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Hawke’s Bay ganging up on meth
Is America mellowing out?
Big tobacco spins it wide
Does alcohol make you fat?
May 2010
It’s your
turn to shout
The Law Commission’s work is done. If implemented, its
100-plus recommendations would overhaul New Zealand’s
liquor laws. Draft legislation will soon be considered by
Parliament, and it’s time for politicians to listen to the
voices of communities, to those who face the consequences
of alcohol misuse every day.
Contents
matters of substance May 2010
Vol 20 No 2
Features
ISSN 1177-200X
02 Cover Story 24 The slow death of 33 Mythbusters
matters of substance is published by the It’s your turn to shout the ACMD Does alcohol make
NZ Drug Foundation. All rights reserved. you fat?
Neither this publication nor any part For the last decade, the UK’s
of it may be reproduced without prior Advisory Council on the
permission of the NZ Drug Foundation.
Misuse of Drugs has been
opposed or ignored by
matters of substance invites feedback
successive governments.
and contributions. If you’re interested in
contributing a guest editorial or article, Jeremy Sare explains how
please contact us: this unfortunate body has
editor@drugfoundation.org.nz
What’s it really like out been reduced to a shadow
p +64 4 801 6303
there? Our cover story is a of its former self. Studies indicate that how
series of short pieces by alcohol affects your waistline
Brand development/graphic design
Origin Design +64 4 801 6644 those who deal daily with 26 Moving on MODA: a may depend on your age, sex,
info@origindesign.co.nz New Zealand’s love affair proposed new approach location, weight, health, social
www.origindesign.co.nz with the bottle. to personal possession status, profession or all or
none of the above… maybe.
NZ Drug Foundation 15 We’re on your side
3rd Floor, 111 Dixon Street
PO Box 3082, Wellington, New Zealand
p +64 4 801 6303
News
When you have finished with 01 Key Events and Dates
this magazine, please recycle it. Count on us to help keep
The Drug Foundation your diary full for the rest
outlines its views on of 2010.
Become a member The death of a close friend rebalancing our drug laws
The NZ Drug Foundation has been made Black Power member to give due weight to 28 New Zealand News
at the heart of major alcohol and Denis O’Reilly re-evaluate reducing demand and
other drug policy debates for over his own methamphetamine minimising harm.
20 years. During that time, we have use. This is the story of one
demonstrated a strong commitment man’s war against P within
to advocating policies and practices a gang environment. Regulars
based on the best evidence available.
22 Big tobacco hires whaling 01 The Director’s Cut
You can help us. A key strength of the guy to astroturf
NZ Drug Foundation lies in its diverse Drug Foundation executive Alcohol, tobacco and other
membership base. As a member of the director challenges the drugs have been receiving
NZ Drug Foundation, you will receive a lot of attention here in
information about major alcohol and
Government’s rejection
of an alcohol excise tax Godzone. Here’s what’s been
other drug policy challenges. You can also
get involved in our work to find solutions increase. They did it for happening, all in one place.
to those challenges. baccy, why not for booze?
31 World News
Our membership includes health 12 Guest Editorial
promoters, primary health and Is the Association of
community organisations, researchers,
Drug policy under Obama:
students, schools and boards of trustees,
Community Retailers really substance beyond the
policy makers, and addiction treatment a grassroots group of mum rhetoric?
agencies and workers. and dad corner dairy owners?
Or is there some ‘jiggery-
Membership and subscription enquiries smokery’ going on behind
membership@drugfoundation.org.nz
the scenes? And New Zealand’s not the
or visit our website.
only country doing a lot
with drugs. Here’s a
www.drugfoundation.org.nz
round-up of what’s been
Is America’s war on drugs happening overseas.
approach softening under
Quotes of Substance
Obama? Allan Clear reckons
the jury’s still out, though Another collection of the
hopeful statements have best and the worst of what
been made. people around the world are
saying about drugs.
matters of substance May 10 www.drugfoundation.org.nz
The Director’s Cut Key Events and Dates
Inaugural National Indigenous Public Health Association
Drug and Alcohol Conference Conference: Tomorrow for
16–18 June, Adelaide, Australia Tomorrow’s People
The National Indigenous Drug and 22–24 September, Ngaruawahia
Alcohol Conference aims to help The conference aims to bring
develop the capacity of those working together public health workers to
to address indigenous alcohol and
share their stories of today to help
drug issues and associated harms
build a healthy future for tomorrow.
in meaningful ways.
www.nidaconference.com.au www.pha.org.nz/phaconference.html
The Government’s rejection revenue from excise tax
of the Law Commission’s directly funds the mitigation Drugs, Alcohol and Criminal Involve 2010: Connect:
Justice: Ethics, Effectiveness Together We Are Stronger
proposal to raise alcohol of alcohol harms including 17–19 November, Auckland
and Economics of Intervention
excise tax flies in the face prevention, treatment and 24–26 June, London, United Kingdom Involve provides a gathering where
of common sense and rehabilitation services. We This Second European Conference of those who work with young people
incontrovertible scientific can learn from the experience the Connections Project will discuss can enhance skills and strengthen
evidence. across the ditch. In 1992, the how the different components of connections to promote young people’s
drug and alcohol criminal justice positive health and development.
The research may be Northern Territory put an interventions and treatments can www.involve.org.nz
complex but it is also extra 5 cent levy on every be combined most effectively.
irrefutable. Raising the price standard drink sold and used www.connectionsproject.eu/ APSAD 2010: Building on the
of alcohol reduces the revenue to fund a range of conference2010
Capital
consumption – including alcohol harm prevention and 28 November–1 December,
Drug and Alcohol Nurses of Canberra, Australia
among heavy drinkers and rehabilitation measures.
