In a bold and unprecedented move, a group of prominent Māori influencers have taken a stand against promoting online gambling sites, citing concerns about the negative impact it can have on their community. Dubbing their movement “It’s kino,” meaning “it’s bad” in te reo Māori, these influencers have vowed to no longer accept sponsorship deals or partnerships with online gambling companies.
The decision comes in the wake of a growing trend of online gambling addiction among Māori communities, with a recent report by the New Zealand Health Promotion Agency showing that Māori are disproportionately affected by problem gambling. This has prompted many Māori influencers to reassess the impact of their endorsements and the message they are sending to their followers.
One of the leaders of the “It’s kino” movement is Māori influencer Hana Mau, who has a large following on social media. In a statement, she explained her decision to refuse promoting online gambling sites, saying, “As Māori influencers, we have a responsibility to our community to promote positive messages and behaviors. Online gambling can be a harmful and addictive habit, and we don’t want to contribute to that.”
Other influencers who have joined the movement include Kahu Hepi, Māori fitness influencer, and Tama Rau, Māori beauty influencer. Together, they are using their platforms to spread awareness about the dangers of online gambling and encourage their followers to seek help if they or someone they know is struggling with addiction.
The movement has garnered widespread support from the Māori community, with many applauding the influencers for taking a stand against online gambling. Te Ao Māori News spoke to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, who praised the influencers for their initiative.
“We are pleased to see Māori influencers using their platform to promote positive messages and behaviors,” the spokesperson said. “Online gambling addiction is a serious issue, and it is important for influencers to consider the impact of their endorsements on their followers. We support the ‘It’s kino’ movement and encourage others to do the same.”
As the “It’s kino” movement gains momentum, it is sending a powerful message to online gambling companies and influencers alike. By refusing to promote harmful habits, these Māori influencers are setting a new standard for responsible endorsement and using their influence for the betterment of their community.
