Jackie Elliott against approving sale of Psychoactive Substances in Kapiti

Last Thursday Council voted to approve part of Kapiti Rd for the sale of psychoactive substances despite demonstrable opposition from residents and businesses. I did not support this motion.

I gave Councillors another option to consider, - ' That KCDC take no action that will facilitate the sale of any substances that are under the jurisdiction of the Psychoactive Substances Act 2013 in the district of Kapiti. Despite my efforts it was defeated in a 6/4 vote.

Council had been threatened that Health Officials will give retail licenses all over the district if we don't approve an area for them. We have been and remained in an impasse over this issue simply because the Mayor and Council Management are prepared to be bullied.

The elephant in the room remained the fact that nothing in this poorly drafted, faulty legislation inhibits the sale and distribution by the internet. I would have thought the crown would be the slightest bit interested in closing that loophole.

I doubt this will happen given the Associate Minister of Health, Right Hon Peter Dunne's son,James, is a lobbyist on behalf of the synthetic cannabis industry and is described on his employers website as NZ's leading specialist in the regulation of new psychoactives under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2013.

We have heard some incredulous statements in chambers as Kapiti professionals have tried to defend this law.
Health Officials said, "We are trying to normalise drug sales " - WHY? We were told the greatest threat to our youth is alcohol. Are they going to 'Normalise' teenage drinking? No, of course not. So why normalise drug use?

The Police have said- It is acceptable ( to them) for users from across the district to drive, in a state of withdrawal, to the centre of the busiest road in the district and then drive home again, High! - WHY!
I suggest the front counter of the Police station is the most appropriate outlet if the police want to keep an eye on users, but the only option on the table was central Kapiti Rd and although I am elected to make decisions for Kapiti, there is no way I would make drug outlets anyone's neighbour.

Councillors missed the opportunity to tell Ministers that Kapiti, it's Council and it's people will not be bullied into facilitating the sale of dangerous drugs to our most vulnerable people.

ends

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