Wellington Branch
Press Release
For Immediate use by all media
The Aotearoa legalise Cannabis Party (ALCP) held its fourth annual general meeting and conference last weekend in
Christchurch. The Wellington Branch was well represented at the conference with two carloads of dedicated supporters
from Wellington joining over 30 delegates from as far away as Whangarei and Invercargill.
Wellington Branch convenor, Dave Moore, was pleased with the overall result of the conference and is confident that, if
needed, the party will make a strong showing at the next general election.
"We are concerned that both the Greens and Labour appear to be weakening in their resolve to change cannabis laws in NZ"
said Dave Moore. "While the government has promised to review the cannabis laws in NZ, it is unclear as to what change
might be affected, if indeed any change of the laws occurs at all" he added.
For the first time in the party's history, members have requested that the managing committee investigate establishing a
broader base of policy options.
"We intend to develop a broader policy base which will allow us to compete more effectively with other parties at the
next general election" Said newly elected Wellington Regional rep, Ben Knight. "Our support base is still strong and
represents over 300 000 cannabis users in this country" he added.
The Conference added the position of Youth Affairs officer to its management committee, voting in Duncan Eddy from
Dunedin. The dread-locked 25 year old honours student in Philosophy recently displayed his strong commitment and courage
by preferring a jail sentence to accepting the cannabis laws with payment of a fine or community service.
The Party is looking forward to making submissions to the health select committee review of cannabis laws and
acknowledges that the anti cannabis lobby is strong.
"At last we have an opportunity to present the actual evidence about cannabis and the problems of prohibition for the
consideration of legislators and we are looking forward to the challenge" said Party Leader Michael Appleby. "We can
look forward to real change in our cannabis policy if the Labour, Green, and ACT parties follow their election promises
and principles to their logical conclusion." He added.
Contact: Ben Knight (025 377509) Dave Moore (021 412600)
Michael Appleby (025 403 363)