Statement on behalf of Roopuu Apaarangi Waipiro
Alcohol harm reduction experts are calling on the Government to urgently act on recommendations from nine witnesses who
have detailed the multiple, serious and systemic failures by successive Governments to address the unequal harms to
Māori from the lifelong disability of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
The witnesses will be heard by the Waitangi Tribunal on Monday and Tuesday, in support of a claim (WAI2624) submitted by
Raawiri (David) Ratuu (Ngaati te Ata Waiohua, Waikato-Tainui, Ngaati Maniapoto) of Kookiri ki Taamakimakaurau Trust and
member of The Health Coalition Aotearoa’s Roopuu Apaarangi Waipiro, Alcohol Expert Panel.
First, caregivers will describe the devastating, life-changing and on-going challenges and distress they face raising
their loved ones with FASD, often with little to no Government support. Clinical practitioners and researchers will then
present compelling evidence on the Crown’s breaches of Te Tiriti o Waitangi by failing to respond to the serious harm of
FASD. This includes failures to measure the prevalence of FASD as well as providing specific and adequate funding for
diagnosis and wrap-around disability support services for individuals and whānau.
Fellow Health Coalition Aotearoa Panel member and clinical neuropsychologist, Dr Valerie McGinn, is one of the witnesses
presenting evidence next week. She says "the evidence to be presented will be upsetting to many - the implications of
alcohol exposure in pregnancy have devastating, intergenerational effects. With an estimated one-half of all pregnancies
being exposed to alcohol, as many as 1800 or more babies are born with FASD in our country each year. The damage to the
brain from prenatal alcohol exposure leads to outcomes such as low educational achievement, mental health and substance
abuse issues, early contact with the justice system, benefit dependence and premature death - including through suicide.
With the right funding and support, these outcomes can be greatly reduced and persons with FASD and their whānau can
thrive. FASD must be recognised as a stand-alone disability, eligible for disability support services. Other countries
are leading the way, and Aotearoa New Zealand must follow suit."
"The Waitangi Tribunal claim and witnesses present clear solutions for change. Proper regulation of alcohol is also
imperative to reduce the number of babies born with FASD each year. Weak regulation has resulted in the oversaturation
of alcohol outlets across many communities, low alcohol prices, and sophisticated advertising to target young people and
those of child-bearing age" says Panel member Dr Nicki Jackson.
"The persistent lack of regulation of alcohol has enormous, lifelong consequences. Our pro-drinking environment drives
inequities in alcohol use and harm, including the lifelong disability of FASD. We, as the Health Coalition Aotearoa
Alcohol Expert Panel, urge the Government to implement effective regulation of our most harmful drug. They have a duty
to create healthy environments that support alcohol-free pregnancies. We want every child to have the opportunity to
reach their full potential", ends Dr Nicki Jackson.