4 March 2005 Vol 5 No

Feature Culture change marketing

ALCOHOL ADVISORYKaunihera COUNCIL Whakatupato OF NEWWaipiro ZEALAND o Aotearoa Early Intervention New programme in Taranaki schools The Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand was established by a 1976 Act of Parliament, under the name the Alcoholic Liquor Advisory Council (ALAC), following a report by the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Sale of Liquor. The Commission recommended establishing a permanent council whose aim was to encourage responsible alcohol use and minimise misuse. ALAC’s aims are pursued through policy liaison and advocacy, information and communication, research, intersectoral and community initiatives, and treatment development. ALAC is funded by a levy on all liquor imported into, or manufactured in, New Zealand for sale and employs 30 staff. The Council currently has eight members and reports to the Minister of Health.

alcohol.org.nz is published quarterly by the Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand / te Kaunihera Whakatupato Waipiro o Aotearoa. An editorial committee oversees the newsletter.

The next issue of alcohol.org.nz will be published in June 2005. To receive a copy, contact:

Alcohol Advisory Council PO Box 5023 Wellington New Zealand

Phone 04 917 0060 Call free 0508 258 258 Fax 04 473 0890 Email [email protected]

© ALAC 2005 alcohol.org.nz ISSN 1175-2831 Editor/writer: Lynne Walsh Kia ora, Kia orana, Ni sa bula, Namaste, Taloha ni, Malo e lelei, Fakaalofa atu, Halo olaketa, Talofa lava, Greetings... March 2005 Contents

Features 2

It’s not the drinking:

Dr Mike MacAvoy it’s how we’re drinking Chief Executive Officer. Introducing the Pacific 6 WORDS FROM THE CEO Reference Group Supply and provision 10 The outrage that has greeted police attempts to enforce the law banning drunks from licensed premises is predictable given New Zealanders’ belief in T o w a r d s b e s t p r a c t i c e m o n i t o r i n g their absolute right to get drunk when and where they want to. a n d e n f o r c e m e n t Letters to one paper equated the move with the banning of smoking from pubs, and suggested that jokes made before the smoking ban was Early intervention 12 implemented were probably accurate - that the next step would be banning High on Life drinks in pubs. Conferences 14 But let’s get real here. What police are targeting are drunks in pubs. And the law banning intoxicated people from licensed premises is not new; it has Sport and Alcohol been around for years. What is new is the police emphasis on enforcing this provision of the Sale of Liquor Act. Why this new emphasis? Working Together 2005 New research is showing the links between alcohol and crime. Thinking Drinking Internationally, alcohol is associated with between 50 and 70 percent of all police work - be it dealing with street fights, criminal damage, family Research 17 violence or drink-driving, or simply having to take drunk people home or putting them into custody for their own protection. There’s no reason to Gary Harrison Scholarship doubt the same is true here. In fact a recent survey of Wellington city police charge sheets indicated that 90 percent of violent offenders were affected by News 19 alcohol. Say When If we can prevent the intoxication in the first place, there would be no need to spend all those policing hours picking up the pieces from those No health benefits from alcohol for the who drink beyond intoxication. The law says intoxicated people cannot be under 60s served on licensed premises, but we all know it happens. Without consistent Advertising review options enforcement of the law, there is no chance of either the public or the licensees recognising the behaviour as dangerous. Prosecution on its own isn’t going to change New Zealand’s risky drinking patterns. That is going to require a cultural change - something that won’t happen overnight, but something ALAC is preparing to address with its programme to tackle head-on New Zealand’s risky high per occasion consumption drinking culture. Bar and licensed restaurant owners, managers and staff who have a legal obligation not to serve intoxicated people can help achieve this cultural change and improve the quality of life for all New Zealanders. Punters enjoying a drink or three have nothing to fear; to those bleating over their loss of freedom to write themselves off I’d say, “Get over it.” I suggest concern would better be directed towards those who have suffered harm at the hands of drunks.

1 2 Feature

It’s not the drinking: it’s how we’re drinking

A series of print, television and radio advertisements designed to help change New Zealand’s risky drinking culture were launched earlier this month.

The advertisements are the most visible component of ALAC’s programme of work that aims to help New Zealanders to reduce the amount of alcohol they drink on any one occasion. The advertisements aim to get New Zealanders to see the connection between getting drunk and the harms that result.

