Tracey Martin Puns

If anyone was interested.

>Dear computer_d

>Thank you for your email of 14 November 2017 about the inclusion of "loot boxes" within computer games and the potential harm they may cause to the vulnerable in society, particularly children.

>I understand that the issue of loot boxes within computer games has been the source of much debate internationally and different jurisdictions have tried to determine if loot boxes qualify as gambling under their respective legislation. There has also been considerable consumer comment about the introduction of in-game micro transactions due to concerns that these may be exploitative.

>There are many games which enable the user to purchase additional items to enhance the gaming experience. Loot boxes are a variation on this theme. Gamers do not purchase loot boxes seeking to win money or something that can be converted into money. They buy loot boxes so that they can use their contents within the game and have a better gaming experience.

>While the payment of money for a loot box, the contents of which are determined by chance, may appear to be gambling, my officials' view is that it does not meet the legal definition of gambling and cannot be regulated under the Gambling Act 2003. However officials will continue to follow international developments, including the discussion about loot boxes.

>You have also raised the possibility of restricting access to computer games containing loot boxes to persons over a certain age. The classification of video games is conducted by the Office of Film and Literature Classification, an independent Crown entity, under the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act 1993 (the Classification Act).

>I am advised that, under the Classification Act, a video game may only be made age-restricted if it deals with matters such as sex, horror, crime, cruelty, violence or highly offensive language. The Office of Film and Literature Classification is not able to restrict public access to video games due to the presence of other matters.

>There is a need for all New Zealanders to be knowledgeable about living and learning in a digital society. This need is recognised by the National Library which provides advice and support to schools for developing digital literacy and digital citizenship. An informed population is better able to protect itself from the risks that come with connectivity.

>Thank you a

Hi Reddit,

As well as being Deputy Leader of New Zealand First I am spokesperson for Education (cradle to the grave), Crown Research Institutes, Communications & ICT, Women's Affairs, Youth Affairs, Arts and Culture, Heritage - have done some work around Broadcasting policy and local government.

I came to parliament after being a stay at home Mum for 15 years and prior to that I was a Credit Controller/Debt Collector.

The massive shift in our society that took place through the 80s and 90s drew me into politics. I have been involved with New Zealand First since its inception 21 years ago.

Thanks for participating - have to admit I prefer answering questions than speeches - politics needs to be interactive. All great questions. Today is my catch up on my digital world day so need to move on to answer emails etc. Thanks again.

Tracey

MP Tracey Martin is New Zealand First's Deputy Leader and is 2nd on the NZ First party list for the 2014 General elections

Current Parliamentary Roles

• Deputy Party Leader
• Spokesperson, Arts, Culture and Heritage
• Spokesperson, Communications and IT
• Spokesperson, Education
• Spokesperson, Research, Science and Technology (including CRIs)
• Spokesperson, Women's Affairs
• Spokesperson, Youth Affairs

links: bio on NZ First's site, Facebook, Twitter @traceymartinmp, NZ Parliament page, wikipedia

This is just an announcement. There will be a separate thread posted on Friday.

I got the inspiration to do this from this thread. It's kinda got me hooked on looking up old event threads to see old takes, good or bad. Some of the threads were deleted or I missed them with my search, if you find them I will add them.