Current Debates

The little community clinic that could

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Hepatitis C has been called a silent killer. An individual can have the insidious virus for years without realising, until it starts to attack their liver with potentially deadly consequences. An estimated 50,000 people in New Zealand have hepatitis C, and the numbers are expected to increase dramatically. A community clinic has been set up Christchurch as a pilot programme with the aim of tackling the disease head on. Kelly Andrew takes a look at its novel approach.

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FebFast 2012 grant fund programme

FebFast 2012 is kicking off and we want to share its success with you!

Last year we hosted for the first time in New Zealand the Febfast campaign.  This was a fundraising campaign which invites people to forgo alcohol consumption for the month of February, and at the same time, raise funds for organisations working in research, prevention and service delivery concerning young people and substance abuse.

The benefit in doubt

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Welfare beneficiaries who use alcohol and drugs are likely to be targeted under a new, tougher regime if recommendations by the Welfare Working Group are introduced. The government-appointed group has found the current system is too permissive and proposes benefit cuts and stand-downs as penalties for those who fail drug and alcohol tests and refuse treatment. Critics argue the suggested measures are draconian and could lead to an increase in social harm and criminal offending that would impact on all New Zealanders.

Sport under the influence

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Alcohol industry sponsorship has been a gold mine for sport in New Zealand, so much that many clubs say they couldn't survive without it. But what has been the cost to the codes, the players and the general public of alcohol's high profile wherever we compete?