Inquiry into New Zealand’s relationships with South Pacific (Submission)

The Drug Foundation is concerned about the widespread harms caused by drugs in New Zealand communities; the biggest harms are being caused by our legal drugs – alcohol and tobacco. Alcohol and tobacco cause serious problems on a global scale.

We are also very conscious of New Zealand’s relationship with South Pacific countries, including the strong ties created through Pacific people living in New Zealand. Through those relationships New Zealand has influence in the region – this influence may not always be benevolent. We are concerned that New Zealand’s commitment to free trade of goods and services in the region may, in fact, create serious social and health harms, as markets are opened up to global alcohol and tobacco interests.