MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Use

CAYAD Hui to tackle big youth drug and alcohol issues

About a hundred community and marae based kamahi (co-ordinators) will be tackling the big drug and alcohol issues facing New Zealand’s youth at the Community Action Youth and Drugs (CAYAD) Hui at Pakanae Marae in Opononi over the next three days.

CAYAD National Coordinator Pariri Rautahi says that CAYAD is a proven grassroots approach to empower communities to reduce illegal drug and alcohol use.

“The national CAYAD Hui is an important time for CAYAD coordinators to get together to share innovative approaches and new strategies to deal with illegal drug use. Coordinators are trusted by local communities, they know what works and what doesn’t work to improve outcomes for young people”

Chair of CAYAD provider Te Runanga o Te Rarawa Haami Piripi says that the Hui will include presentations from drug and alcohol experts as well as local CAYAD experts.

“A BERL research study estimated the social cost of illicit drugs at over $1 billion per annum nationally. CAYAD is the only grassroots initiative in NZ focussed on illicit drugs and with strong involvement in Maori communities. CAYAD is based on international research on how to work effectively at the local level to achieve sustainable outcomes and positive behavioural change in our young people.”

“CAYAD works with community groups to create systems and support so young people can achieve in education, recreation and employment. This reduces use and harm from alcohol and other drugs.”

ENDS

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