MANUKAU GEARS UP FOR WAR ON DRUGS

The public will soon be called on to help combat drug problems with an
innovative long-term project in a district of New Zealand's largest city.

Manukau City Council has signed a contract to run a Community Action on
Youth and Drugs (CAYAD)project in Clendon.

CAYAD has been trialled in other New Zealand locations and is part of the
Government's strategy for dealing with the scourge of methamphetamine and
other illegal substances.

Council manager for community, advocacy and funding, Tony Kake, says it
will be up to the community to decide what form CAYAD will take in Clendon.

Meetings will be held in which the community, including young people,
families, alcohol and drug organisations, health workers, schools, youth
workers and police, will work together to come up with the best strategies
for combating drugs.

CAYAD has run in Opotiki for five years. Opotiki project manager Kate Abel
says in that time the attitude towards drugs has changed from acceptance to
defiance.

Ms Abel says her community chose to fight against drugs using strategies
that looked at "the big picture".

These included unemployment programmes, outdoor training to build
self-esteem, health promotions, art and murals, home visits and family
counselling, and education programmes within schools.

The Government has set aside $2.55 million to set up CAYAD programmes in 15
communities, including Clendon.

Mr Kake says the council will invite the public and key groups to take part
in the first round of meetings within the next few months.