“It’s not the fact that we drink that’s “This pattern of drinking results in the problem; the problem is how we more harms and social costs than those drink, that is, the excessive per occasion incurred by the dependent drinker,” he consumption,” says ALAC Chief Executive says. Officer Dr Mike MacAvoy. “The first step The harms range from injuries resulting to change is to get people to link that from accidents or fights; problems pattern with harms, and at the moment with relationships because of alcohol; many don’t recognise that connection. problems at work; neglect of family We’re not likely to get behaviour change responsibilities; embarrassment from if no-one thinks it’s their problem. So indulging in behaviours that you wouldn’t that is what our advertising campaign will normally indulge in – all are associated do at first. with excessive per occasion consumption. “New Zealand is a nation that seems to “We don't necessarily want to stop pride itself on the ‘save it up for Friday people drinking; we just want them to night’ style of drinking, the ‘we deserve a be responsible and aware of the dangers drink’ perspective or consider ‘it’s a rite of excessive consumption,” says of passage that causes little harm’. Dr MacAvoy.

3 “The programme is a long-term strategy. New Zealand drinker the notion that we learn to drink in accepts and aspires It's not a silver bullet that'll solve the have to reduce the quantity of alcohol we to drunkenness. Adults need to look at problem overnight and we've never drink on a single occasion. themselves before pointing the finger at painted it as such. Just as the drink young people.” The advertisements are targeted at the driving and seatbelt campaigns took general adult population. However, a However, he emphasises that the several years to succeed, so too will this “one size fits all” approach to advertising advertising will not work alone. “It is not strategy take time to impact.” is hard to achieve when different adults about simply delivering a social message Dr MacAvoy says the background work to relate to different sorts of potential by mass media. It is about an integrated the programme of work was robust and harms, reasons to drink or reasons not to programme of complementary strategies unequivocal and ALAC is delighted at the drink, says Dr MacAvoy that the marketing messages are designed support the programme has received from to stimulate.” many Government and non-Government Supporting activities range from achieving stakeholders. “This pattern of better compliance with and enforcement The advertising aspect of the programme drinking results in of the Sale of Liquor Act, controlled follows the ’stages of change’ model and purchase operations to identify breaches ALAC would not move from one phase to more harms and of the Act, parents’ programmes, policy another until a set level of engagement measures such as tax/price, outlet from the community had been achieved. social costs than density, advertising and purchase age, community programmes, to strategies Specifically it takes New Zealanders on a that focus on the group of dependent journey by those incurred by the and hazardous drinkers who need support • enabling New Zealanders’ to make dependent drinker” and assistance to reduce or stop their the connection between risky per drinking. occasion consumption and the social Dr MacAvoy says ALAC, through its and physical harms that result “Using our research, we therefore identified three groups: parents with champions and associates programme, • showing New Zealanders that they children under 15; men under 35 and has been building support and might be at risk of contributing women under 35 years old and have understanding for its work. to that harm and that there is specific advertising for each of those The champions and associates something they can do about it groups. programme involves ALAC visiting • persuading New Zealanders to drink “The reason for targeting adults not just key organisations and stakeholders. differently so that harm does not young people is that research shows the Presentations have been made to occur. drinking culture is pervasive across all the Ministry of Health; Ministry of Dr MacAvoy says to get the necessary ages and demographics. Young people Justice; the Crime Prevention Unit; Te behaviour change we have to sell to the are unlikely to change if the culture they Puni Kokiri; Ministry of Pacific Island

4 Affairs; Ministry of Social Development; Ministry of Youth Development; Accident Compensation Corporation; New Zealand Police; Land Transport NZ; Ministry of Education; Local Government New Zealand; and the Ministry of Transport. Associate Minister of Health Hon Damien O’Connor who championed an increase in the alcohol levy to fund the programme says binge drinking is pervasive in New Zealand, and not just among youth. A recent survey found 450,000 adults had drunk beyond the point of intoxication on their last drinking occasion. 275,000 had set out to get drunk on their last drinking occasion. At a meeting this month in Wellington on alcohol policy, Mr O’Connor said, “This government is committed to improving these damaging habits. I for one am very excited about this programme. We've tried other things in the past to stem the binge-drinking tide, but now it's really time to get to the heart of the problem and do something long-term. I'm confident the drinking culture change programme is the right approach and I'm proud we're taking this bold and leading- edge approach.” For further information on the programme, please visit our website www.alac.org.nz

“Adults need to look at themselves before pointing the finger at young people”

