Media Release

19 September 2013

Auckland Council Taking Action Against 'Legal Highs'

Civic Leaders in Manurewa are pleased that Auckland Council voted yesterday to get the wheels in motion to put in place further restrictions on so called 'legal high' stores. 

Under the recently passed Psychoactive Substances Act, councils have been given the authority to limit where stores selling 'legal highs' can be placed. The Manurewa Local Board lead the advocacy, arguing for a 1km radius ban on these stores around all schools, early childhood education centres, places of worship, and community halls and facilities. 

Manurewa Local Board Chair Angela Dalton says she is pleased that this policy will now be going ahead after a unanimous vote today at Auckland Councils Regional Development and Operations Committee. 

"Communities across Auckland and particularly in the south have been plagued by the availability of 'legal highs' being sold and the harm that these substances have been causing in the community. 

"We are pleased that this policy will now be developed, and we look forward to its implementation so we can continue to drive these substances out of our communities and away from our young people." Says Ms Dalton.

Manurewa Local Board Member Simeon Brown has spoken to 9 other local boards around Auckland seeking support for this policy, and says it is crucial for the well being of our communities. 

"This policy will ensure that we can further reduce the availability of these substances, especially around sensitive sites where the community gathers and where young people are present. 

"Too many young people have already been harmed by these substances. Enough is enough." Says Mr Brown. 

Manurewa-Papakura Councillor Calum Penrose says he is pleased that Auckland Council voted unanimously for the policy. 

"Auckland Council has listened to the concerns of the residents of Manurewa, and is taking action to support them using the powers that the new legislation has given them. 

"I'm hopeful we can now speed up the implementation of this policy so that it is in place as soon as possible, by Auckland Council working closely with the Ministry of Health to put it in place." Says Mr Penrose. 

ENDS

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