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On Tuesday I was fortunate to be able to attend the presentation by Constable Stu Martindale, of Masterton police, on the use, manufacture and effects of the drug P or methamphetamine.
I don't mind saying I was horrified and shocked at how insidious this drug is. Children as young as 9 and people from all walks of life are addicted and this leads them to crime, permanent and irreparable physical damage and eventually death.
Signs include: sensitivity to noise, incessant talking, extreme moodiness, extreme weight loss, tremors or convulsions, inability to sleep, false sense of confidence, power, irritability, dizziness or confusion, disinterest in previously enjoyed activities, severe depression, nervous physical activity like scratching, aggressive or violent behavior, loss of appetite and also presence of drug paraphernalia such as glass bongs, razorblades, mirrors, straws, syringes, light bulbs, heated spoons and surgical tubing.
I say to everyone out there, let's be aware of the signs and not be afraid to confront them. It is only through vigilance and action we will rid our schoolgrounds, streets and homes of this drug and its many forms.
As a nation we grieve for all our lost children but combating the terrible plague P has unleashed is one way we can do something tangible to provide our kids with a future.
There is a programme on TV1 tonight at 8.30pm called Pure Madness. I suggest you watch it. If you have missed it, my office has a copy on video you can borrow.
More information can be obtained through Stu at Masterton Police Station.
Another issue that is affecting many of our young people, particularly teenagers, is suicide.
The prevention of suicide and suicide attempts has been a priority for New Zealand for some time and it is helpful for international attention to be focused on this very important issue.
September 10, 2003, was designated the world's first Suicide Prevention Day and the International Association for Suicide Prevention, in conjunction with the World Health Organisation, organised the day to draw attention to the need for co-ordinated preventive efforts globally.
It is now five years since the release of the New Zealand Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy and New Zealand now has a well-developed programme of activities in a range of sectors across the country.
Statistics released in May this year show that New Zealand's rate and number of suicides has declined markedly, with the most up-to-date data (for 2000) showing the lowest number of deaths since 1986 and the lowest rate since 1985.
While it is a move in the right direction to see a drop in suicide numbers, it's important to remember that every suicide death results in a profound and lasting impact on families, friends and, often, whole communities.
New Zealand has had particularly high rates of youth suicide and suicide attempts in the 15-24 year age group, but it is important to acknowledge that suicide and suicide attempts are also a problem in adult and older age groups.
To ensure everything possible is being done to address suicidal behaviour across all age groups, the Ministry of Health has begun work on broadening the New Zealand Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy to generate a new prevention strategy for all age groups.
More information can be found at SPINZ (Suicide Prevention Information New Zealand), on the IASP website and through the Canterbury Suicide Project.
The Government has said more than 900 community service organisations will receive funding totalling nearly $90 million in this financial year to provide services for children, young people and families.
The Budget included an extra $25.6 million over the next four years for community social services working with children, young people and families and, of this money, around $6 million has been earmarked in 2003/2004 for new initiatives around the country.
After consulting with local communities, we have identified youth at risk, specialised counselling services, care services, family well-being services and family violence as priority areas for the government. Planning and funding decisions for the 2003/2004 allocations are based on these priorities.
The Government has also been working to reduce compliance requirements and costs for community providers.
Contracts and grants running over more than one year mean organisations can devote more of their resources to getting results. The Government can provide leadership and strong public services, but the best way to build strong communities is to work in partnership with community organisations.
Some good news with the Ministry of Fisheries opening a new Wairarapa office in Masterton.
Since first establishing a presence in Masterton in 1999, the Ministry has leased space in various buildings, but the new office in Ngaumutawa Road is the first dedicated building with the full range of office and storage facilities.
Two fisheries surveillance officers, Peter Himona and Tony McKenna are based in the new Masterton office and from there undertake fisheries patrols, inspections, inquiries and investigations in the wider Wairarapa area.
The two officers also have a role in raising levels of compliance with fisheries laws through education and liaison with users of the fisheries resource and the general public.
Finally feedback on the Government's foreshore and seabed proposals must be received by Friday. Written submissions can be sent to Foreshore and Seabed Submissions, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, PO Box 55, Wellington, or made on line at http://www.beehive.govt.nz/foreshore.
Any comments on any matters raised in this column or other issues you might feel strongly about can be sent to me through email gbeyer@wise.net.nz or post to PO Box 913, Masterton.
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