5 Introducing the Pacific Reference Group

ALAC’s Pacific Reference Group (PRG) is the organisation’s A psychiatrist and addictive medicines specialist, Francis has a personal and advisory body on issues relating to developing and professional interest in the alcohol and implementing ALAC’s Pacific programmes. Established in drug sector. He would like to see the Group’s mandate extend beyond New October 2000, it comprises nine members, each selected for Zealand’s shores to the Pacific islands. their experience in a relevant field and their links with Pacific “We are part of a global village; the work we do here and the contributions communities. Other members are ALAC’s Manager Pacific we make to New Zealand’s Pacific Programmes, Metua Faasisila, and ALAC Council director communities could well apply to, and be useful in, the islands themselves.” Fuimaono Karl Pulotu-Endemann. Philip Siataga (Christchurch) “Together, the members offer an Francis Agnew, Chairman Freelance consultant specialising in enormous richness of expertise, wisdom () research, evaluation, training, and business and experience, covering everything from Clinical Director, Isa Lei (Regional Pacific and strategic planning, Chairperson of the policy and research to clinical practice Alcohol and Drug Services, Waitemata Tauturu Trust (a pan-Pacific social services and community connections,” says District Health Board) and Loto Fale provider) Metua. “They provide invaluable advice (Pacific Island Mental Health Services, Philip Siataga (of Samoan descent) and support, and an important alignment Auckland District Health Board) joined the PRG in 2004 and says he between what the community expects and A founding member of the PRG, Francis wears a number of 'hats' in his business what we can deliver. I consider them my Agnew (of Cook Islands descent), is now and voluntary roles to reflect his peers as well as my elders – they are a the Chairman. Looking back on the four multifaceted 20-year career as part of the huge help to me in my role.” years of its existence, he says the group social services and health sector. He's Here we introduce the people who, with has become a useful and integral part of passionate about addressing preventative their advice, information, contacts and ALAC’s strategy development process. issues as well as treatment (particularly leadership, are helping ALAC to promote “The PRG has a very effective among New Zealand's young people) safe alcohol consumption among Pacific membership that shares a focus with innovation and creativity, and about peoples of New Zealand. on alcohol and drug issues while using music, drama and the arts as media representing the diverse cultures of for communicating harm minimisation the Pacific community,” he says. messages. He's also keen to see Pacific “It’s been a pleasure to see it become workforce capacity and leadership an important part of ALAC’s work, in development become a focus for the helping the organisation to both identify alcohol and drug sector, with the aim of Pacific-specific issues and set its work improving treatment outcomes for pacific programmes accordingly.” consumers and their families.

Francis Agnew, Chairman (Auckland) Philip Siataga (Christchurch)

6 Feature Introducing the Pacific Reference Group

Philip believes the PRG plays an his invitation to join the Group was culturally appropriate. Specifically, we important role in being a 'voice' of the because of his academic achievements provided advice on the development of the Pacific communities to ALAC and says (he has a Bachelor of Drug and Alcohol Pacific Competencies, the development his consultancy work and his grass roots Studies and a Bachelor in Counselling of the Pacific Alcohol Handbooks and the community development involvement and is currently studying for his Master’s Alcohol Safe Use Guidelines currently being means he's aware of issues at the policy at Otago University) – and because of his developed by ALAC.” and research level and the service big mouth”. “I tend to say what I think!” Anne sees the reference group as ensuring provider level. He says "he likes practical he laughs. ALAC’s Pacific programmes are meaningful solutions to complex issues." Ned says one of the highlights of the to Pacific peoples and that ALAC develops "There is a lot of work to be done given Group’s work for him has been its work on a positive image amongst Pacific peoples. the size and prevalence of alcohol- and developing resources in ethnic languages drug-related problems in the Pacific for Pacific service providers. He says the Terri Siataga-Ta’ase community. Prevalence is a difficult resources have made a big difference (Christchurch) issue to ascertain because of the range by helping counsellors and clinicians to Counsellor, Youth at Risk, Pacific Island and scope of resources needs to 'capture' educate their clients and patients. As for Evaluation the data however there are significantly the future, he says the Group will have Terri Siataga-Ta’ase (of Samoan descent) positive developments which ALAC to tackle new issues for the alcohol and says she represents the South Island are investing in through Pacific led drug sector. community from a grassroots level, research which is based on community “In my work I’m always learning reflecting her work as a counsellor with participatory and action research" about new challenges for the Pacific youth at risk. She joined the alcohol and he says. " By helping to bridge the community, and it’s good to be able drugs field in 2000 after a previous role knowledge gaps between ALAC and the to raise and discuss them with ALAC in mental health. Pacific community, we can work together through the PRG. It’s a worthwhile to achieve much. I applaud ALAC's A member of the PRG for over three concept, with a lot of value.” investment in the Group and look forward years, Terri says she’s learned a lot from ALAC and has enjoyed being a voice to the next few years progressing ALAC's Anne Allan-Moetaua, Wellington, responsiveness to Pacific peoples with for the young people in her community. Pacific Health Advisor-National Screening the PRG. It's an exciting time for Pacific “It’s a two-way thing – I take issues Unit, Ministry of Health. peoples in this field." to the PRG table but also gain a lot of Anne Allan-Moetauahas (a Cook Islands information that I can take back to the Ned Cook (Hamilton) woman) has been a member of the agency where I work. I’ve also learned a Alcohol and Drug Clinician, Pacific Pacific Reference Group since it began lot about the structure of the alcohol and Peoples Addiction Services in October 2002. drug sector and some of the terminology, which has been a big help.” “As a group we have provided advice and Ned Cook (of Tongan descent) has been comments on the development of resources Terri says the PRG has laid some strong part of the PRG for two years, and says for Pacific peoples to ensure they are foundations through its harm prevention

