DON'T FOCUS ON CANNABIS, MAORI TELL GOVERNMENT

Maori don't want cannabis decriminalised, according to a survey of regional
and national Maori organisations by Te Puni Kokiri.

They say it sends Maori the wrong message and the Government should put its
energy into creating jobs and educational opportunities instead.

However, Te Puni Kokiri, the Maori Development Ministry, has warned that
while the survey ignited considerable debate it also highlighted confusion
within the Maori community about the issue.

It could therefore not be taken as the community's definitive opinion and a
public education campaign was necessary to ensure decision making was
informed.

The survey was ordered by former Maori Affairs Minister Dover Samuels.

In a June report to the Minister, released to National health spokesman
Wyatt Creech under the Official Information Act, Te Puni Kokiri said 52
percent of the 151 replies were against decriminalising cannabis.

Thirty-five percent said it should be decriminalised, while the remaining 12
percent said they were unsure.

Parliament's health select committee yesterday announced an inquiry into
health issues associated with cannabis use and its appropriate legal status.

Mr Creech said the Government had pushed for a select committee inquiry so
it could avoid taking a stance on decriminalisation itself.

While the Te Puni Kokiri survey found confusion about the differences
between decriminalisation and legalisation - as there was in the wider
community - it showed concern about softening cannabis laws was widespread
among Maori communities.

The names of the organisations consulted have been deleted by the
department.

But common concerns raised included a feeling that the Government's focus
should be on creating better educational and employment opportunities rather
than on cannabis - and that easier access would create a much greater
problem.

While it might solve drug and gang related problems, it could encourage
other forms of illegal drug taking.

The organisations were also worried about the impact on the health and
wellbeing of individuals, whanau, hapu and iwi.

Those in support of decriminalisation said criminal justice funds, time and
effort would be saved by such a move.

They argued cannabis was no less harmful than alcohol and tobacco, the
issues was one of freedom of choice and that decriminalisation would reduce
organised crime and the number of Maori in prison.

In submitting the responses, Te Puni Kokiri said the undecided responses
highlighted the complexity of the issue and a number of organisations felt
they needed better information before commenting.

It said the review committee had to consult and inform Maori communities.

What they said:

Some responses against decriminalisation

- - "There have already been enough negative actions that have resulted in
major social-economic disparities between Maori and non-Maori … closing of
the gaps will not be assisted by decriminalisation."

- - "In our area [Far North] … the use of cannabis has already become an
acceptable way of life … as a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service we
are now feeling the effects of such normalisation."

- - "Decriminalisation will just sink us into a dependency and will destroy
the little mana and mauri we are desperately clinging to [to] survive as
Maori."

Some reponses for:

- - "Maori understand the debate around cannabis and would like to be
considered mature enough to act responsibly in the spirit of
decriminalisation."

- - "May well be a good opportunity for Maori leaders to demonstrate a
maturity of leadership."

- - "My support of decriminalisation is due to the high numbers of Maori youth
that receive convictions when going through experimentation phases of their
life … these convictions … restrict persons."