AoD Whaioro Trust

03/09/2026

🎮 WHEN DOES GAMING BECOME GAMBLING?

Imagine paying real money for a loot box — but you don't know what you're going to get.

You might get the item you wanted.

You might not.

That uncertainty is where researchers talk about the “gamblification” of gaming — gambling-like features being built into games.

For some young people, exposure to gambling-like experiences can begin at home, through gaming, long before they ever visit a betting site.

“It’s just gaming” doesn’t necessarily mean there’s no gambling influence.

02/09/2026

It doesn’t start with losing everything.

For rangatahi, online gambling harm might look like chasing a win, spending more than planned, constantly thinking about the next bet, hiding how much you’ve spent, losing sleep, or feeling stressed when things don’t go your way.

And when gambling is sitting right there on your phone, the line between entertainment and harm can become harder to see.

This Gambling Harm Awareness Week, we’re starting the kōrero about what online gambling harm can really look like for rangatahi.

💬 Where do you think the line is between fun and harm?

02/09/2026

11 times. In just one hour.

High school students who tracked their online activity recorded an average of 11 gambling-related messages, ads or pieces of content in a single hour.

That’s almost 2 gambling exposures every 10 minutes.

And much of it didn’t even look like gambling advertising. It appeared through social media, gaming, sport, influencers and entertainment.

If young people are constantly seeing gambling presented as fun, normal and entertaining, what message are we really sending them?

📱🎰 The gambling environment has changed. Our prevention approaches need to change with it.

01/09/2026

54 TIMES A WEEK.

That’s how often children are estimated to encounter gambling-related content and marketing.

And that exposure isn't necessarily an obvious TAB or casino advertisement.

It can show up in gaming, sport, social media, influencers and entertainment.

When something is repeatedly presented to us as normal, fun and exciting, it can start to feel normal.

What are our rangatahi learning about gambling before they ever place a bet?

31/08/2026

💜 International Overdose Awareness Day 💜

Today we remember those we’ve lost to overdose and share ways we can help keep each other safer.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, around three people die from an overdose every week. 💜

💜 Don’t use alone — have a mate with you who can call 111 if something goes wrong.

💜 Know the signs — slow or stopped breathing, blue lips, gurgling, vomiting, or being unable to wake are all signs of an overdose.

💜 Know what’s out there — check out High Alert for the latest drug alerts in Aotearoa.

🚑 If you think someone is overdosing, call 111 immediately. Don’t leave them alone.

Look out for your mates. You could save a life. 💜

💜It's International Overdose Awareness Day💜

Today, thousands of people around the globe and in Aotearoa New Zealand will be gathering to remember loved ones who we've lost to overdose. It's important to remember people, their lives and learn about what we can do to prevent losing more.

Along with getting any substances checked before taking them, having someone with you is one of the best steps you can take to keep yourself safer. Have a buddy who can help, and call an ambulance, if things go wrong. This is especially important when it comes to opioids - overdoses can happen quickly. Even if you have naloxone with you, you may not be able to administer it by yourself. Having someone with you who is familiar with it and can give naloxone to you could save your life.

Taking quick action can safe a life, so make sure you recognise the signs and symptoms of an overdose. Always call 111 and ask for an ambulance immediately if you or someone else has any of the below signs after taking a substance. Don’t leave the person alone and treat it as an overdose if you’re unsure.

Signs of an overdose can include:
🚑 The person's face is extremely pale and/or feels clammy to the touch.
🚑 Their body goes limp.
🚑 Their fingernails or lips have a purple or blue colour.
🚑 They start vomiting or making gurgling noises.
🚑 They cannot be awakened or are unable to speak.
🚑 Their pupils become very small.
🚑 Their breathing and/or heartbeat slows or stops.

Some of our partners are offering Overdose Awareness workshops, along with spaces where people can gathering to reflect and remember. You can find the full list of registered events here: https://www.overdoseday.com/events-2026/?e-filter-fd58da0-category=new-zealand

31/08/2026

42 HOURS.

That’s the average amount of time rangatahi in the presentation are spending behind screens each week.

Now think about what can happen during those 42 hours.

Gambling content.