Ned Cook (Hamilton) Terri Siataga-Ta’ase (Christchurch) Anne Allan-Moetaua, Wellington,

7 messages to the Pacific community and “Communication is the key with young barriers can hinder service delivery. is keen to see the Group move towards people, and we need to develop new ways Particular highlights of his work on proactively helping Pacific-based initiatives. of reaching them and we also need to keep the PRG include a booklet on cultural “It’s good to have a role in ALAC’s policy reaching the older generations, as they still competency for people working with development,” she says. have a controlling influence in the Pacific Pacific peoples and a number of other “I feel that we’re making a real contribution communities,” he says. “This is part of specifically Pacific pamphlets to be to the future of Pacific youth.” our work with ALAC, ensuring we take launched soon. He says the Group has messages to the Pacific community in the been an important screening backstop Ika Tameifuna (Auckland) most effective way we can.” for communications going to the Pacific National Pacific Manager, Ministry of community. Education Halo Asekona (Auckland) As for the future, “We need to keep Ika Tameifuna (of Tongan descent) has Senior Counsellor-Educator, Pacific Island working on getting important messages been a member of the PRG since its Drug and Alcohol Services targeted to the right groups and areas,” inception. He sees its role as giving Halo Asekona (of Niuean descent) says he says. advice from a pan-Pacific perspective to the PRG is “awesome”. He’s been a help ALAC achieve its goals for the wider member since it was first set up and says Mike Kilioni (Wellington) community as well as Pacific groups. it continues to proactively discuss “things Bachelor of Alcohol and Drug Studies pertaining to our community that other “It’s always work in progress as society graduate people can’t see”. Its value, he says, is changes and we adapt our objectives and Mike Kilioni (of Fijian descent) is a as a forum for discussing and ensuring strategies to meet those changes,” he newcomer to the PRG, attending his first that Pacific people get services that are says. “However, my goal is constant – to meeting in June 2004. appropriate to their unique cultures and create an environment that is injury- and circumstances. He brings with him experience in New harm-free for future generations. We Zealand’s hospitality industry (where he can’t do it alone; it can only be achieved “I’m a representative of the Niue says he became very aware of the effects with a united effort from all the sectors community but also on the Group for of alcohol and drugs on the working involved.” my work in the treatment field,” he environment) and in research into both says. “This recognises that every Pacific Ika says he takes both a Tongan and the role of alcohol on the lives of Pacific community is different – we all have a regional perspective to the Group’s people and workplace alcohol and drug different ways of doing things – but that meetings, developed over more than 30 education. Together with two colleagues we share some common issues we can years of experience in justice, health and and with funding from the Engineers’ work on together.” education at a national level. Today, he’s Union, ALAC, the Department of Labour working in special education, managing With 10 years’ experience as a and ACC, Mike was involved in developing its responsiveness to Pacific special counsellor-educator in Otahuhu, Halo a workplace education programme called needs children and families. brings an acute awareness that cultural “Not on the Job Mate".

Ika Tameifuna (Auckland) Halo Asekona (Auckland) Mike Kilioni (Wellington)

