Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

Local Boards unite to tackle 'legal highs'

Media Release

6 August 2013

Local Boards unite to tackle 'legal highs'

Local Boards across Auckland are uniting in calling for Auckland Council to urgently put in place a Local Approved Products Policy to further tackle the sale of so called 'legal highs'.

Under the Psychoactive Substances Act which was recently passed, councils have been given the powers to put in place policies which can restrict the sale of any products approved under the Act from around sensitive sites.

The Manurewa Local Board has led the call for action, asking Auckland Council to urgently put in place a policy to ban the sale of these drugs within a 1km radius of all Schools, Early Childhood Education Centers, Kindergartens Places of Worship and all Community Facilities and Halls.

Other Local Boards have been quick to follow with five local boards across Auckland now supporting the policy.

"We will use every legal means under the new legislation to drive these substances out of our communities." Says Manurewa Local Board Chair Angela Dalton.

"This is about protecting our communities from the propagation and availability of harmful substances within our community. Ultimately, we want these drugs banned, however in the meantime we will use all legal means to restrict the sale of these substances." Says Ms Dalton.

Manurewa Local Board Member Simeon Brown has called for a public meeting to discuss the urgent need for this policy and to inform the public of the work being done to further tackle these substances.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

"Ultimately, we all want these drugs banned, and we will continue to advocate for that outcome, however in the meantime we must take action to use every legal means to restrict the sale of these substances." Says Mr Brown.

"I welcome support from across Auckland as we continue to take action against 'legal highs'. I am organising a public meeting so that we can gather more momentum behind the urgent call for this policy to be implemented so that we can be one step ahead of the 'legal high' industry which is already in the process of having new drugs approved to be sold."

“I would also like to remind the public that if they come across any psychoactive substances which are not approved, being sold in our community, that they should contact the police. It is also an offence to have these substances in your possession.” Says Mr Brown.

The public meeting will be held in the Manurewa Library Meeting room on the 14th of August at 1pm. 7 Hill Road, Manurewa. All are welcome.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines


Gordon Campbell: On The US Opposition To Mortgage Interest Deductibility For Landlords


Should landlords be able to deduct the interest on the loans they take out to bankroll their property speculation? The US Senate Budget Committee and Bloomberg News don't think this is a good idea, for reasons set out below. Regardless, our coalition government has been burning through a ton of political capital by giving landlords a huge $2.9 billion tax break via interest deductibility, while still preaching the need for austerity to the disabled, and to everyone else...
More


 
 

Government: Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government. “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity... More

ALSO:


Government: GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan

Declining GDP for the December quarter reinforces the importance of restoring fiscal discipline to public spending and driving more economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says... More

ALSO:


Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.