GREEN MP INTERVIEWED BY POLICE OVER CANNABIS USE

Green MP Nandor Tanczos was interviewed by police yesterday at Parliament
after New Zealand First MP Craig McNair made a complaint about his cannabis
use.

Mr Tanczos, who wants cannabis decriminalised for over 18-year-olds, has
admitted using cannabis as part of his Rastafarian beliefs.

A Green Party spokesman today said Mr Tanczos had been interviewed by a
police officer yesterday at Parliament.

Green MP Metiria Turei, a lawyer, was there for the interview which lasted
about an hour.

She was there for support and because of her legal background, the
spokesman said.

Mr Tanczos was not discussing the detail of yesterday's police interview,
he said.

Mr Tanczos has called New Zealand First MP Craig McNair's complaint to
police a "cheap little stunt".

"I said I used cannabis well before I became an MP," he said yesterday.

"In fact, I think some people vote for me because I am honest about it.
There are many people in public life, there are many people in many
positions of responsibility who use cannabis. But most are too scared to be
honest about it because they are scared of the kind of legal action Craig
McNair is threatening."

Mr McNair said it was time Mr Tanczos was held to account for using an
illegal substance.

Mr Tanczos was using drugs, breaking the law and sending an unacceptable
message to youth, he said.

The police said Mr McNair's complaint had been referred to district crime
manager Detective Inspector Harry Quinn who had carried out the initial
interview with Mr Tanczos.

Police were not expected to comment further until next week.

Sixty-four percent of over 2200 respondents to a Stuff opinion poll agreed
Mr Tanczos should face charges for his avowed use of cannabis.