Australasia 2010 Conference
young people – and reduces Evaluation showed significant The annual conference of
14–16 July, Surfers Paradise, Australia
Australasian addiction treatment and
harms such as car crashes, decline in alcohol-attributable Drugs and Alcohol: Every Nurse’s
prevention professionals will focus
violence and disease. It also mortality as a result. Business is the theme for 2010.
on new alcohol and other drug
Explore the role of nurses and their
reduces the likelihood of The World Health treatment, prevention and policy
need to be aware of alcohol and
young or moderate drinkers Organization identifies raising drug-related issues and how to in the Asia Pacific.
becoming heavy drinkers. prices as an ideal policy start tackling these appropriately. www.apsadconference.com.au
The often heard but instrument for reducing www.danaconference.com.au
mischievous sound bite about substance harm. Our 2nd Sport and Alcohol
International AIDS Conference Conference: Finding the Balance
‘penalising the majority of Government clearly
18–23 July, Vienna, Austria 9–11 February 2011, Auckland
responsible New Zealanders’ understands this when it This is the premier gathering for The relationship between sport and
is just cleverly constructed comes to tobacco, yet has those working in the field, policy alcohol will be examined. Those
misinformation. New chosen to ignore this advice makers and persons living with interested will range from health
HIV to assess and evaluate new educators and programme initiators at
Zealanders who drink when it comes to alcohol.
developments to move towards club level through to national sporting
moderately will incur only Of course, price alone ending the pandemic. Rights Here, organisation representatives, from
minor cost increases from a won’t solve the problem, Right Now is the theme for 2010. academics interested in sport/alcohol
50 percent rise in excise tax. which is precisely why the www.aids2010.org advertising to government bodies
An average 330ml can of beer Law Commission says responsible for alcohol awareness,
Addiction Treatment from athletes with first-hand
would cost just 17 cents more, Government should adopt
Leadership Day experience to academics discussing
and an $11 bottle of wine its recommendations as a 22 July, Auckland potential performance issues related
would go up by just 96 cents. package and not just cherry These leadership forums bring to alcohol.
In fact, alcohol is already pick the least politically together addiction workforce leaders www.sportandalcohol.com
costing us dearly – whether risky options. from different functions: policy,
planning, funding, training and
through delay in getting The Law Commission’s 6th International Drugs and
education, service management and
treatment at an emergency final report is comprehensive, delivery, consumers and cultural Young People Conference
leaders to collaborate on strategy 2–4 May 2011, Melbourne, Australia
department flooded with balanced and firmly evidence-
and service delivery. Themed ‘Making the Connections’,
intoxicated patients each based. Raising excise tax is no
www.matuaraki.org.nz the conference will examine the
weekend or through our tax magic bullet, but as part of a complexity and interaction of factors
dollars funding the frontline balanced package of Cutting Edge 2010 that influence young people’s lives,
services mopping up the measures, it will significantly 22–25 September, Auckland the growing importance of social
effects of this epidemic. contribute towards reducing 2010 will be the 15th Cutting Edge media and technology in young
Conference, New Zealand’s most people’s lives today and will recognise
(Alcohol-related issues suck the ongoing carnage from
important alcohol and addiction and celebrate the role that young
up at least 18 percent of the alcohol misuse plaguing our treatment meeting. people play in addressing drug harm.
total Police budget.) communities. www.cuttingedge2010.org.nz www.adf.org.au
It is therefore critical that Happy reading, Ross Bell.
www.drugfoundation.org.nz matters of substance May 10 01
Cover Story
Hawke’s Bay ganging up on meth
Is America mellowing out?
Big tobacco spins it wide
Does alcohol make you fat?
May 2010
It’s your
turn to shout
The Law Commission’s work is done. If implemented, its
100-plus recommendations would overhaul New Zealand’s
liquor laws. Draft legislation will soon be considered by
Parliament, and it’s time for politicians to listen to the
voices of communities, to those who face the consequences
of alcohol misuse every day.
It’s your
turn to shout
Kiwi attitudes to alcohol are in the spotlight
following the Law Commission’s release of
153 recommendations for liquor law reform.
Keri Welham talks to those at the coalface
about New Zealanders’ relationships with
alcohol and the damage it visits upon their
communities.
02 matters of substance May 10 www.drugfoundation.org.nz
www.drugfoundation.org.nz matters of substance May 10 03
In homes We have
where there’s 150 kids
a lot of alcohol, registered
young people get with us. Why
very confused. on earth would
They see it every we want to
day, and they reinforce that
need to know this is okay?
there’s another Tagaloa Taima Fagaloa
way.
Barbara Te Kare
The Social Worker There are many parks and green The Rugby League
spaces in Glen Innes but parents do not
Barbara Te Kare let their children play in them because Club President
Social worker at Tamaki College and member they have become too dangerous. Often,
Tagaloa Taima Fagaloa
of the Glen Innes Drug and Alcohol Group there will be groups of young people in
Porirua City Councillor, Pacific Health Director,
their late teens binge drinking in the Capital & Coast District Health Board, Chair
Barbara Te Kare says those opposed to
parks, and broken glass is commonly of the Ministerial Advisory Council to Pacific
alcohol price rises need to stop thinking
about having to pay a little more for a littered around playgrounds. Island Affairs Minister Georgina te Heu Heu
glass of wine and start considering the When a local stream was recently
Taima Fagaloa wants young people
positive impact a price rise could have cleaned up, half the litter pulled out
to know that Saturday sport and an
in a household where alcohol is abused. of it was alcohol debris – empty cartons after-match beer are not unquestionably
“That’s what I’d like people to and bottles. woven together. The Porirua City
think more about. In the end, we’ll have Te Kare is concerned about the Councillor is chair of St George Rugby
a better quality of life, especially for proliferation of outlets selling alcohol League Club, the board of which has
our kids.” in her suburb and their proximity decided to ban alcohol at its home
Te Kare is a social worker at Tamaki to schools. ground, Cannons Creek Park, before
College. She says Glen Innes, where “It becomes the norm.” and during club games.
she has worked in various community The Glen Innes Drug and Alcohol The ban has yet to be put to a full
roles over the last 33 years, is a decile 1 Group, which Te Kare has belonged to club meeting but initial feedback
location with much state housing, but for about 18 months, relayed to the Law suggests the club’s 120 adult members
it’s also a community blessed with Commission its concerns about the ready support the effort to curb the drinking
positivity and a vibrant collection availability of alcohol. The group also culture around their sport.
of community agencies. called for a liquor ban in public parks Until now, there has been a tendency
“There are a small number of people for some spectators to bring alcohol to the
in community neighbourhoods and a
that cause the majority of the harm grounds and for players to drink in the
rise in both the purchase age and the
because of alcohol-related issues.” changing rooms or on the fields after the
price of alcohol.
She says alcohol instigates or game. Recently, children’s Sunday league
Te Kare says New Zealanders who
accentuates a variety of social problems in games had to be postponed until the
are not living in an environment where
Glen Innes. Te Kare says alcohol-fuelled changing rooms could be cleared of broken
heavy drinking is a concern may be
domestic violence is a big problem, as glass from the previous day’s drinking.
are the drinking habits of parents whose opposed to a price rise for alcohol, but
“We have 150 kids registered with
hangovers render them incapable of she hopes they will reconsider that us,” Fagaloa says. “Why on earth would
getting up in the morning to get their stance because they can appreciate the we want to reinforce that this is okay?”
primary-aged children off to school. potential benefits of making it harder Assuming the motion gets member
“In homes where there’s a lot of for heavy-drinking parents and young backing, opposing teams will be informed
alcohol, young people get very confused. people to abuse alcohol. not to bring alcohol with them to
They see it every day, and they need to “People are worrying too much St George home games.
know there’s another way.” about themselves.” The club has also broken the tradition
04 matters of substance May 10 www.drugfoundation.org.nz
The whole
experience
we went
through was
very chastening.
I don’t drink as
NZPA much as I did
when we started
this project.
Sir Geoffrey Palmer
of hosting a rowdy after-match function The Law Commission impact on society.
in its local bar following every game. “I can’t tell you it was a pleasant
Instead, it promotes selected social President experience. I felt, is this what
events throughout the season. Some New Zealand has come to?”
individuals may still go for a drink
Sir Geoffrey Palmer On-the-ground research, such as
Law Commission President and former
after each game, but regular post-match the Police patrols, complemented the
Prime Minister of New Zealand
drinking no longer has the club’s extensive work the Law Commission
stamp of approval. Sir Geoffrey Palmer is usually undertook over an 18-month review
In 2008, Fagaloa successfully lobbied in bed by 10pm, but in the course of of New Zealand’s liquor laws. The
against a liquor licence application for researching the reality of how alcohol commission’s report features 1,300
a bottle store opposite Cannons Creek is used and abused in New Zealand, footnotes, 153 recommendations and
School. The shop was to be located the Law Commission President went draws on the sentiments of 50 public
between a fruit shop and a library. out on night patrols with Police around meetings and 3,000 submissions.
Community meetings drew up to 60 the country until 4am. It was “carnage The recommendations, which will be
people (many of them representing other by night” he says. considered by Parliament, are intended
concerned community groups), and “I understood the alcohol law. to be bedded in over a 10-year timeframe.
about 800 people signed a petition What I didn’t understand was the reality “The whole experience we went
opposing the store. On the day of the out there and how it has changed.” through was very chastening. I don’t
application hearing, Fagaloa led about In Hamilton, a group of students drink as much as I did when we started
150 noisy protestors from Porirua’s showed him a trio of bars known as “the this project.”
Chlamydia Triangle”. They explained
shopping centre to the District Court. Sir Geoffrey now drinks one glass of
that patrons would drink until intoxicated
While the group’s submission to the wine, three or four evenings a week. He
in the first two bars, then have sex with
hearing was argued primarily on the says all of the researchers working on the
random strangers in the toilets at the
grounds of hours of trade, Fagaloa and liquor laws project have been similarly
third bar. The next day they would have
others were concerned about the ease affected by what they’ve learnt and seen.
no memory of who they had slept with.
with which people could buy alcohol, In Queenstown, Sir Geoffrey saw “It’s the drinking culture you’ve got to
the “normalisation” of putting bottle the council’s desperate efforts to clean change. We have got here [in New Zealand]
stores next to everyday conveniences vomit off the footpaths each morning to a very unfortunate situation, and we seem
such as libraries and takeaway bars, the try and salvage the town’s pristine image to have convinced ourselves there’s
advertising for “lolly-type” drinks, which for tourists. nothing we can do about it.”
children could plainly see as they came “I don’t think that sort of thing At an ALAC conference in May,
and went from school, and the density enhances our civilisation. It certainly Sir Geoffrey said 83 people had been
of alcohol outlets in a small community. doesn’t enhance our tourism.” known to drink themselves to death in
At one count, Fagaloa says, there were Sir Geoffrey says the Police protect the New Zealand since July 2007, 1,000 more
15 liquor outlets to service a community masses from the reality of New Zealand’s had died from alcohol-related causes
of 20,000. drinking culture. Before he went out on and many thousands had been injured
“It has been a gloomy picture for the beat, he was as unaware as many as a result of their own or someone
us in East Porirua.” other New Zealanders of alcohol’s true else’s drinking.
www.drugfoundation.org.nz matters of substance May 10 05
Although it’s
not a very Kiwi
trait to confront
friends over their
problem drinking,
it’s a cultural shift
that this country
needs. As a
strategy, minding
your own business
doesn’t work.
Major Lynette Hutson
Sir Geoffrey was Justice Minister The Addiction around them, from family to employers
when this country’s liquor legislation to friends. Hutson says it upsets her to
was last overhauled in 1989. Changes at Programme Manager meet the young people whose parents
that time included the liberalisation of are using Salvation Army services for
laws to help develop New Zealand’s café Major Lynette Hutson
drinking-related problems. Most appear
and restaurant scene. Salvation Army’s National Manager for
haunted and startled.