8 Mike says the PRG plays a key role and other members of the Group provide community with expert advice and in keeping ALAC informed of what’s a “rounded” view of Pacific issues to resources on alcohol and drug matters. happening in the Pacific community. ALAC’s Manager Pacific Programmes, He mentions three highlights of the Like Philip Siataga, he says workforce Metua Faasisila, enabling ALAC to Group’s work: the appointment of development is a key issue and that it’s develop policies and programmes relevant Fuimaono Karl Pulotu-Endemann to the important to have more qualified people to the Pacific community. ALAC Council (“he takes our nationwide working in the alcohol and drug field. He “This is the right way to go – ALAC’s representation with him in a highly was part of the working party that put work has to be driven by the needs of strategic role”); the production of together the Pacific Island Alcohol and communities, and without people like us brochures, posters and other materials Drug Competencies. they may not get that direct interface,” in Pacific languages; and the biennial “I’m also interested in the big five to he says. “It also encourages buy-in and Pacific Spirit conferences, which are 10-year picture,” he says. “The Pacific involvement at all levels, and at the end organised by the PRG and include both community is continuing to change – of the day that’s vital. We need to hear Pacific and international guest speakers. for example, in the use of harder drugs Pacific voices and be available to our As for the future, Kalolo would like to – and we need to think about what we communities.” see more research undertaken, with want for our young people in the future Karl says the increasing proportion of the results disseminated to Pacific and how we want to achieve that. Pacific people born in New Zealand is communities and used in practical How are we going to deal with all these creating multifaceted socio-economic applications. “There are many issues new issues?” issues related to alcohol and drugs (such specific to Pacific peoples that need as the rates of driving accidents and to be identified and addressed through Fuimaono Karl Pulotu-Endemann imprisonment) that the Group can help education and training,” he says. “It’s a (Wellington) ALAC address. “We have unique insights difficult challenge given the differences Independent consultant in Pacific health into the problems of our communities and among ethnic groups, but we need to As well as being a member of the PRG, can therefore provide a valuable social do it.” Fuimaono Karl Pulotu-Endemann (of context for ALAC’s work.” Samoan descent) is a director of the ALAC Council – a role that he says Kalolo Fihaki (Auckland) reflects the Council’s commitment to Senior Regional Adviser, Ministry of understanding and acting on Pacific Pacific Island Affairs issues. For the past three years, Kalolo Fihaki (of Karl has a strong health background, as Tongan descent) has been the Ministry a registered nurse and more recently in of Pacific Island Affairs’ representative policy development for the mental health on the PRG. He believes the Group and alcohol and drug sectors. He says he has a vital role in providing the Pacific

Fuimaono Karl Pulotu-Endemann (Wellington) Kalolo Fihaki (Auckland)

9 Towards best practice monitoring and enforcement

Individuals and agencies Commissioned by ALAC, the guidelines are currently in draft form. They were the subject of a presentation at ALAC’s Working Together 2005 conference on 1 and 2 March and are now available for trialling by anyone involved in intoxication monitoring responsible for monitoring and enforcement – notably the Police, District Licensing Agency (DLA) licensing inspectors, public health staff and Ma¯ori wardens. and enforcing the laws The guidelines reflect ALAC’s goal of reducing alcohol-related harm in New Zealand. relating to intoxication on “It’s increasingly recognised that intoxication is a key factor in experiences of alcohol- related harm for communities, families/wha¯nau and individuals,” says Shannon Hanrahan, ALAC’s Project Manager Liquor Licensing. “In addition, drinking on licensed licensed premises will soon premises has been shown to contribute disproportionately to certain types of acute alcohol-related harm, including violent behaviour and disorder.” have a useful toolkit for Shannon says the guidelines were developed in response to a number of factors: their work – a set of step- • concerns about the amount of intoxication stemming from licensed premises • the difficulties experienced by a number of regulatory agencies in taking by-step guidelines designed enforcement proceedings where intoxication has been found • concerns about the widely different and inconsistent monitoring and enforcement to ensure a consistent and practices around the country “A number of agencies asked us to develop a set of best practice, practical guidelines effective approach. that enable them to identify, prove and act on cases of intoxication in licensed premises,” says Shannon. He says the guidelines will also support a wider-set of strategies designed to reduce intoxication. “Licensed premises’ owners and managers have a significant role in setting the standards for acceptable drinking practices among their patrons. ALAC is committed to working with the industry to reduce intoxication on licensed premises. It is important that the guidelines be seen as part of a wider-set of strategies to reduce intoxication on licensed premises. These guidelines will complement the development of future industry-focused Host Responsibility initiatives.”

Addressing the Act The guidelines specifically apply to three sections of the Sale of Liquor Act 1989 relating to: • the sale or supply of liquor to intoxicated people (section 166): it is an offence for the manager or licensee of any licensed premises to sell or supply liquor to anyone who is already intoxicated • allowing people to become intoxicated (section 167): it is an offence for the manager or licensee of any licensed premises to allow anyone to become intoxicated on the premises • allowing drunkenness or disorderly conduct on licensed premises (section 168): it is an offence for the manager or licensee of any licensed premises to allow any intoxicated person to be or remain on the premises, and to allow any violent, quarrelsome, insulting or disorderly conduct to take place on premises.

