Northland Community Invited To Discuss Cannabis Issues

Green MP Nandor Tanczos today urged the people of Northland to attend a discussion forum to examine whether there is a better way to approach the cannabis issue.

Mr Tanczos stressed that the forum will not be a political debate. He said he will be attending to hear the views and concerns of the Northland community which he intends to take back to parliament and feed into the review of cannabis which is now under way.

Mr Tanczos will be a part of a speaking panel. Others invited to address the meeting were local police, iwi representatives, health workers and the leader of the opposition the Hon. Jenny Shipley. After guest speakers have spoken, the meeting will be thrown open to the public.

"I feel it is really important to hear what the people of Northland have to say on this issue which is polarising this community perhaps more than any other," he said. "This country needs to start talking together on this. We all agree there are problems that need addressing and most of us want the same outcomes.

"This forum is to examine what outcomes people want from a cannabis policy and to then examine whether there are better ways to achieve them," he said.

"I urge Mrs Shipley to come and listen to the people of Northland. I think it is really important that we lay aside political differences to discuss this issue and I will be coming with an open mind."

The forum is being held at the Kaitaia Dalmation Cultural Centre, 7pm, Friday 24.

Nandor Tanczos is available for local media interviews before and after the forum.

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