“I thought it would help make Addictions and Supportive Accommodation
Everybody has a level of vulnerability,
New Zealand a more sophisticated Lynette Hutson’s job encompasses she says, and if too many risk factors
society.”
all the Salvation Army’s work in collide at one time, people who have
Those changes were appropriate and
mental health, homelessness and never shown any predisposition to
addressed vital issues for that era, but
addictions such as to alcohol, drugs problem drinking can suddenly
Sir Geoffrey says New Zealand is now
and gambling. While alcohol is an area develop severe alcohol addictions.
a different country and significant social
of concern on its own, it also flows She has met successful, happy people,
change in the interim has gone unchecked.
through each of these other areas of some of them holding positions of very
social need, exacerbating problems for high standing in society, whose lives
those already struggling, Hutson says. have been shattered by an unfortunate
Things have changed And it’s been a problem New Zealand set of circumstances and the alcoholism
enormously. We did too much has battled since the days of early that grew out of their despair.
European settlement, when alcohol
liberalisation too quickly, “There but for the grace of God
surfaced as one of this country’s first
and we didn’t look at the social problems.
go I,” she says.
consequences. Hutson would like to see an
“We really haven’t made progress.”
increase in taxes on alcohol, restraints
Hutson says there is a double standard
around the number of liquor outlets in
in New Zealand around how alcohol is
a community and alcohol taken off the
used. “There’s one drink between being
shelves of supermarkets.
the hero and being the failure, the one
“It should never be so entwined
everyone looks down on.”
Although it’s not a very Kiwi with food and the necessities of life.”
trait to confront friends over their She says, in New Zealand culture,
problem drinking, it’s a cultural shift there is a worry that you’ll be viewed
that this country needs, she says. As as a “wowser” if you speak out against
a strategy, minding your own business the easy availability of alcohol.
doesn’t work. She takes heart in the recent rise
“People withdraw from that person, in tobacco prices and the determination
isolate them, and the problem gets worse.” for significant change that this
The Salvation Army estimates a illustrated, but, she says, alcohol
person’s drinking problem has a reform will be a much bigger fight.
significant negative impact on 20 others “It’s more culturally entrenched.”
06 matters of substance May 10 www.drugfoundation.org.nz
I think, in
New Zealand,
we’ve had an
acceptance of
gross alcohol
consumption
and intoxication
that I don’t think
stands to our
credit at all.
Clive Geddes
The Party-town Mayor “By the turn of the century, it was submission to the Law Commission,
becoming apparent that this high suggesting that liquor licensing hours
Clive Geddes concentration of licensed premises… be dictated by the service an
Mayor of Queenstown created a whole range of social and establishment is offering to its
community problems in the CBD.” customers in terms of host
Queenstown is world-renowned as The decision to tackle liquor responsibility and security.
New Zealand’s party town, but the licensing was a controversial and Queenstown has another problem
daily hangover can wear pretty thin for long road. The mayor drove through with the young hospitality and ski
locals whose shopfronts are routinely changes that took effect 2 years ago. industry workers who buy cheap
fouled by vomit, whose windows are Now, every liquor licence that alcohol from off-licences and
smashed in random acts of violence comes up for renewal will be subject supermarkets, drink at their flats
and whose early-morning sleep is to new closing hours. Last drinks will until around midnight, then wander
shattered by the incessant, repetitive, be served at 4am, and all punters into town to socialise in bars. If they
gnawing screech of Australians must be out by 4.30am – although are too drunk, they are denied entry,
chanting, “Oi, oi, oi!” exceptions have been made for which creates problems on the streets
It was the need to balance the well run, host-responsible, ticketed, of the town.
lifestyle of long-term residents, the one-off events. As a non-drinker, Geddes admits
expectations of tourists and the habits So far, only five or six licences it is sometimes difficult to be seen
of party-hard seasonal workers that led have come up for renewal, and Geddes vigorously pushing for liquor licensing
says it is difficult to gauge a tangible reform. Geddes has not had a drink
Queenstown Lakes District Council
change in terms of antisocial behaviour. since 1988. “I am one of those people
through a tough period of small-town
(There were always only a handful of that alcohol doesn’t sit comfortably with.”
liquor licensing reform.
bars open 24 hours; the majority close But he says New Zealanders’
Clive Geddes has been mayor 9 years,
between midnight and 3am.) attitudes to alcohol need to change.
but says the need to take a hard look
But the debate and resulting change He is dismayed by the ease of access
at liquor licensing first arose around
in policy has seen a sizeable shift in to alcohol, community acceptance of
12–15 years ago. The council’s district
attitude. The licensees and the council drunken antisocial behaviour and sport’s
plan allowed 24-hour licences, and there heavy reliance on alcohol sponsorship.
have joined forces with Police and
were often inebriated people stumbling public health providers to form a “I think, in New Zealand, we’ve
around the picturesque lakeside town at liquor liaison group. Together, they’ve had an acceptance of gross alcohol
8am or 9am on a weekday. Workers in instituted council-funded community consumption and intoxication that
the CBD would be greeted with urine or guides who patrol the CBD on I don’t think stands to our credit at all.”
vomit in their shop doorways. Assaults Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Geddes says he does not want to see
and offences against property were The guides intervene in about 30–40 a raft of draconian measures or over-
on the rise. situations a night where small regulation of liquor licensing. Rather,
There are 90 liquor licences for incidents have the potential to blow he’d like to see sensible regulation and
premises within a 500m radius of up into assaults, fights or vandalism. a long-term view to changing Kiwi
central Queenstown. The liaison group also made a attitudes to drinking.
www.drugfoundation.org.nz matters of substance May 10 07
Overall, Staff are
we see kids often frustrated
not being so by the distinct
involved in lack of remorse
other activities among the
because they patients who
are spending have just
more [time] monopolised
drinking. their time for
Deb Fraser an entire
nightshift.
