Northland Regional Alcohol Workshop

Alcohol Advisory Council
Press release
10 March 2004

Northland Regional Alcohol Workshop

A regional workshop to look at the most effective ways to reduce alcohol-related harm in Northland will be held at Whangarei this week.

The impetus for the two-day workshop came from Northland Police, Northland Health, the Whangarei District Council and the Alcohol Advisory Council who are all working on strategies around alcohol issues, particularly in regard to the sale and supply of alcohol.

Titled “Changing Attitudes to Alcohol in Northland”, the workshop is trying to show that alcohol problems in Northland are not just a Police problem, not just a health problem, not just a Council problem, not just the fault of parents or schools, but are a community problem.

The workshop opens on Thursday March 11 at 9am with registration and pöwhiri. This is followed by the opening address from Whangarei’s Mayor Mr Craig Brown.

The issues facing Northland will then be presented by three key players; Northland Health Board member, Dr Shane Reti; District Commander, Northland Police, Viv Rickard; and Nga Manga Puriri representative, Nellie Rata.

ALAC Group Manager Community Programmes Sandra Kirby will present newly released research on binge drinking.

Sandra Kirby says a co-ordinated multi-agency approach is needed to reduce the alcohol-related harm caused by New Zealand’s heavy drinking culture.

“New Zealand’s drinking patterns create a number of health related issues as well as alcohol-related crime,” she says. “We know a great deal about what will make a difference – and it boils down to a range of interventions – there is no magic bullet. Local government, central government and individuals all have a responsibility to make changes in the way they currently act. This forum is a good step towards building effective partnerships to reach a common goal.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media