Whangarei Police To Be Congratulated For Drug Initiative
Thursday 24th Jun 1999
Muriel Newman
Media Release -- Education
The Whangarei Police are today being congratulated for their initiative to address the cannabis crisis amongst the young
people of Northland.
ACT Social Welfare Spokesman and Whangarei based MP Dr Muriel Newman said the approach the Whangarei Police are taking
is fresh new and the type of practical hands on programme that is needed.
"The clinical psychologist working on the programme with the Police has this morning said that drug use amongst the
young people of Northland has reached 'pandemic proportions'. It is time to really get stuck in to make sure our young
people don't throw their lives away.
"We do have to look at how we can keep the young people of Northland at school to ensure they get the education and
skills to get jobs. We have to try harder to work with the teenagers and their families so they are not just consigned
to the scrap heap along with so many others.
"We cannot ignore the disastrous effects cannabis is having on the entire Far North community. We cannot pretend it's
not happening. Programmes such as the Whangarei Police are putting together confront the problem head on and aim to show
young people that there is a better way and to give them a second chance to get on with their education.
"The Whangarei Police and all those working on this programme are to be congratulated. I'm sure all communities will be
watching their progress with interest," said Muriel Newman.