Wellington Branch

Press Release

For Immediate use by all media

The Aotearoa legalise Cannabis Party (ALCP) held its fourth annual general meeting and conference last weekend in Christchurch. The Wellington Branch was well represented at the conference with two carloads of dedicated supporters from Wellington joining over 30 delegates from as far away as Whangarei and Invercargill.

Wellington Branch convenor, Dave Moore, was pleased with the overall result of the conference and is confident that, if needed, the party will make a strong showing at the next general election.

"We are concerned that both the Greens and Labour appear to be weakening in their resolve to change cannabis laws in NZ" said Dave Moore. "While the government has promised to review the cannabis laws in NZ, it is unclear as to what change might be affected, if indeed any change of the laws occurs at all" he added.

For the first time in the party's history, members have requested that the managing committee investigate establishing a broader base of policy options.

"We intend to develop a broader policy base which will allow us to compete more effectively with other parties at the next general election" Said newly elected Wellington Regional rep, Ben Knight. "Our support base is still strong and represents over 300 000 cannabis users in this country" he added.

The Conference added the position of Youth Affairs officer to its management committee, voting in Duncan Eddy from Dunedin. The dread-locked 25 year old honours student in Philosophy recently displayed his strong commitment and courage by preferring a jail sentence to accepting the cannabis laws with payment of a fine or community service.

The Party is looking forward to making submissions to the health select committee review of cannabis laws and acknowledges that the anti cannabis lobby is strong.

"At last we have an opportunity to present the actual evidence about cannabis and the problems of prohibition for the consideration of legislators and we are looking forward to the challenge" said Party Leader Michael Appleby. "We can look forward to real change in our cannabis policy if the Labour, Green, and ACT parties follow their election promises and principles to their logical conclusion." He added.

Contact: Ben Knight (025 377509) Dave Moore (021 412600)

Michael Appleby (025 403 363)

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