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The DIA has completed its review of a South Waikato pokie venue merger almost two year after plans were abandoned (file photo).
A Department of Internal Affairs review has revealed years of systematic failures and legal information being withheld from ministerial briefings. It comes after DIA regulatory services manager Maarten Quivooy commissioned an internal review of the department’s handling of the failed South Waikato Class 4 gambling merger between Pockets 8 Ball Club, The Olde Establishment and the Putaruru District Services Memorial Club. Despite the process beginning in 2015, and withdrawing in 2018 when Pockets was put into liquidation amid the DIA’s licencing delays, it’s taken almost two years to complete.