WELLINGTON, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand Associate Health Minister Jenny Salesa on Tuesday encouraged the public to have their say on a refreshed strategy to prevent and minimize gambling harm.

Every three years the Ministry of Health undertakes a refresh of the strategy, and public consultation on its proposals is now open.

"Gambling harm is a significant issue with up to one in five New Zealand adults affected at some time in their lives, either by their own gambling or the gambling of others," Salesa said in a statement.

Estimates suggest 37,000 people aged 15 years or older are at high risk of harm from gambling or are "problem gamblers," Salesa said, adding that 10 public and industry consultation meetings will be held over the next two weeks in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.

"It is important feedback comes from the widest cross-section of society as possible, particularly communities most affected by gambling harm," she said, adding that online submissions also allow more people to provide feedback.