Dr Paul Quigley
The Youth Addiction Fraser says the earlier young The A&E Doctor
people are introduced to alcohol,
Service Manager the more likely they are to experience Dr Paul Quigley
problem drinking later in life. For this Emergency Medicine Specialist and Clinical
Deb Fraser reason, she would support efforts to Toxicologist, Wellington Regional Hospital
Director of Dunedin Child and Youth Drug and make alcohol more difficult for young
Alcohol Mental Health Service Mirror Services people to purchase. Paul Quigley likes a beer. In fact, he’s a
The biggest problem New Zealand qualified beer taster. “I’m definitely not
Deb Fraser works with young people
faces in relation to alcohol is society’s into prohibition.”
who are tempted by ready access to
acceptance – even celebration – of But he is sick of the strain
alcohol that is “cheap as chips” and
excessive drinking, she says. drunk Kiwis put on the country’s
sold alongside everyday household
hospital emergency department
items in supermarkets. Her team deal
resources every weekend. Every
with children who, by their early teens,
Friday and Saturday night, the
have already formed problematic
workload at ED at Wellington Hospital
relationships with alcohol and are facing We still have an attitude
doubles as a direct result of alcohol-
life-long consequences. Mirror Services that supports excessive related injury and illness. The ward
counsellors see young people who are drinking. That attitude is over-run with young drinkers
facing charges of violence, have caused is to get drunk as quickly who have wet themselves, soiled
injury to others while drink-driving or
as possible, without much themselves, fallen over and cut
have unwanted pregnancies as a result
of drunken casual sex.
thought about the their heads. Some are in danger
of choking on their own vomit and
Fraser agrees with Law Commission consequences of that.
have to be closely monitored
President Sir Geoffrey Palmer who has all night.
spoken of a “sinking lid” among young “They tie up a lot of nursing staff.”
people trying alcohol for the first time Others, who may have broken
Dunedin is particularly affected
and developing drinking habits. bones or smashed-up faces after an
by the hard-drinking “southern man”
“More young people have access alcohol-related assault, stalk around
culture and the excessive-drinking
to alcohol younger than they would the ward thinking they need treatment
student culture.
have in the past,” she says. more than anyone else, intimidating
When the legal drinking age was Fraser says parental responsibility
those who have come in for heart
20, Fraser says young people were regarding teenage drinking seems to
attacks, asthma or with sick children.
experimenting at 15 or 16. Now, with be lacking in New Zealand society. Worryingly, some patients have been
a legal drinking age of 18, many are At adolescence, Kiwi parents tend to known to leave ED without being
drinking by 13 or 14 at the expense start backing off and allowing their seen because of the frightening
of other activities such as sport. children greater freedom when they atmosphere the drunk patients create.
“Overall, we see kids not being so should actually be taking a much And then there are the alcohol-
involved in other activities because they closer interest in their children’s related car crashes. One in five fatalities
are spending more [time] drinking.” lives and offering more guidance. on New Zealand roads each year is in an
08 matters of substance May 10 www.drugfoundation.org.nzMany young people
play truant from school
to drink in alleyways and
parks. They get up to no
good, they urinate, they
vomit, they get into scuffles,
and scuffles can lead to
worse things.
Adele Hamilton
alcohol-related crash – about 130 “We don’t find it funny,” Quigley The Community
deaths. The Ministry of Transport says. ED staff work tight skeleton shifts
says, for every 100 alcohol or drug- on the weekend evenings because of Project Leader
impaired drivers who die, about funding and union restrictions.
And the impact of alcohol drags into Adele Hamilton
80 passengers and sober road users
the weekend afternoons as well. Quigley Community Projects Manager at Otara Health
die with them.
Quigley says legal requirements says Wellington Regional Hospital is Adele Hamilton says Otara suffers
looking at collating New Zealand-based under a proliferation of cheap alcohol
mean ED staff have to hold on to drunk
research on hangovers. Overseas outlets, even though people of all
patients – sometimes requiring physical
research suggests hangovers have a ages in the community have repeatedly
restraint and sedation – until they sober
serious economic impact on weekend called for the South Auckland suburb
up or can be released into the care of
and Monday productivity. Quigley says to go dry.
someone sober. Unfortunately, with the
emergency departments see a lot of
drinkers who are just 14 or 15, their “Otara is strong about banning
sports and work injuries on Saturdays
parents are often too drunk themselves alcohol,” Hamilton says, quoting a
and Sundays among people who are
to come and collect their children survey where residents’ most popular
hungover.
(a family environment of heavy drinking suggestion for curbing alcohol-related
crime was to close all liquor outlets in
is one of the risk factors for a teen’s
the suburb of 33,000-plus residents.
early drinking).
“A lot of youth come into Otara
“In that very young group, that’s Whatever you say
because they can get the cheap alcohol.
often the way.” about alcohol, it is not a They get intoxicated and make trouble.
And when they sober up (deemed sports-enhancing drug. It exhausts our resources.”
to be when they get down to the
Hamilton is in charge of
drink-drive alcohol limit or pass a
community projects at Otara Health,
variety of physical tests such as
a non-government organisation made
putting a finger to their nose), staff Quigley says alcohol is no longer
up of community health workers,
are often frustrated by the distinct a treat. It is cheap and easily available.
health promoters and community
lack of remorse among the patients He says young people buy a bottle of
project teams. Hamilton estimates
who have just monopolised their Jim Beam and a very small bottle of
alcohol is a factor in up to 30 percent
time for an entire nightshift. Coke, mix it and drink it at home so of the organisation’s wide-ranging
“There’s no regret.” Some of the they are intoxicated before they hit town. work; from specific alcohol
younger ones are boastful. Even the The ED doctor says the biggest programmes, to projects aimed at
adults in their 30s and 40s, who are a impact in changing New Zealand’s neighbourhood support and Pacific
noticeable presence on the weekends of drinking habits will come from health where alcohol crops up as a
events such as the Martinborough Food curtailing off-licence supplies, increasing recurrent problem.
and Wine Festival and the Trentham prices and reducing the blood-alcohol Hamilton says Otara Health’s survey,
Races, don’t show any embarrassment limit from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml run to coincide with a Community Board
over their lack of self control. of blood down to 50mg. initiative called “Alcohol is no excuse for
www.drugfoundation.org.nz matters of substance May 10 09When the
producers of
alcohol try to
minimise the
problem, they
are talking
through a hole
in their head.
