HUNTLY TRUST TARGETS TOWN'S 'P' EPIDEMIC

A Huntly trust is hitting back at a growing epidemic of "P" abuse on the
town's streets.

The Waahi Whanui Trust launched Whakahonotia te whanau in Huntly's Garden
Place yesterday.

The day's activities, including rap music, art and displays, were a drive
to educate residents on the growing problem of methamphetamine (which comes
in a form known as P) abuse.

Event organiser Hori Awa said he had attended several hui concerning the
growing problem of drugs in Maori communities, and decided more needed to
be done than talking.

"It's about making it (drug use) uncool, and letting people know this stuff
is a killer."

Mr Awa believed drug abuse grew from a sense of isolation for young Maori.
"We want to show there is another way, and we are here to help."

Trust drug and alcohol unit manager Greg Asplin said 35 per cent of people
coming through his treatment programme were addicted to P.

"We currently have 120 people on our books."

He said the drug was devastating for both the user and families.

Mr Asplin said the highly addictive drug's high cost led many to crime.

Trust co-ordinator Colin Wilson, a former Black Power chapter president who
is the trust's front person in the fight against P, has also seen the
damaging effects of the drug on his own family.