NZ Drug Foundation / NZ Society on Alcohol and Drug Dependence

Media release18 February 2009

Drug Policy Symposium opens in Wellington

The International Drug Policy Symposium – Through the Maze: Healthy Drug Law, was opened this morning by Hon Peter Dunne, Associate Minster of Health.

The invitation-only gathering will include discussion of a number of drug-related local issues, including the review of New Zealand’s 1975 Misuse of Drugs Act by the independent Law Commission.

Mr Dunne said many New Zealanders and their families suffer for and often have their lives ruined by the misuse of drugs and that one of the challenges for future drug policy is to look at what the best intervention and treatment options are for those caught in the cycle of addiction.

“Evidence indicates a balance is needed between reducing supply of drugs through interdiction and enforcement, and also reducing the demand for drugs through prevention and treatment strategies, if we are to be effective in reducing adverse health and social consequences of drug misuse.”

Drug Foundation Executive Director, Ross Bell, said he was grateful for the Associate Minister’s acknowledgement that a broad and balanced approach to the drug problem and his openness to consider approaches based on solid evidence and local and international best practice.

“We have so many drug and policy experts gathered here for the symposium. It’s good to see the government acknowledging that we can learn from their wide-ranging experience and expertise.”

Drug Foundation Chair, Tim Harding, said it’s important we take these issues seriously and not get stuck in philosophical agendas, simplistic fundamentalist quick fixes or easy political point-scoring.

“The problem we face is that sound policy is not always popular or for that matter, obvious. It has to be based on solid foundations of research, experience, and a liberal dose of wisdom.”

Speakers at the Symposium include international government advisors, United Nations officials, academics and leaders of highly-effective non-government organisations. New Zealand government ministers, police officials, judges and representatives from the Law Commission will also be attending.

The Symposium concludes on Thursday.

ENDS

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