Media Statement

11 October 2007

Submission against party pills lodged with Parliament’s Health Select Committee

Party pills should be outlawed and no amnesty should be provided to people who possess BZP, according to the Manurewa Action Team.

Daniel Newman, the leader of the Manurewa Action Team and one of two local residents who successfully objected to the right of a Clendon liquor retailer to sell party pills, said the Manurewa Action Team’s submission reflected the community’s desire for party pills to be outlawed as soon as possible.

“It’s pretty clear from our 80-odd street corner meetings, our discussions with school boards of trustees, a Clendon youth hikoi, and from months of door-knocking, that people want to take action against the sale and supply of these types of substances. Having succeeded in getting rid of party pills out of one liquor outlet, the Manurewa Action Team will continue to provide the leadership necessary to challenge other retailers who sell BZP and other related products.

“We support the Misuse of Drugs (Classification of BZP) Amendment Bill insofar as it outlaws BZP and other related substances. However, we do not support clause 6 of the Bill, which would provide an amnesty to people who possess BZP for their own use. Frankly the Manurewa Action Team believes the amnesty provision is a ‘get out of jail free’ card, which is completely contrary to the health and safety of the public.

“The Manurewa Action Team supports an amendment to the Bill to remove clause 6. Party pills need to be outlawed immediately,” Daniel Newman said.

The Manurewa Action Team’s campaign for public office has been based on issues. The campaign against party pills illustrates how a local government organisation can provide leadership simply by doing what is right and consistent with the public good.

“Our approach to leadership sets us apart from our opponents. Our opponents make a virtue out of promoting their names. We have made a virtue out of focusing on outcomes that help and assist local residents and ratepayers. That approach is not going to change,” Daniel Newman said.

End.

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