Sergeant Al Lawn
bad behaviour”, also showed that, of all The Police Officer Lawn has five staff on the Canterbury
alcohol-related behaviour, Otara residents Police Alcohol Strategy and Enforcement
were most concerned about violence. Sergeant Al Lawn Team. They work on proactive measures,
Casual drinking is rife in the Otara Officer in charge of the Canterbury Police such as the successful move to a one-way
town centre, despite a council liquor Alcohol Strategy and Enforcement Team door policy in Christchurch where, from
ban. Hamilton says, from her central 3am onwards, bars have elected to only let
Every week, between Thursday night patrons out and not in. This has resulted
Otara workplace, she sees teenagers who
and Sunday morning, Al Lawn sees a in fewer people milling around the streets
have drunk themselves into a stupor
theft take place. He says it’s the alcohol severely intoxicated at 6am or 7am.
when they should be at school. Many
industry’s product stealing Police Lawn’s team has also worked on a
congregate outside liquor outlets.
officers and hospital beds away from blacklisting system in the student suburb
Youth binge drinking is a growing
New Zealanders who may have had of Riccarton where on- and off-licences
problem, she says. Many young people
their car stolen or have a worrisome have joined forces to slap month-long
play truant from school to drink in
niggle in their chest. alcohol-purchasing bans on individuals
alleyways and parks. “They get up to
“We’ll try to get there,” Lawn says, who have been, in Lawn’s words, “a dick”
no good, they urinate, they vomit, they
but it’s more than likely the Police will while drinking.
get into scuffles, and scuffles can lead be too busy loading an inebriated But alongside the proactive work,
to worse things.” teenager into an ambulance or clearing there is always a depressing amount
Hamilton says, while the liquor ban the road after a drink-driving fatality. of reactive alcohol-related policing.
has raised awareness and helped change “On a Thursday, Friday, Saturday One recent night, Lawn had to wait
attitudes, Police resources are too night, most incidents involve alcohol. for an ambulance to collect a 16-year-old
stretched to adequately enforce the ban We run from one job to another.” girl outside an after-ball function. She
and deal with the resultant trouble when With 16 years of frontline Police had an expensive dress, new shoes and
it is broken. experience, Lawn says he has seen a spent 7 hours in hospital after she
Otara Health is a member of the Otara shift in recent years to much higher vomited raspberry-flavoured alcopops
Gambling and Alcohol Action Group, consumption of cheap, off-licence alcohol all over Lawn’s car.
which says alcohol is having a devastating in private homes before young people “There’s a fine line between alcohol
effect on the community as it battles head into town. He quotes research poisoning and death for a little one
third-generation unemployment, domestic that shows the average person arrives like her.”
violence and a lack of life skills. at an on-licence establishment with The team also trawls through all
Hamilton would like to see the 10–13 standard drinks under their skin. fatal car accident files to assess what
alcohol purchase age raised, the number He also says 44 percent of alcohol in role, if any, alcohol played in the crash.
of liquor outlets in communities reduced, New Zealand is consumed in a drink-to- One Canterbury hotel was found to be
a ban on alcohol advertising, licensees get-drunk mentality. the scene of drinking before three
heavily audited to ensure they are “It’s nearly half the alcohol consumed. fatalities in 6 months.
compliant with all laws and by-laws, When the producers of alcohol try to With the privilege of making money
and a policy of strong community input minimise the problem, they are talking out of alcohol goes the responsibility of
into those by-laws. through a hole in their head.” looking out for patrons, Lawn says.
10 matters of substance May 10 www.drugfoundation.org.nzQuotes of Substance
As a former MP, I know
how powerful the alcohol lobby
can be – the fridge in my office
was constantly full of free beer.
Former Act MP Deborah Coddington
reveals one subtle manoeuvre used by
the alcohol industry to influence
New Zealand politicians.
One can query whether
the CEO of a firm that has made
hundreds of millions of dollars
out of peddling alcopops to
teenagers is the ideal choice to
become the civic leader of the
city of Auckland.
Alcohol is not a normal CAYAD worker Denis O’Reilly is critical
commodity. It’s a drug. of Rodney Hide’s appointment of Doug
McKay, CEO of Independent Liquor, to the
position of Chief Executive of Auckland’s
Lawn would like to see the price new Super City Council.
of alcohol go up, fewer off-licences
and greater restrictions on the hours
supermarkets can sell alcohol. He’d Ah, modern life! Your chips
also like to eliminate all advertising come ready-salted, pornography is
of alcohol product pricing so outlets freely available right there on your
cannot compete on price. computer... and if you can’t be
“Alcohol is not a normal arsed mixing your spirits and
commodity. It’s a drug.” splits, there are a bunch of folks
who’ll do it for you.
Nationwide liquor retailer Liquorland has
It’s your turn to shout! described alcopops as “quite possibly
mankind’s greatest achievement”.
The Law Commission has completed its comprehensive review of New Zealand’s liquor
laws and tabled its report to Parliament on 27 April. The Government is expected soon
to respond to the Commission’s 153 recommendations. We expect the Government will It won’t be our licensing
introduce a Bill proposing major reform to New Zealand’s liquor law. laws shaming us internationally,
Mr McCully, it will be the
This Bill will be the most significant chance in 20 years for individuals and communities to
drunken behaviour down
have their say about what sort of alcohol laws will better serve all our interests and reduce
at tent city.
alcohol-related harm.
Former Act MP Deborah Coddington
Make sure your voice is heard: takes a swing at the Government’s
unwillingness to fix New Zealand’s liquor
• S
tay informed through our website: laws before the Rugby World Cup.
www.drugfoundation.org.nz/your-turn-to-shout
• H
ave your say on the Drug Foundation and
Alcohol Healthwatch blog:
www.ourturn2shout.org.nz
• R
ead all 153 recommendations in the
Law Commission’s Alcohol In Our Lives:
Curbing the Harm: www.lawcom.govt.nz
continued on page 28
www.drugfoundation.org.nz matters of substance May 10 11Guest Editorial
Drug policy under Obama:
substance beyond the rhetoric?
Despite pleasing indications that the US may be considering alternatives to the war
on drugs, conflicting words and actions make any new direction on the part of the
Obama administration ambiguous, argues Allan Clear.
Since President Obama’s election, previous administration.
