12 December 2000

ATTENTION EDITOR

Hamiltonians invited to discuss cannabis issues

Green MP Nandor Tanczos today urged the people of Hamilton 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 Hamilton 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. Confirmed speakers include Huntly GP David Gilgen and drug and alcohol counsellor David L. Smith. Mr Tanczos has also personally invited local National MP Tony Steel to attend and, given his strong views, he hopes he will front up.

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 Hamilton have to say on this issue which is polarising most communities in New Zealand," 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.

"Again I urge Mr Steel to come and listen to the people of Hamilton. 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 on 14 December, St Paul's Methodist Church, 62 London Street, 7pm.

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

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