technology requires training and good communication. Easier said than done...
As you gaze up at your newly constructed building with wonderful, state-of-the-art technology, picturing the influx of patrons sharing your admiration for the new facilities, you are suddenly hit with the startling realisation - are your staff ready for this? Your mind is suddenly filled with dollar signs, the costs of training, the resistance to change, the time consumed. This sounds more complicated than the actual construction process itself!
