Christopher Kennedy Lawford visiting New Zealand

United Nations Goodwill Ambassador on Drug Dependence, Treatment and Care, Christopher Kennedy Lawford is visiting New Zealand this week to discuss drug addiction and treatment, New Zealand Drug Foundation Executive Director Ross Bell said.

“Chris is JFK’s nephew. He is an actor, an academic, businessman, author and he speaks about recovery with passion because he has been there himself,” Mr Bell said.

Mr Kennedy Lawford’s visit coincides with the Drug Foundation’s FebFast fundraising campaign.

“Mr Kennedy Lawford’s visit and the Febfast campaign both promote the urgent need to provide quality treatment to people with addictions,” Mr Bell said.

“Mr. Kennedy Lawford campaigns tirelessly on behalf of the recovery community around the world. I’m very pleased that the Drug Foundation has been able to bring someone of Chris’ calibre over to shed light, not heat on New Zealand’s addiction issues.”

Mr Lawford presently works with the United Nations, the Canadian Center on Substance Abuse, the White House Office on Drug Control Policy and the World Health Organisation. His UN Goodwill Ambassador role has Chris speaking around the world on issues related to addiction, mental health and Hepatitis C.

While in New Zealand, Mr Kennedy Lawford will be visiting addiction treatment services, meeting with government Ministers and opposition Members of Parliament, speaking at a Parliamentary Breakfast, and hosting the FebFast Fundraising Feast.

Parliamentary Breakfast
8:00–9:30 AM Wednesday 22 February

FebFast Fundraising Feast at the Auckland Museum
6:30 PM onwards Friday 24 February.