Young people crucial in fight against drugs

Manukau Mayor Len Brown says young people play a crucial role in the fight against drugs following a summit aimed at getting a youth perspective.

Mr Brown hosted the second Mayoral summit on drugs at Manukau City Council, attended by young people from across the city today.

“Manukau has a young population so much of our policy is geared at ensuring our young people have an opportunity to reach their potential,” he says.

“Drugs is a difficult issue, but the key to addressing this is determination, support and a collective effort by families and communities.

“Young people have a huge role to play through their insights, experience and unique perspective. I wanted to hear their thoughts on how we can go forward in dealing with this issue, and they certainly provided food for thought.”

Mr Brown earlier welcomed more than 80 young people and youth sector workers to the summit. Participants were divided into small workshop groups to discuss key points, including ways to address the issue of supply and demand and improve support for young people and families. Participants then provided feedback to the mayor, councillors, police and social agencies.

“What I heard from our young people today bodes well for the future,” he says.

This feedback will inform the work of the Mayoral Taskforce set up following the first summit last year and has given us good guidance on the sorts of priorities we should be focusing on to address this important issue.”

The Mayoral Taskforce held its inaugural meeting in March. Its key mission is to eliminate the supply and use of drugs like “P” and cannabis.

“Today’s summit is a crucial part of the greater puzzle because we want to get rid of this evil and the only way we can do that is by working together with key agencies.

“We will support key agencies like Police who are working to get rid of drug houses in the city, and social workers, who are working at the coalface. Education and providing alternatives for our young people is also crucial,” says Mr Brown.

“I am passionate about our youth and determined that we leave them a city they would be proud to inherit.

“By coming to this summit and giving us their views, they are helping to inform decisions which will affect them and our city in the future.

“I am optimistic our city has the expertise and tenacity to ensure this work contributes to our vision of Manukau being a proud, progressive and prosperous city.”