America’s Office of National Drug That said, it also became clear that
Control Policy (ONDCP) has been a broader harm reduction approach
making noises about a change in its remained taboo. Harm reduction is
priorities and approach to illicit drug a health-based approach that takes
control, but the jury remains hung, as into account the realities of drug use.
Allan
Clear little of substance has emerged so far. It actively eschews moralistic and
There have been some cautious reasons punitive approaches, such as those
for optimism, but recent developments epitomised by the war on drugs. For
do make one wonder. the new administration, a philosophy
The political appointees within the of inclusion remains beyond the pale.
ONDCP give an indication of how this The Commission on Narcotic Drugs
new approach may look. New Director (CND) is a high-level United Nations
Gil Kerlikowske was latterly Chief of drug meeting during which declarations
Police in Seattle – a city with a large and resolutions are developed and
needle exchange programme in a part passed down to the United Nations
of the country that has integrated a Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
harm reduction approach into its drug in an effort to set global drug policy.
strategy and hosts an active drug reform The March 2010 53rd CND meeting in
community. New Deputy Director Vienna represented another marker on
Tom McLellan is a well known drug how the US would present its new face
treatment proponent. to the international community. Last
Addressing the term ‘war on drugs’ year’s meeting became a tempestuous
was the first change. Kerlikowske declared event over the inclusion of the words
it an unhelpful appellation and said ‘harm reduction’ in the major Political
changing the tack of the former strategy Declaration that climaxed the meeting.
would be like altering the course of a Although it’s a consensus-driven event,
massive oil tanker. Even before the 26 countries bolted at the close in
appointments, the US publicly reversed protest at the ultimate exclusion of these
its position on needle exchange by two words. In the US, harm reduction
acknowledging that the science was ranks with socialism or free healthcare.
clear and that it works. This was a very It’s incomprehensible that ‘real’
welcome 180 degree turn from the governments use harm reduction
12 matters of substance May 10 www.drugfoundation.org.nzPresident
Barack Obama
as the designated approach to addressing itself. Could it be a uniting force or – no nothing. For better or for worse,
drug use. To exclude this language is not would it continue in its familiar, divisive when it comes to global drug policy,
only a denial of reality, but also a slap in approach? Things started looking up on what the US says often goes, meaning
the face of countries that have already the very first day, with opening speeches this resolution could have a truly positive
embraced this approach. from Gil Kerlikowske and Tom McLellan. impact on people’s lives worldwide.
As with pretty much all other Both were eminently pragmatic, It was also refreshing to hear Tom
progressive change movements, reasonable, knowledgeable – and McLellan critique the shortcomings of
discussion and dialogue between camps devoid of war on drugs rhetoric. the current US drug treatment system on
under the previous US administration the second day. In contrast to the usual
was non-existent. I remember leaving rhetoric that places all the blame for
the 52nd CND meeting when an ONDCP In the US, harm failure on users and accredits all good
staffer remarked that this was the first reduction ranks with news to the wonders of the current
time that the US delegation had been socialism or free healthcare. system, McLellan called for market
allowed to meet with ‘drug legalisers’. driven reforms that would take into
It’s incomprehensible that
Of course, within the ONDCP bubble, account the needs of drug users.
any group challenging the prevailing
‘real’ governments use harm But here’s the rub. Despite
drug war paradigm is labelled a drug reduction as the designated McLellan’s talk of a market-driven
legaliser – a term that, according to US approach to addressing system, the US is still averse to the
propaganda, has nothing to do with drug use. inclusion of the words ‘people who use
regulating drug markets and everything drugs’ in international resolutions and
to do with selling crack to 10-year-olds. documents and continues to actively
The drug legalisers that talked to the In fact, the US sponsored a resolution work for the removal of this language.
delegation in Vienna last year included that may allow more access to pain Of course, that clause usually appears
organisations like the Harm Reduction medication for chronically or terminally in the context of including drug users’
Coalition, Human Rights Watch and the ill patients. This may not seem like a big input into policy and service
Washington Office on Latin America – deal in the US, where patients in the last development. If the US is serious
all of which seriously critique the stages of illness are often provided with about addressing stigma, exclusion and
failings of US drug policies, but none of liberal amounts of pain medication, but discrimination against people who use
which have strategies to make drugs legal. this is not a global phenomenon. As a drugs, shouldn’t it come up with a plan
The 53rd CND promised to be a more recent report from Human Rights Watch that doesn’t stigmatise, exclude and
convivial love fest than last year. We notes, 150 countries have no access to discriminate against them?
were promised a new approach and were medical opioids or other effective pain So, despite a seemingly realigned
watching to see how the US presented medication. No morphine, no Fentanyl approach to drug policy under the new
www.drugfoundation.org.nz matters of substance May 10 13Far left: Drug czar Gil Kerlikowske.
Left: ONDCP Deputy Director Dr Tom McLellan.
administration, the US remains doggedly Overall, the public face of the US closed visage of paranoia and suspicion.
opposed to using the term ‘harm at the 53rd meeting of the CND was a No one really thought McLellan was
reduction’. This resistance comes even reasonable one. I found myself more in the true ‘great white hope’, but he did
while the US explicitly supports many agreement than disagreement with most signify a positive move for drug users.
harm reduction practices. For example, of the statements and presentations. It Now, you have to wonder what will
the US statement regarding demand was middle ground; not so much about come next. Will the ONDCP step out of
reduction reinforced support for needle the elimination of all drug use and more its comfort zone and move beyond an
about a health-centred approach. abstinence-based approach? Will there
However, the next and more meaningful be some heft, money and political clout
If the US is serious about step must be action. behind the rhetoric?