10 Supply and Provision

Towards best practice monitoring and enforcement

They cover the key aspects of monitoring and enforcement work, including the legislative requirements behind it, the powers of monitoring and enforcement agencies, background information and case law. The step-by-step section covers pre-monitoring planning, Alcohol will not be licensed premises’ visits and post-monitoring follow-up, and includes a new ‘intoxication served to anyone monitoring form’ that has so far received positive feedback. who is intoxicated The guidelines were developed by public health consultant Mark Lyne, after extensive research and consultation in New Zealand and overseas. Those who offered practical advice and ideas in New Zealand included the Police, DLAs, public health agencies, HANZ, licensees, doormen, training agencies, Alcohol Healthwatch, local authority policy and strategy developers, the Liquor Licensing Authority and Ma¯ori wardens. “The consultation showed that organisations throughout New Zealand have been using a wide variety of monitoring and enforcement practices,” says Mark. “Many were very useful, and the most effective have been incorporated into the guidelines.” Meanwhile, international research showed that practices in and the United States were most relevant to New Zealand. Work by the New South Wales Police was especially useful, particularly in highlighting the benefits of effective monitoring and enforcement. “New Zealand and international research shows that enforcement has a valuable role in reducing problems within and around licensed drinking environments, “says Mark. “For example, it has been shown to reduce alcohol-related assaults, increase apprehensions for crime and assaults, reduce drink drive offences from licensed premises, reduce alcohol-related injuries and increase refusals for service to intoxicated patrons.”

What happens next? Copies of the draft guidelines will soon be available, and ALAC is keen to work with agencies involved in monitoring and enforcement to trial them in day-to-day situations. “We want to make sure we’ve covered all the bases and that the guidelines are easy to use and follow in practice,” says Shannon. “We expect the trials to take six to nine months, during which time we’ll be collecting feedback and tracking progress on their adoption and implementation.”

Interested? If you’re interested in trialling the guidelines, please contact Shannon Hanrahan at [email protected] or by phone on 09 916 0332. “While not prescriptive, the guidelines represent a considerable investment by ALAC and are based on the best available practice,” says Shannon. “We strongly recommend their use, and look forward to receiving plenty of constructive feedback on how well they work and whether they could be improved.”

11 HighHigh on onLife Life

Secondary schools in Few issues cause bigger headaches for When the cannabis crop is harvested, school staff than students caught at more students turn up at school with Taranaki are piloting a school with alcohol or other drugs. drug issues. It happens every year in a predictable cycle. The ensuing We know that about half of our young suspensions have consequences all new Ministry of Education people experiment with cannabis use round. Students are sometimes alienated by the age of 16. Many more young from the education they need (now more programme to combat people are adversely affected by binge than ever.) Schools sometimes get a drinking. Where students cross the reputation for being "the school with alcohol and drug abuse. important social boundary and bring the drug problem". As a community we alcohol or other drugs to school, staff don't often pause to reflect that we, as Instead of suspending are faced with real challenges. We can't a community, have some drug issues, tolerate the behaviour, but are not expert and the behaviour of our young people students, those who in treating young people's alcohol and reflects our own behaviour. Alcohol and other drug issues. We need to protect the other drug agencies struggle to engage admit to drug and alcohol other students at the school, and to be suspended students - if they ever get a seen to be upholding the community's referral. And students outside the school problems will be referred to standards. Many schools use the tools system are more likely to offend. of suspensions and urine tests to try to social agencies for help. make sure students are drug free, but are So how do we change this situation? We'd these really the best intervention tools like to protect the "no drugs at school" Mark Corrigan, Special we've got? boundary, keep students in education, get good early help for students with A&OD High on Life is a local initiative in issues, and give all students information Education Facilitator with Taranaki which seeks to address these and support to make healthy choices challenges in new ways. It involves all about alcohol and other drugs. When the Ministry of Education of the adults in our system - schools, we thought about it, all these sounded alcohol and other drugs (A&OD) services, perfectly possible to achieve. outlines this new approach. health promotion, and police - responding differently. Firstly, all 13 secondary schools in the province will cover drug education as About two thirds of secondary school drug part of the health and physical education suspensions in 2005 will happen between curriculum in the first term. March and June. Why? The crop's in.

12 High on Life ALAC Early intervention

This gives all students some insight about growing up in a drug using world. Through High on Life, we've provided some support and curriculum resources to these teachers. Secondly, every student has received a promotional wallet card. It states the promise from every secondary school in Taranaki - that if you have concerns about your alcohol or other drug use (or your mates' use, or your family's use), then you can make contact with a key person at school without fear of punishment. The ALAC Manager Early Intervention Sue school will then arrange some effective help for the students. Paton says the Ministry of Education It's not saying it's okay for students to bring drugs to school, or to come to school under the influence. It's programme is a ground- breaking not about schools going soft on drugs. It's about the approach which ALAC is keen to support. adults co-operating to see the students getting the help they need, and about school being a safe and drug-free “We offered to evaluate the programme place of learning. This help involves the three A&OD services in Taranaki because if it is successful we would like coming in to schools to run small group interventions for students with an alcohol or other drug problem. to see it rolled out nationwide.” We're trying out the ALAC ‘Smashed 'n Stoned?’ resource in these small groups. We think it is the best Sue Paton says once students are way to get young people past a problematic drug use issue. It's also an efficient use of time for A&OD youth suspended from school they can workers - they have timely access to their client group in a supportive school environment, and the small group become socially isolated which can dynamics can work really well. lead to increased youth offending and To support this, ALAC ran some training in the ‘Smashed 'n Stoned?’ resource for school counsellors a worsening of their drug or alcohol and A&OD workers. problem. Police are also part of the initiative through a focus on enforcement of those who deal drugs to young people. “We know that keeping these students in In summary, we hope we're thinking and acting differently than we have in the past. We trust that school can help reduce offending. students will recognise the high trust and honest approach and choose help when they need it. Schools “This is an excellent early intervention are committed to engaging and retaining all students in education, knowing that some students will struggle initiative aimed at reducing alcohol and with A&OD issues at times. And the A&OD agencies provide timely help for students to change their alcohol other drug related harm and improving and other drug use patterns. educational and social outcomes for It sounds easy in theory. Thanks to ALAC, we are able to evaluate the effectiveness of High On Life. At regular young people.” intervals for the next two years, we'll be able to provide some feedback on whether the good theory has become a helpful reality for all parties.

13 Sport and alcohol conference

The link between alcohol Zealanders have yet to work out how to may sound like attributes you'd link to an include alcohol in their everyday lives. athlete; in fact they're the words used in the branding of DB Draught.” and sport came under "The ability to get pissed and fall down is regarded as a rite of passage in both New Mr O’Connor said some would say the the spotlight at a recent Zealand and Australia," Martin said. biggest issue regarding sport and alcohol is that of performance impairment among conference in Palmerston Martin acknowledged it wouldn't be easy athletes. changing this culture, but pointed to a North organised by the few changes already happening within the “But there's a bigger picture to think All Blacks. More players are now prepared about. The occasional public drunken Centre for Studies of Sport to have a quiet couple of drinks over a behaviour of elite sportspeople sends a and Exercise at Massey meal after a test and on occasion have strong message that such behaviour is been known to hold regular family get- okay. To try and break the connection, or University and sponsored togethers. to deny alcohol and sport are often actors in the same show, would be unrealistic. Other high profile speakers included But the connection is something we have by ALAC. Olympics Chef de Mission to take seriously and utilise positively.” and , a Member of World Anti-Doping Agency and sports physician), The line-up of speakers included quite a More than 200 people attended the Dave Currie spoke about the Olympic few from the rugby fraternity, but other three-day conference. Speakers included experience in a very persuasive and moving sports were also mentioned. There were Peter FitzSimons (ex-Wallaby and rugby way and described how they developed a plenty of theories as to why there are so commentator), Dave Currie (Olympics culture where celebration did not need to many issues with this sport and there Chef de Mission), Nicki Stewart (CEO involve heavy drinking. Dave Gerrard spoke were also some solutions offered and Beer, Wine and Spirits Council), Bernice pragmatically about the impact of alcohol comparisons made with other sporting Mene (ex-Silver Fern captain) and from a medial perspective. codes and women’s sport, to try and find Graham Seatter (Lion Nathan Breweries), some potential answers for the future. and former All Blacks manager Andrew Associate Health Minister Damien Three presentations outlined programmes Martin. O’Connor spoke about the paradox of the run in sports clubs to try and change the relationship between sport and alcohol. One of the high profile commentators, culture and reduce alcohol abuse and Mr Martin slammed the binge-drinking “It's a funny union when you think about therefore harm. Two of the programmes culture, which he believes is ingrained in it and a contradiction in terms,” he said. were New Zealand-based and one an New Zealand rugby. “Sport is about health; alcohol in the Australian programme. wrong quantities is the antithesis. But "I couldn't come to grips with the fact as incongruous as it may sound, many that we were spending tens, if not AMO (Alcohol Management sportspeople are big drinkers; some are hundreds, of thousands of dollars, Operation) even notorious for their overindulgence. preparing this group of athletes ... yet at This is an initiative in Northland that the same time we had people undoing, “Sportsmen and women work hard, originally targeted the drink-driving by this quite strong thread of alcohol they play hard, they drink hard. Sport associated with members who drink in misuse, an awful lot of good work which spectators are equally adept at imbibing. sports clubs and then drive into town had been done." They work hard, they watch hard, they because many of the clubs are in rural drink hard. Imagine the Sevens without While Martin understood the need for and remote settings. Lion Red, or a day at the races without players to let their hair down after a win, The programme involves the referees the bubbly. he questioned the culture of excessive associations, who are encouraged to talk drinking, which, it seems, is ingrained “The link is played up and capitalised on. about the issues at after-match function in New Zealand rugby. He believes New ‘Strong, honest, hard-working and loyal’ speeches. Clubs are also encouraged to

