FROM THE EDITOR

The new combined clubs development for Tokoroa [featured on p1] is a sign of the times and a bit old fashioned at the same time.

It is a sign of the times because many clubs are finding it just makes sense to combine, for various reasons, most of which relate to money or convenience.

And it is a bit old fashioned because pokie machines still fuel our clubs and charities, whilst simultaneously destroying lives.

Until these machines are disentangled from the ‘‘good’’ they do in the form of funding our social sector, there will continue to be a perverse incentive to insert them in the paths of people wherever they go for a drink or to have a good time.

Most communities are actively taking steps to gradually remove these machines from society. Although it is a small increase, it just seems like an odd move in a town like Tokoroa.

More than $7 million per year is lost by Tokoroa people in slot machines each year - the fifth worst record per capita in New Zealand. NEWS DIRECTOR: Daniel Hutchinson, daniel.hutchinson@fairfaxmedia.co.nz; 027 809 6854. SENIOR REPORTER: Luke Kirkeby, 027 204 2913, luke.kirkeby@fairfaxmedia.co.nz. SALES MANAGER: Antonio Ganz, 027 204 2920, antonio.ganz@fairfaxmedia.co.nz SENIOR SALES CONSULTANT: Matt Holmes, 027 807 4632, matt.holmes@fairfaxmedia.co.nz, CLASSIFIEDS: 0800 800 373 swn@fairfaxmedia.co.nz or Lynda 07 888 7011, MISSED DELIVERY: 0800 339 000, DIGITAL EDITION: southwaikatonews.co.nz. FACEBOOK: facebook.com/southwaikatonews. DISPLAY AD DEADLINES: 4pm Thursday. ADDRESS: 45 Heuheu St, Taupo or PO Box 205, Taupo