Anderton at forum on P, alcohol & drugs, launch of Gisborne CAYAD

Associate Health Minister Jim Anderton will chair a forum in Gisborne on Thursday on methamphetamine, alcohol and other drugs, the latest stop in a series of public meetings on drug and alcohol abuse he is chairing around New Zealand.

The minister, who is in charge of the government's National Drug Policy, said the open session allows for questions to be taken from the floor and he welcomes anyone with an interest in promoting a safer community to turn up, share ideas and ask questions of the panel of experts from the different agencies present.

“The feedback from other meetings I've convened is that they are useful for communities, community workers and for local and central government politicians and their advisors.

"They are a place to both gather information about what is being done and where to get help, as well as a good meeting place to share practical advice on how we can together beat drug abuse in our communities," the Progressive leader said.

Alcohol abuse is New Zealand’s biggest single drug problem and there are concerns about the abuse of legal substances as well as the very dangerous illegal drugs like methamphetamine or P. The minister has chaired similar meetings in Tauranga, Manukau, Morrinsville and Waitakere. His next stop after Gisborne will be in Nelson on March 3.

The meetings survey measures to both reduce supply and demand for drugs, as well as prevention strategies that can be used in communities particularly focusing on the Community Action on Youth and Drugs or CAYAD programmes and treatment availability for victims of drug peddlers.

Thursday evening's forum will mark the formal launch of the Gisborne CAYAD and on Friday, February 18, Jim Anderton will meet with local CAYAD co-ordinators.

Public Forum: Thursday, 17 February at 7.30-9.30 p.m.

Venue: Lawson Field Theatre, Gisborne District Council Buildings, 15 Fitzherbert Street, Gisborne.

7.55 p.m. Associate Health Minister Jim Anderton 8.05 p.m. Paul Stanley (Public Health) 8.15 p.m. Jeanette Varley (CAYAD Tauranga) 8.25 p.m. Moki Raroa (CAYAD Te Aitanga a Hauiti Hauora) 8.35 p.m. Heather Campbell (Tauranga Health) 8.45 p.m. Dick Johnstone (Treatment) 8.55 p.m. Inspector Waata Sheperd (Gisborne Police Area Commander) 9.05 p.m. Simon Williamson, NZ Customs Service 9.15 p.m. Geri Everitt, Ministry of Education; 9.25 p.m. Questions to the panel from the floor

Friday, 18 February at 9 a.m. - noon

9.00-9.45 a.m. Awhina House (drug and alcohol treatment), Rutene Road, Gisborne.

10.00-11.30 a.m. Meeting with CAYAD co-ordinators from Tolaga Bay/Gisborne at Turanga Ararau, corner of Kahutia and Bright Streets, Gisborne.

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