Keri Welham
Tauranga based writer
Stemming the tide in the north
Te Ara Oranga pilot putting more support in place for people using methamphetamine and their whānau is already proving its worth. What next?
The myth: Methamphetamine and minors
The statistics say it, the kids say it, health workers say it – “So why won’t society believe that meth dependence among Kiwi kids is rare?” asks Keri Welham
Gangs trial new ways
The focus and reputations of some of New Zealand’s infamous ethnic street gangs seem to be changing. Keri Welham reports.
“We’re not here to judge.”
At Aorere College, it is rare for young people to be permanently kicked out of school for drug-related incidents. Instead, students are supported to change while remaining within the school community.
Students skip suspension, get support instead
Matters of Substance is looking into new approaches to protecting young people from drug-related harm . In this issue, Keri Welham outlines the Whole School approach on trial at Aorere College in Auckland.
A court that heals
Offenders opting to come under New Zealand’s first Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Court choose a stretch of healing, rather than jail time. It’s hard work for everyone, but it’s paying off. Keri Welham visits the Alcohol and Other Drug Tr
Face Trashed
Alcohol marketing on social media is cheap, successful and legal. But researchers say New Zealand should be attempting to control marketers’ sophisticated digital strategies.
Will they ever learn?
If a student turns up to class stoned, they might be kicked out of school. Or they might receive drug counselling and be excluded from attending their school ball. Which is better?
It’s not about the drugs
A new report has reignited the call for an even hand in the policing of drugs, citing figures that show the glare of police scrutiny is disproportionately focused on non-whites.
Cracking good prevention
We know cannabis can cause harm, so how do we prevent people from using cannabis or at least delay the time they start? Keri Welham investigates
No longer the healthy option
20 years on from the New Zealand Drug Foundation’s first cannabis and health conference, Keri Welham takes a look at Aotearoa’s most widely used illegal drug to see what has changed since 1993.
The Retreat
Utilising a ground-breaking residential treatment model developed in the US, The Retreat harnesses the will and experience of volunteers from the recovery community.