About Tama Rawiri - Your NZ Online Casino Expert & Captain Cooks Casino Reviewer

Expertise and Credentials

Let's get this out of the way: I didn't end up writing about casinos because I lost a bet or needed a side hustle. Background? Digital publishing and, well, a lot of consumer stuff. I guess that's why I'm a bit obsessed with payout numbers and, um, the fine print nobody else reads. I've completed proper responsible gambling training (not just a sticker on my LinkedIn) and I keep in touch with the legends at the New Zealand Gambling Helpline. For me, that's not just ticking a box - player safety is at the core of everything I do, even if it means being "that" person who reads every clause in a bonus offer and then brings it up at dinner.

In the past few years, I've churned out deep-dive reviews, safety guides, you name it. There's over 80 articles with my name on them, all for Kiwi casino fans. Auckland's home. And yeah, I've lost evenings testing casino sites-sometimes wondering why my mates put up with my rants about Kahnawake rules. Once, I even called a support agent at midnight just to double-check an eCOGRA seal. (Sorry, not sorry!) Sometimes I'll read a licensing claim and think, 'Hang on, is that for real?' So I go digging-usually bothering a support agent or two-until I'm sure. If I get it wrong, I say so. If it's about RTP rates, bonus terms, or whether a payment method works for NZD, odds are I've written about it, debated it in a group chat, or updated a guide at 2am after a new rule dropped.

Specialisation Areas

If I've learnt anything, it's that no two Kiwi casino players are the same. Some folks are just there for a cheeky spin, others are chasing that big progressive jackpot. My specialty? Picking apart online slots, table games, and especially those massive jackpots-give me a Microgaming classic any day. I'm always poking around for new games and software updates. But here's the real trick: knowing what it's actually like to play as a Kiwi. All the weird payment hurdles, the banks flipping their rules, and that classic battle-chase the thrill, or walk away? Trust me, it's not as easy as it sounds. POLi, credit cards, the mobile apps that crash at the worst possible moment... I get oddly excited when a casino app actually works on my phone, because if it doesn't, most Kiwis won't even bother.

Rules? Not just a footnote for me. I go down rabbit holes on the Gambling Act, Kahnawake quirks, and eCOGRA's badge-honestly, sometimes I get lost in the details. But hey, someone's got to. I know a fair bit about the Gambling Act-well, at least the parts that matter for us. Kahnawake licensing? Still a few things that confuse me, to be honest. And eCOGRA's badge... let's just say I've spent too long reading up on it. I care about rules. Maybe too much. Ask me anything about the Gambling Act or Kahnawake-I'll probably ramble a bit. And don't get me started on eCOGRA's badge... I'm not above double-checking something if it sounds fishy. There have been times I've chased down a payout claim, only to realise it was out of date. Live and learn.

Achievements and Publications

I've spent a good chunk of time (maybe too much!) on deep-dive reviews, safety tips, and explaining all that regulatory stuff to fellow casino fans. Over 80 articles, all for captain-cooks-nz.com-breaking down honest casino reviews, payment methods, and actual resources for responsible gambling. Some of my favourite bits? The big guide on Responsible Gambling-where I get into the nitty-gritty tools for Kiwi players, not just the usual "play responsibly!" banners. There's also a series of explainers where I try to make sense of deposits and withdrawals, NZ-style (not just what some offshore blog says).

I've jumped on community panels for the NZ Gambling Helpline and my ramblings have popped up in a few iGaming roundups here at home. No big international awards yet-maybe next year. But if you ask me, helping a couple hundred Kiwis avoid dodgy casinos or set safer limits is worth more than a shiny trophy. Honestly, I'm not here for fame. Some days I love digging up the facts, other days it's a slog-but at the end of it, I just want you to have the info you need. If it helps you dodge one bad site, that's a win in my book.

Mission and Values

Here's how I see it: casinos already have more than enough hype. I write for Kiwis like me-sometimes I want a thrill, other times I just want my cash back in my account. I call out dodgy promos and roll my eyes at 'guaranteed wins'. There's enough hype out there already. I'm upfront about all affiliate relationships in the privacy and terms pages, and I update every major review at least once a quarter, or straight away if there's a big change in licensing, regulations, or payouts. Responsible gambling isn't a tick-box here; it's built into every review, with links to support services, self-exclusion options, and honest breakdowns of game risks.