Va**ng content.

Influencers.

Gaming.

Misinformation.

Endless personalised algorithms.

When young people are spending this much time in digital environments, online culture isn't separate from their real lives — it's part of them.

📱 If we want to understand rangatahi today, we have to understand the digital world they're growing up in.

30/08/2026

Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2026
STARTS NOW! 🙌

This year, we’ve had the honour of partnering with Hato Pāora College to raise awareness of a kaupapa that isn’t talked about enough: online gambling and gambling harm among rangatahi.

Over the past few weeks, one thing we’ve heard clearly from our rangatahi is just how normalised gambling has become online. Through gaming, social media and advertising, they are exposed to gambling-like content regularly, yet many don’t see it as something that could cause harm.

That’s exactly why these conversations matter.

These incredible tauira have been putting in the mahi, sharing their ideas and using their own voices to bring attention to this kaupapa.

🎬 This Friday, we’re excited to share a rangatahi-led short film they have worked hard to create. 👀

For now, here’s a little look at the mahi behind the scenes 🎥 Hato Paora College

If gambling is affecting you or someone you know, support is available:

🌱 Rangatahi support: touchgrass.org.nz
📞 Gambling Helpline: 0800 664 262
📱 Free text: 5819
🤝 Or reach out to a trusted whānau member, kaiako or support person.

28/08/2026

🎉 Heading out to party? Have fun and look after yourself and your mates.

A few safer partying tips to keep in mind:

💊 Mixing substances can be unpredictable and dangerous — this includes alcohol and prescription medications.

🍔💧😴 Remember the basics: Eat, drink water, take breaks, and get enough rest afterwards.

👀 Look out for each other: Check in with your mates, let someone know what you've taken, and consider having a sober person in your group.

🚗 Have a plan: Know how you're getting home safely and where to go for help if something doesn't feel right.

🤝 Consent matters: Make sure consent is clear, enthusiastic and ongoing.

🚑 If someone needs help, don't hesitate to talk to event staff, security or medics. Being honest about what has been taken can help them provide the right support.

Look after yourself. Look after your mates. Get home safe. ❤️

27/08/2026

Actually do me a graphic based off of this 🫧 NITROUS OXIDE / NANGS — WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Nitrous oxide (NOS), also known as nangs, is a dissociative drug that can make you feel relaxed, giggly, euphoric or like you’re floating. The effects usually last only 30 seconds to 5 minutes.

⚠️ But short-lasting doesn’t mean risk-free.

🧠 What can happen?

You might experience:

• Feeling relaxed or euphoric

• Giggling or excitement

• Feeling numb or “floaty”

• Dizziness or light-headedness

• Blurred vision

• Confusion or headaches

• Poor coordination or weakness

• Hallucinations or paranoia, especially with high amounts

🩸 B12 is important - Using a lot of nitrous oxide, especially regularly or when you already have low B12, can interfere with B12 in your body and cause serious and potentially long-lasting nerve damage.

🚨 If you’ve had too much

If you feel dizzy, confused, weak, very tired or short of breath:

🫁 Stop using and focus on slow, steady breathing.

🧍 Sit or lie somewhere safe.

💧 Drink some water.

🤝 Stay with someone you trust if possible.

🚫 Don't take more nitrous, alcohol, caffeine or other drugs.

CALL 111 immediately if someone has difficulty breathing, becomes unconscious, is choking, has severe coughing, or has blue lips or fingertips.

💡 If you choose to use, know what you're taking and understand the risks. Nitrous oxide can make you uncoordinated, increasing the chance of falls and accidents.

Looking after yourself is harm reduction — not judgement. ❤️

25/08/2026

💨$400 MILLION

That’s how much is spent on vapes in Aotearoa New Zealand every year.

That works out to **more than $1 million worth of vapes being sold every single day.** 😳

Behind those numbers are real people, including our rangatahi - who can become hooked on ni****ne and find it harder than they expected to stop.

Va**ng was never just about the flavour or the latest device. There’s a massive industry making massive profits from keeping people buying.

Let’s keep having honest conversations with our young people about va**ng, ni****ne and what’s really behind the colourful devices. 💚