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.

© Scoop Media

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