Drug Foundation policy positions
Reducing alcohol and other drug problems in New Zealand’s criminal justice system
“It's like shooting fish in a barrel.” This was one description of current political hits scored against the Corrections Minister and his department. Some of the problems exposed have been serious, such as staff smuggling contraband. Some have been trivial (prisoners being ‘rewarded’ with takeaways), and one, the death of Liam Ashley, was undeniably tragic. The Ombudsman has also criticised the department in two recent reports. Suffice it to say, the life of the minister hasn’t been a box of birds of late.
Alcohol advertising policy in New Zealand (Evidence review)
The sale of alcohol in New Zealand has been controlled by legislation since 1842. In contrast, the advertising and marketing of alcohol is left to the industries involved to ‘self-regulate’. Until the 1980s alcohol was not advertising on broadcast media, which were a state owned industry. Television advertising for off-licensed outlets was first permitted in 1981, followed by sports sponsorship or corporate advertising by alcohol companies from 1987. These changes occurred in parallel with the commercialisation of broadcasting, as part of a political programme of deregulation and a reduced role for the state (EDC 1987; Boston, Martin et al. 1991). From 1992, full alcohol brand advertising was permitted after 9 pm in exchange for free airtime for alcohol health promotion ads.
Alcohol and pregnancy (Policy paper)
This paper presents the New Zealand Drug Foundation's policy position. It outlines the current state of evidence, and identifies priorities for action. A more detailed review of current evidence and of prevention strategies supports this paper.
Medicinal Cannabis (Policy paper)
This paper presents the New Zealand Drug Foundation’s policy position. It outlines the current state of evidence, and analyses policy options. A more detailed review of current scientific evidence and of legislation, policy and practice in some relevant jurisdictions supports this paper.
Eight point plan for action on alcohol (Policy paper)
Alcohol is not just another consumer product. It is a powerful and potentially toxic psychoactive drug which, when misused, has high social and economic costs for the whole community. Alcohol is the fifth leading cause of death globally (third in 'western/developed' nations). In New Zealand, over 1000 deaths are attributed to alcohol every year.
Reduce teenage drinking and alcohol related harm (Policy paper)
Small amendments to the Sale of Liquor Act could improve monitoring and enforcement of current laws - in particular, those against sale and supply of alcohol to minors. Increased resources for monitoring and enforcement are also needed to help reduce teenage drinking.
Alcohol Policy (Policy paper)
Alcohol is not just another consumer product. It is a powerful and potentially toxic psychoactive drug which, when misused, has high social and economic costs for the whole community. The NZ Drug Foundation sees the reduction and elimination of alcohol-related harm as a major objective of drugs policy.
Practical steps to reduce teenage drinking (Policy paper)
This paper outlines practical things that can be done now to help reduce underage access to alcohol and excessive drinking by young people. This is an important public health goal because:
