Pubdate: Thu, 27 May 2004 Source: Daily News, The (New Zealand) Copyright: 2004, Independent Newspapers Limited Contact: http://www.thedailynews.co.nz/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1056 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) TRIBE'S BOLD MOVE TO DECLARE WAR ON SCOURGE OF DRUGS At last, a Maori tribe is using its cultural muscle to tackle a contemporary and serious problem, says The Daily News. Methamphetamine use among young people, especially young Maori, has been causing unpredictable, violent and criminal behaviour for four or five years, ever since this vile drug reached New Zealand. Elders in Tauranga's Ngaiterangi iwi are tired of being abused and threatened by traditionally respectful grandchildren and other youngsters under meth's mind-skewing influence. It is curious that, after all the headlines about P, speed, crank, glass, burn - whatever its manufacturers and users call methamphetamines - and the litany of robberies, assaults and even murders, that the kaumatua and kuia of Ngaiterangi would draw the line at threats and discourtesies, but at least they have had the sense and gumption to declare some sort of war on drug abuse, and to go public with the declaration. The Community Action on Youth and Drugs campaign is being led by Paul Stanley, a former navy sailor, jail warden and, most recently, university graduate, who has already been in the news recently for plain speaking about the grim facts surrounding the lifestyles of too many Maori men. At a seminar in Auckland last month, the health service worker declared that the frequently quoted goal of tino rangatiratanga - self-determination - was available when people took charge of, and responsibility for, their own lives. He berated "career beneficiaries", who rapidly extinguished their own mana - and then hated themselves for it. Alcohol abuse, suicidal driving habits and dragging down the ambitions of their nearest and dearest were often the result, he said. The accusation and inherent challenge could equally be made to anyone, young men and women of any ethnicity, in danger of squandering their one opportunity of a satisfying and meaningful life, but communities lucky enough to have a proud and active marae have an added advantage. This forum, although unavoidably diluted by time and global cultures, still has some clout. Mr Stanley has convinced his iwi's elders that they should no longer hide from the sometimes intimidating behaviour of P users, but should shelter themselves and their families behind trespass and protection orders, and actively fight the devastation it is having on the tribe and the wider community. Covering up for abusers only prolongs the agony. Ngaite-rangi's move is a bold one and deserves heartfelt commendation, and not only from the immediate city. Kaumatua throughout the country should also use their influence to place a rahui on this dangerous drug and the lifestyle that surrounds it. It would set a shining example to other influential groups and communities, and earn iwi the gratitude of the wider New Zealand tribe. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh