SHIPLEY SIGNALS TOUGHER ANTI-DRUGS STANCE

Prime Minister Jenny Shipley has signalled a tougher anti-drugs regime
after discussing Australia's drug problems with its prime minister,
John Howard.

Mr Howard spent the weekend in discussions with Mrs Shipley at
Millbrook resort, near Queenstown.

The Australian Government is putting A$87 million (NZ$103 million)
into strengthening border control, treatment and education programmes
as Australia experiences a surge in hard-drug exports.

During a walkabout with Mr Howard in Queenstown, Mrs Shipley said she
did not need persuading that the problem was serious.

"I am not one who favours decriminalisation or going soft on this
issue," she said. "I can't for the life of me see that by being
permissive you actually assist anyone."

Mrs Shipley confirmed that the Government was looking at border
control, treatment and education programmes and there would be close
contact with Australian authorities.

Government sources said it was likely there would be extra resources
put into the anti-drugs campaign, though it would not be on the same
scale as Australia.

Meanwhile, cheeky TSS Earnslaw stoker Caley Hall gave Queenstown's
friendly reputation a boost when he locked Mrs Shipley in a bear hug
and kissed her on the cheek.

Somewhat taken-aback Mrs Shipley laughed and said: "You're a
rascal."

However, Mr Hall simply took that as his cue to kiss her
again.

The encounter was a light-hearted highlight of the prime ministerial
walkabout in Queenstown and Arrowtown.

Mrs Shipley was joined on the stroll by her husband, Burton, Mr Howard
and his wife, Janette.

Still clutching his coal shovel, the stoker leapt off the boat to
shake Mrs Shipley's hand as the party swept by.

Not content with that, Mr Hall threw his arm around her neck and
kissed the chuckling PM.

Afterwards he said the kiss had been nice.

"It was good to meet the boss. I think she's doing a pretty good job,"
Mr Hall said.

Mrs Shipley and Mr Howard arrived in Wellington late yesterday. Today
Mr Howard is to meet the Cabinet, have lunch in the Beehive and hold a
joint press conference with Mrs Shipley before leaving for Australia.