Ever read a casino review and thought, "That sounds like a bot wrote it"? Same. That's why I double-check my work, cite real sources (actual licensing info, payout audits), and put player protection front and centre-especially for anyone new to all this or just a bit suspicious of the whole digital casino thing. The only agenda here is to help Kiwis avoid the stuff-ups I've seen too many others make. And just so we're clear: casino games are entertainment, not a get-rich plan. There's always risk-sometimes you win, more often you lose. If you're playing, make it for fun. Not as a side hustle.

If you're worried about your gambling, or just want to set some limits, the Responsible Gaming section has actual advice-how to spot the warning signs, set boundaries, and get help if you need it. Don't be shy about reaching out. It's all confidential, and there's no judgement. Been there, seen it, got the t-shirt.

Regional Expertise

Born in Auckland, raised Auckland, and probably will end up arguing about Auckland traffic till I'm old and grey. But when it comes to gambling, I live and breathe the Kiwi perspective. I keep up with the local debates about regulation, player safety, and whatever's happening with NZ payment options. Whether it's POLi, the latest weirdness from NZ banks, or what a Kahnawake licence actually means for Kiwis, I'm across it-and I update our guides so you don't have to scroll ancient forums or sift through overseas advice that doesn't make sense here.

I end up chatting with NZ casino players, industry folks, and-well, anyone who'll talk games. It's not just research. Sometimes it's just a yarn that turns into a tip for a review. Security, payouts, fair play, all that jazz... but I'll admit, sometimes it's just about the fun. The reviews? They're better for it, I reckon.

Personal Touch

Do I actually play casino games myself, or am I just another critic shouting from the sidelines? Short answer: absolutely. Favourite game? Blackjack. Not because I think I'll beat the house-spoiler, you won't, not over time-but because it's the only game where a bit of maths, a gut feeling, and a dash of luck all meet. Best gambling story? Hah, there was that one night my mate nearly signed up for a dodgy casino-luckily I caught it in time. We had a laugh, sorted out the bonus, and ended up splitting a tiny win. Nothing wild, just a good yarn over a couple of beers. That's about as good as this game gets, if you ask me.

Work Examples

• Bonuses Guide: A real-world look at how NZ casino bonuses actually work, what to watch for, and the sneaky terms that trip up heaps of Kiwis on their first go. Yes, I read the fine print so you don't have to.
• Payments Explained: A straight-up, NZ-focused breakdown of deposit and withdrawal options, including POLi, credit cards, and e-wallets - plus real feedback on payout speeds from local players.
• Responsible Gambling in NZ: Not just where to get help, but how to set limits, self-exclude, and pick up on warning signs early - practical, no-nonsense advice for real people.
• Mobile Casino Apps Review: Hands-on testing and ratings of mobile casino apps for NZ users, with screenshots and honest verdicts on how easy they are to use, how safe they feel, and how quickly they actually pay out.
• NZ Casino FAQ: Regularly updated answers to the questions real Kiwi players ask - about legality, payouts, bonus rules, and keeping your data safe.

Since 2021, I've been putting together reviews and guides-more than 80 at this point. All aimed at making casino life easier for NZ players. The review for captain-cooks-casino-new-zealand? Always one of the most-read and most-shared. Maybe because I don't pull any punches on licensing, eCOGRA certification, or what NZ players can genuinely expect. I try to give you the facts, the context, and-well, sometimes my own opinion sneaks in too. Whether you're new to this or you've been chasing bonuses for years, I hope there's something here for you. If you see anything about player safety, payment options, or local regulations on this site, chances are I've written it or at least checked it for accuracy. And yeah, sometimes I repeat myself. Occupational hazard.

Contact Information

Got feedback? I check the site inbox every couple of days, so send your thoughts there. Not much of a social media person, sorry! Best way is the contact form on the site, or flick an email to [email protected] (I try to reply, promise). If you spot a mistake, call me out-no ego here. I just want to get it right for Kiwi players.