Unequal treatment before the law
Kelly van Gaalen is a stand-up New Zealander – a real good sort. Right now though, she’s in prison.
The cost of convicting young people
Our criminal justice approach under the Misuse of Drugs Act comes at a high cost to all involved, even just in terms of wasted tax dollars, but it is particularly younger people who bear the brunt of these costs.
Stigma really hurts
Long after someone has given up using drugs, the associated stigma can linger. One person who knows about this is Wellington Drugs Project board member Kate Kerrisk.
Show me the money!
Whether we’re treating drug issues in the health sector or enforcing the Misuse of Drugs Act in the law enforcement and justice sector, addressing drug-related harm isn’t cheap.
A conviction is for life
The consequences of a youthful drug conviction continue to have profound and unfortunate impacts on Barry's life.
Nov 1 2015
Has NZ’s drug law passed its use by date?
A lot can happen in 40 years. The changes we’ve witnessed in Kiwi society are profound. Yet the Misuse of Drugs Act (1975) is essentially the same as the day it was passed.
Sep 29 2015
Steer Clear wins health improvement award
The team behind the Steer Clear road safety campaign received a Ko Awatea 2015 International Excellence in Health Improvement Award in Auckland on 24 September 2015.
Sep 18 2015
New Zealand Government must step up efforts to end the death penalty
Australian death penalty experts to visit New Zealand – Monday 21 September 2015
Aug 31 2015
International Overdose Awareness Day: Guest Blog
Every week a New Zealander dies of an overdose. Sadly, many of these deaths are entirely preventable, but the stigma surrounding injecting drug use has so far prevented us from taking action.