TURIA HINTS AT POLL DEAL

Te Tai Hauauru MP Tariana Turia has left open the possibility that a
byelection in her electorate could be avoided, saying she is prepared to
meet the Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party (ALCP) about cannabis reform.

A byelection looked set to go ahead after the pro-cannabis party said it
would stand unless Mrs Turia supported its aims.

She said yesterday that she had always supported decriminalisation of
cannabis use and would continue to advocate "cannabis reform". But she did
not support legalising the drug.

As a former associate health minister with interests in drug policy, she
was concerned about the harmful aspects of drug use, but added: "I have
advocated for decriminalising which means that you still have regulations
around it."

She would be disappointed if that position did not satisfy the ALCP.