[ Skip to main content ]
This article is over 3 years old
10 June

Maori perspectives on the Legalisation & Control Bill: Live chat [recording]

11am-12pm

Via Zoom

Organiser: Health Not Handcuffs and the NZ Drug Foundation

The cannabis referendum in September 2020 offers an opportunity to break with the past by introducing legislation to protect whānau, rangatahi and communities. A Yes vote would mean the new law can begin to make good on over 40 years of bad drug law that has disproportionately impacted on Māori.

In this webinar on Māori perspectives on the Cannabis Bill, our three speakers discussed how the new law may affect Māori – the good and the bad. 

Panelists:

  • Selah Hart: Chief Executive Officer, Hāpai Te Hauora
  • Tracey Potiki: Alcohol and Other Drug Innovation Project Leader, Te Rau Ora
  • Khylee Quince: Associate Professor, and Director of Maori and Pacific Advancement, AUT.

Chaired by: Kali Mercier, Policy & Advocacy Manager, NZ Drug Foundation.

If a majority of New Zealanders vote ‘Yes’ at the referendum, people will no longer be criminalised for the possession or use of cannabis. A raft of new measures will be introduced to make it harder for cannabis to get into the hands of young people, and there will be a strong focus on reducing the harm that cannabis can cause in communities. A harm reduction strategy will be developed and overseen by a new body, with input from Māori and other stakeholders, and there will be more investment in education and treatment.

On the face of it, the public health approach and harm minimisation principles at the core of the Bill should benefit Māori hugely -  but do any areas of the legislation need more work? What do we have to watch out for before the Bill goes through, and beyond? How do we ensure legalisation is a win for Māori? 

Webinar details: 11am Wednesday 10 June via Zoom.

Hosted by:

healthNotHandcuffs green rgb  Drug Foundation RGB


Share:

Related See more

New poll shows overwhelming support for reform of cannabis laws

A new poll show the vast majority of voters want cannabis either legalised or decriminalised.

Tuari Potiki speaks at UNGASS

Create a new drugs law for the modern world

Departing chair Tuari Potiki explains why the lack of progress on drug harm in New Zealand is deeply personal to himself and other Māori.

thumbnail news

Cannabis referendum result: what does it mean, and what’s next?

As the dust settles from the cannabis referendum, policy and Advocacy Manager Kali Mercier offers her thoughts on a path forward.

MoS aug 2020 PMCSA cannabis panel thumbnail

Science Advisor lays down facts on referendum

A new report from the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor makes key findings supporting the Drug Foundation’s view that legalisation is t...

The Level promo

Straight up guide for people who use drugs

The Level is for real people, in real life, whatever level they are at.

The Level

social graphic subscribe

Subscribe to email updates

Get regular news, analysis and commentary on drug issues in New Zealand. Free.

Sign up now!

Back to top