TRIBE'S BOLD MOVE TO DECLARE WAR ON SCOURGE OF DRUGS

At last, a Maori tribe is using its cultural muscle to tackle a contemporary
and serious problem, says The Daily News.

Methamphetamine use among young people, especially young Maori, has been
causing unpredictable, violent and criminal behaviour for four or five
years, ever since this vile drug reached New Zealand.

Elders in Tauranga's Ngaiterangi iwi are tired of being abused and
threatened by traditionally respectful grandchildren and other youngsters
under meth's mind-skewing influence.

It is curious that, after all the headlines about P, speed, crank, glass,
burn - whatever its manufacturers and users call methamphetamines - and the
litany of robberies, assaults and even murders, that the kaumatua and kuia
of Ngaiterangi would draw the line at threats and discourtesies, but at
least they have had the sense and gumption to declare some sort of war on
drug abuse, and to go public with the declaration.

The Community Action on Youth and Drugs campaign is being led by Paul
Stanley, a former navy sailor, jail warden and, most recently, university
graduate, who has already been in the news recently for plain speaking about
the grim facts surrounding the lifestyles of too many Maori men.

At a seminar in Auckland last month, the health service worker declared that
the frequently quoted goal of tino rangatiratanga - self-determination - was
available when people took charge of, and responsibility for, their own
lives.

He berated "career beneficiaries", who rapidly extinguished their own mana -
and then hated themselves for it.

Alcohol abuse, suicidal driving habits and dragging down the ambitions of
their nearest and dearest were often the result, he said.

The accusation and inherent challenge could equally be made to anyone, young
men and women of any ethnicity, in danger of squandering their one
opportunity of a satisfying and meaningful life, but communities lucky
enough to have a proud and active marae have an added advantage.

This forum, although unavoidably diluted by time and global cultures, still
has some clout. Mr Stanley has convinced his iwi's elders that they should
no longer hide from the sometimes intimidating behaviour of P users, but
should shelter themselves and their families behind trespass and protection
orders, and actively fight the devastation it is having on the tribe and the
wider community.

Covering up for abusers only prolongs the agony. Ngaite-rangi's move is a
bold one and deserves heartfelt commendation, and not only from the
immediate city.

Kaumatua throughout the country should also use their influence to place a
rahui on this dangerous drug and the lifestyle that surrounds it.

It would set a shining example to other influential groups and communities,
and earn iwi the gratitude of the wider New Zealand tribe.