The ONDCP is about to release We shall see, but doubts grow.
addressing stigma, exclusion
its new drug strategy. At some point
and discrimination against in its development, I participated in a This Guest Editorial references blogs Allan
people who use drugs, 45-minute conference call with Director has written – to access those links and
shouldn’t it come up with a Kerlikowske and 10 or so drug reform
for other references, please visit
www.drugfoundation.org.nz/allan-clear-blog.
plan that doesn’t stigmatise, groups who were invited to make three
exclude and discriminate or four points towards the plan. On the Allan Clear is Executive Director of the
one hand, it was a tokenistic and US-based Harm Reduction Coalition
against them? www.harmreduction.org.
nonsensical gesture, but on the other,
it was the first time that a diversity
exchange as well as every intervention of input was actually considered –
that appears in the UNODC, WHO and authentic or not. It’s hard to tell at this
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
UNAIDS Technical Guide for countries point whether the new approach is a
to set targets for universal access to HIV cynical placation device or a more
prevention, treatment and care for genuine but wary curiosity.
injecting drug users. To compound matters, Tom McLellan
That said, the US still does not put has announced his resignation. He
any level of support into interventions has denied a difference of opinion but
that it does not feel are geared towards claims he’s not cut out for government.
decreasing drug use, such as safe injection This would come as no surprise if
PACIFIC
sites and heroin prescription programmes, you’ve talked to him. He has an OCEAN
despite evidence they do result in openness, whereas his praetorian guard
reductions in the use of illicit drugs. of assistants and protectors have a
14 matters of substance May 10 www.drugfoundation.org.nzWe’re
on your
side
Black Power life member, former
methamphetamine user and now,
arguably, one of the country’s most
successful anti-P campaigners.
This is the story of Denis O’Reilly.
It is also a tale of community and
about how strange bedfellows like
rival Mäori gangs Black Power and
the Mongrel Mob are working
together to reduce demand for pure
methamphetamine. By Kim Thomas.
Denis O’Reilly’s mission was kick-started by the death
of his friend Hone Day in 2003.
In his own words:
“Life was cool, busy and pretty low stress until…
a friend [Day], a Black Power leader, took a knife and
gutted himself in a bout of methamphetamine-induced
Denis psychosis. His death was a shock, both in manner and
O’Reilly
cause… the emotion of those days [during Day’s tangi]
fired my desire for action, kia whakarite, the desire to
put things right.”
Since Day’s death, O’Reilly – a Päkehä with the
distinction of being a patched Black Power member for
more than 40 years – has taken an at times unpopular
stand against methamphetamine within his gang and
in support of like-minded leaders in the Mongrel Mob.
He has toured the country spreading an anti-P
message and organised a series of concerts where music
and free food is accompanied by support for kicking
www.drugfoundation.org.nz matters of substance May 10 15I spoke my heart and asked methamphetamine addiction. He’s a The drug was causing very real
the gang leaders present… to vital part of a cutting-edge community problems for Hone Day.
initiative to make Hawke’s Bay “Hone had committed murder at
allow this old fossil to strike
methamphetamine-free. 17. He was drunk and killed a milkman.
back against this substance O’Reilly’s involvement with Over his years in jail, he had an epiphany,
that had taken our friends. methamphetamine began early in the and by the time he came out, he no
noughties when he and other senior longer drank or smoked and certainly
Black Power members were being didn’t take drugs,” recounts O’Reilly.
wooed by methamphetamine suppliers. “He was strongly committed to his
“I was going through a low point, Mäoritanga, and he was a fantastic coach.
and here was this new stuff that made He had turned his life around and had
me feel good and rosy. I took to it like a really bright future. He was appointed
a duck to water.” as the New Zealand Mäori Rugby League
Within months of starting using the Coach and started university studies.
drug, O’Reilly began to experience its “But Hone got seduced into trying
negative effects. meth. It seemed to help him with his
“I absolutely understand, from studies, which were pretty full-on, but
personal experience, what an addictive within a short time, he was exhibiting
drug it is. I started to become abusive, bizarre behaviours.”
and my family noticed my behaviours Day’s friends recognised the danger
were getting pretty odd.” methamphetamine posed and took
The drug was also seriously affecting him out of Auckland and away from
other Black Power members. his suppliers. For some time, he stayed
“We had a number of guys commit clean, O’Reilly says.
suicide. The Mob was experiencing a Meanwhile, the drug was taking its
similar thing, their losses mainly being toll on others, with more Black Power
from heart attacks. I came to my senses. members committing suicide.
I remember holding my Day returned to Auckland to attend
methamphetamine pipe in my hands one of the tangi and started using P again.
and putting it in the rubbish bin. I said, Within a short time, he was using
‘Fuck it, that’s enough.’ I knew this heavily and took his own life.
drug was different. I realised it had the At Day’s tangi, O’Reilly and other
potential to cause some real problems.” senior gang leaders got together to talk
16 matters of substance May 10 www.drugfoundation.org.nzabout methamphetamine. “A few of the brothers would rather I
“I spoke my heart and asked the gang shut my mouth about methamphetamine
leaders present… to allow this old fossil and would happily shut it for me. That
to strike back against this substance that tension is still there.”
had taken our friends, and in the O’Reilly’s efforts within Black Power
moment, I won their agreement. caught the attention of then Associate
“We started thinking that more of our Health Minister Jim Anderton. O’Reilly
men had died encountering this substance and his team were funded to undertake
than in the gang wars. It was the enemy. a study for the Ministry of Health and
“I said we need to move against this visited methamphetamine users,
drug and start protecting our families.” distributors, their families and
The gathering of Black Power chapter communities.
leaders gave O’Reilly a mandate to “We concluded that, rather than
finger wagging and demonising users,
a more productive approach was to be
optimistic and let those struggling with
We’re trying to encourage the substance know ‘we are on your
people to figure things out for side’,” O’Reilly says.
themselves and to self-identify “We’re trying to encourage people
to figure things out for themselves and to
the behaviours that impede a
self-identify the behaviours that impede
positive future for themselves a positive future for themselves and their
and their families. We want families. We want to promote hope
to promote hope within a within a whänau.”
whänau. That job is not always easy with
methamphetamine readily available.
“When people are unemployed and
desperate, there is the perception that
campaign against methamphetamine, and there’s lots of money to be made from P.
he began travelling around marae for hui “Someone gets out of prison,
about the substance’s negative effects. wants to make some money selling
In some quarters, O’Reilly’s message methamphetamine… we can’t really
was met with hostility. stop people selling. That’s a reality…
www.drugfoundation.org.nz matters of substance May 10 17You can also read
