Whether we like it or not, New Zealanders use drugs. Drug use can cause social, health and economic harms and cost individuals, families and communities dearly.
Preventing and reducing harms from drug use is a big challenge and one the New Zealand Drug Foundation has taken on.
The Drug Foundation has been at the forefront of major alcohol and other drug policy debates for more than 20 years. During that time we have advocated strongly for policies and practices based on the best evidence available.
Ko tēnei rōpū e mōhiotia nei te Tūāpapa Tarukino o Aotearoa, he rōpū kaitiaki. Ko tana whāinga matua kia āraia atu te kino o te mahi kai tarukino, kai waipiro, kai tupeka hoki i ngā wāhi katoa o Aotearoa.
Our work is supported in a number of ways: including government funding, corporate and private grants and donations, as well as by our members.
We are a registered charitable entity under the Charities Act 2005 (registration number CC27025).
The New Zealand Drug Foundation is governed run by the Board of Trustees:
The New Zealand Drug Foundation has gone through an exciting period of growth over the last five years: our income has increased, we are more active in the alcohol & other drug sector and the wider community, we have expanded our information services, have stepped-up our policy advisory role and work with politicians, and have a more robust governance body.
We are now better placed to pursue our vision for New Zealand communities to be free from drug harm.
This is an important time for alcohol and drug policy and services in New Zealand, and for the work of the Drug Foundation:
In 2010 the country will be discussing and debating liquor law, with a major overhaul of alcohol regulation and law being considered by Parliament. The new bill is a result of an historic review led by Sir Geoffrey Palmer at the Law Commission. The review is a great chance for communities to have their voice heard and for New Zealand to strengthen controls over alcohol.
Another historic review is also underway. Also led by the Law Commission, the Misuse of Drugs Act review is the first time in 35 years that our drug law is under the microscope. This also represents a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity to modernise our obsolete drug control system to one that better supports people needing help.
Decisions that are made from these reviews will impact individuals, families and communities for years to come. It’s important the best decisions are made, and that the Drug Foundation has a role in that decision making. We need an effective, strong and robust Board of Trustees to oversee that important work.
We are currently looking to invite new Trustees to join our voluntary board. We hope to attract a selection of potential candidates who can complement our existing Trustees. We are looking for people who can fill a number of vacancies in 2010, as well as positions likely to become vacant over the next 18-24 months.
We want people who have governance experience and who are passionate about the important role of non-government organisations in advocating for effective policies and services. We are also looking for people who can provide some of the following specific skills: commitment to the vision and mission of the Drug Foundation; experience in policy and political processes; governance expertise; sound financial literacy; strategic planning and thinking; knowledge of communications and marketing; and academic and research experience.
Contact us for more information.
The Drug Foundation is committed to reducing and preventing the harms caused by drugs in New Zealand. This includes harms caused by legal drugs, such as tobacco and alcohol, as well as illegal drugs, such as cannabis.
Our commitment to reducing drug harm includes moderation in the use of alcohol and ensuring that any illicit drugs, if used, are used safely.
We focus on advocating for policies and services that build a healthy society where there is the least possible harm from drug use.
We recognise that drugs, legal and illegal, are a part of everyday life experience. Harms drugs can cause to individuals and families include injury, disease, personal and financial problems and a reduced quality of life. Harms to society include unsafe communities, increased need for law enforcement, and high health and economic costs.
All efforts to control or reduce the harm from drugs must be evidence-based, socially just and maintain the rights of individuals and the aspirations of communities.
We keep ourselves up-to-date with international drug policy issues. We are members of