UN World Drug Day 2011 recognised in South Auckland

Several community-based drug and alcohol rehabilitation and education groups gathered in South Auckland last Friday (24 June) to recognised the United Nations "International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking".

The event was organised by Drug Free Ambassadors and the Foundation for a Drug Free World with Thomas Henry of the Mangere Maori Wardens who was the MC.

The United Nations focus for the 2011 Drug Day was to reinforce the role that communities play in addressing the drugs challenge in society, and how to involve families, schools, and communities when it comes to education and treatment for drug addiction.

TeRata Boldy, the national coordinator for The Foundation for Drug-Free World was happy with the turnout to the event with over 80 people attending and presentations from a variety of agencies across Auckland and one group that came from the Hawkes Bay to attend.

"This was a worthwhile conference and it really highlighted the work being done at a community level, from parents, schools and community agencies all greatly concerned with effects of drug and alcohol abuse," Mr Boldy said.

"The event also showed what like-minded people can do about a major social problem and that there are effective ways to educate and rehabilitate drug addicted people," he said.

After a traditional Maori welcome, the event was opened by John Fletcher of the Hawkes Bay alcohol and drug rehabilitation service, Te Waireka Kaupapa Maori, who presented the successes given in person by the young people who have been through the programme.

Headmaster for King's College, Bradley Fenner, emphasised how anybody from any background can be affected by drugs and that families and communities need to work together to tackle the drug issue. "Never ever give up" was his message.

Mr. Tom Claunch, co-founder and clinical director of Capri Hospital, talked about his programme and the results it produces. Three of his clients shared their stories of what drugs had done to them, and how they have emerged clean from drug addiction.

Constables Bryan Ward and David Taukamo from the New Zealand Police gave an informative presentation based on their wealth of experience from the frontline of fighting drug related crime

NZ Drug Detection Agency CEO, Kirk Hardy, presented on workplace drug testing and how effective this is in promoting health and safety in the workplace.

Victory Outreach Ministries Pastor, Carlos Aguilera, originally from San Diego,
shared a heartfelt testimony of how faith in God got him off drugs and how he now ministers to drug-addicts here in New Zealand to help them do the same.

Staff from Alcohol and Drugs Peer Support Team, Connect, closed the event with a presentation on the work they did in the wider Manukau area to help people with drug problems.

Lydia Sosene, local Auckland Council Board member, who attended, commended the work of the Foundation in organising the event and said she was impressed by the high quality of the presentations. She spoke of how this day really highlights the impact of drugs and alcohol on the community.

The Lagofaatasi Trust and the Global Village assisted with the event as did the Church of Scientology, Drug Free Ambassadors and the staff and students of Te Kura Kaupapa Maori a rohe o Mangere.

For more information: www.drugfreeworld.org

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