Pubdate: Mon, 09 Jul 2001
Source: New Zealand Press Association (New Zealand Wire)
Copyright: 2001 New Zealand Press Association

WHANGAREI CANNABIS PROBLEM UNDER SCRUTINY

Whangarei's "huge cannabis problem" and lack of youth alcohol and drug 
counselling services are under scrutiny by the Northland District Health 
Board (DHB).

Currently there is no public health alcohol and drug assessment or 
counselling service for youths aged 18 and under throughout Northland - a 
situation widely put down to a lack of funding.

However, that could change following an investigation into the youth 
cannabis problem in Whangarei.

Chris Farrelly, acting general manager of primary health care for Northland 
Health, said the issue needed to be looked at closely before contemplating 
how such a service could be funded.

"You can't go and get funding or look for resources until you have a good 
handle on what the picture is."

The Northland District Health Board was looking into the cannabis 
situation, what was being done about it, and where the gaps were in the system.

The research was being conducted alongside an overall assessment of public 
health needs.

So far, the research had confirmed what was already known.

"The reality is we have got a huge cannabis problem in Whangarei," Mr 
Farrelly said.

Involved in the project are Whangarei's One Stop Youth Shop, school 
principals, police and various youth services.

"The reaction has been phenomenal. People are wanting to work together on 
this project," Mr Farrelly said.

"This is the first time we have had an opportunity to do this. We (the DHB) 
have just come into being, we are targeting youth health as a high priority."

The project will be finished in about a month and a report will be 
presented to interested parties before any recommendations are announced.

The lack of a counselling and assessment service has frustrated Whangarei 
campus cop Hank van Engelen, who helped pioneer the drug programme Rubicon 
in Whangarei schools in June 1999.

The early intervention and behaviour-changing programme was designed by 
Whangarei clinical psychologist Garry Poole and is proving a success. There 
are about 200 pupils in the Whangarei district who have been through it, 
and signed a contract saying they will agree to be tested for cannabis over 
a set time-period.

About 70 to 80 percent of pupils successfully complete the programme. The 
20 to 30 percent that do not will leave school or go on to alternative 
education before completing the programme.

However, a few "fall between the cracks" and they would be perfect 
candidates for counselling.

"That's the biggest issue I have as far as adolescents are concerned, even 
getting them assessed," Mr van Engelen said.

At any one time there are 40 to 50 students on the programme that Mr van 
Engelen believes would all benefit from either assessment or counselling.

"They should have the right to be seen by a counsellor, or at least be 
assessed to see if they have a problem."
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth