23 Feb 2017

Surge in addicts prompts Waiheke Island's own war on meth

From Morning Report, 7:10 am on 23 February 2017

A surge in addicts seeking help and families being torn apart has prompted a small island community, north of Auckland, to band together to fight its own war on the drug.

Paora Joseph, clinical psychologist at Piritahi Hau Ora.

Paora Joseph, clinical psychologist at Piritahi Hau Ora. Photo: RNZ Carla Penman

Piritahi Hau Ora - the only mental health, drug and alcohol facility on Waiheke Island - is leading the charge, along with the police and Piritahi Marae.

Paora Joseph is a clinical psychologist at Piritahi Hau Ora, and describes P as a demon that's been taking hold of individuals and dividing families.

Dr Chris Wilkins, a leading drug researcher at Massey University, says the supply of methamphetamine continues to increase in New Zealand and it needs to be addressed as a health problem.