Jan 9 2013
Press pause on booze for Feb
For the third year running, New Zealanders are being challenged to give up alcohol for the month of February to raise money to support young people with alcohol and other drug problems.
Dec 11 2012
Alcohol Reform Bill: “Meh”
The passing of the Alcohol Reform Bill into law today was met with a resounding “meh” by the New Zealand Drug Foundation.
Q&A: Ray Smith
The head of the Department of Corrections, Ray Smith, is grilled by Matters of Substance over its alcohol, tobacco, and other drug policies.
A defence of death
Big Tobacco has launched a massive campaign to try and stymie the New Zealand Government’s plans to follow Australia in plain packaging of tobacco. They’re spending big bucks to put up a defence of death.
Early warning system
Danger, Will Robinson! Danger! A new drug has emerged. Unlike Lost in Space, we don’t have an early warning system for emerging synthetic drugs. But we probably should.
Death in custody
Since 2000, over 10 intoxicated or high people have died in police custody. What’s going wrong, and what needs to be done?
Opinion: Myths and moderate drinking
Economist Eric Crampton on why maybe a drink a day does keep the doctor away.
Mythbusters: Alcohol helps us forget
Mythbusters takes a look at whether alcohol, the go-to of many people in a crisis, will actually help you forget your problems.
Bizarre behaviour
Bath salts. Police and media keep blaming them for bizarre behaviour. But, as Russell Brown writes, perhaps they need also to have a look at their own bizarre actions.