14 Conferences

Sport and alcohol Working Together 2005

It’s a simple title and the challenge we all must work to achieve. Buoyed by the sunny late-summer weather, ALAC’s 9th Working conference Together Conference brought a range of stakeholders together on March 1 & 2 in Auckland to share information, acknowledge models of innovative-practice and to debate and discuss issues relating to reducing alcohol-harm. A key theme of the conference adopt policies and practices like host responsibility and training and identifying was acknowledging the role that all agencies and all AMO officials to be responsible for New Zealanders have in reducing alcohol-related harm. supervising practices within the club The Auckland Aotea Centre proved to be a popular destination for this year’s Good sports Conference. With over 250 people in attendance and registrations reaching record numbers, a wide cross-section of organisations were represented including police, This is an Australian programme Ma¯ori Wardens, health promotion, District Licensing Agencies, researchers, implemented in some states in Australia licensees, industry representatives, and central government agencies. to tackle reducing alcohol-related harm. Good Sports is based on a three-level The opening address was delivered by the Associate Minister of Health Hon accreditation model which focuses on Damien O’Connor who emphasised there was no single solution to the problem of compliance with liquor licensing laws, binge drinking in New Zealand. implementation of alcohol management A range of associated initiatives was needed one of which was the consistent practices and development of policies. enforcement of liquor licensing, which required collaboration between police, The programme has a marketing focus of local government, public health, the alcohol and hospitality industries and the increasing revenue rather than a health community, he said. promotion focus (although healthy results He congratulated the police for their recent work in the alcohol area in particular are achieved). This programme appears their crack down on intoxicated people on licensed premises, and their new to work because it involves families and Alcolink project, designed to identify the premises that are serving patrons to a builds on revenue-making by involving point where they get into trouble with law. more children in sport. New research had revealed the true link between alcohol and crime, he said. Thinksmart Internationally, alcohol was associated with between 50 and 70 percent of all police work - be it dealing with street fights, criminal damage, family violence, Many of you will have heard details drink-driving, or simply having to take drunk people home or into custody for their about this programme, as the Taranaki own protection. YATA group presented it at the last YATA workshop. In a way, it involves There's reason to believe the same was true in New Zealand, he said. A recent components of the other two programmes survey of Wellington city police charge sheets indicated that 90 percent of violent mentioned above and was an extension offenders were affected by alcohol. of the THINK campaign. Some of the ”If we could prevent the intoxication in the first place, there'd be no need for components of this programme were police to spend so many hours picking up the pieces. Although the law says based on the GOOD SPORTS model but intoxicated people cannot be served on licensed premises, it happens anyway. But adapted by the Taranaki group. it cannot go on. Without consistent enforcement of the law, there's no chance of ALAC Chief Executive Officer Dr Mike either the public or the licensees recognising the behaviour as dangerous. MacAvoy says his organisation was ”But again, prosecution alone won't change New Zealand’s risky drinking pleased to sponsor the conference. patterns. This requires an attitude change, which I've already acknowledged won’t “We reached a lot of ‘newcomers’ to the happen overnight. But bar and licensed restaurant owners, managers and staff alcohol issue and have now managed can help achieve the change by knowing the law and sticking to it.” to have the issue put on the sporting Chief Constable John Giffard of Staffordshire Police in the UK delivered the agenda. ALAC was also able to pull first Keynote speech of the day. Following on from his speech at the together many of the problems presented Thinking and Drinking Conference, Chief Constable Giffard discussed some of the and show how our drinking culture change policing challenges related to the emerging night-time economy in Britain. In programme will help address these particular, the Chief Constable discussed some of the issues pertaining to 24 hour issues.” licensing and the associated effects of alcohol-related crime.

15 Working Together 2005 cont.

Other Keynotes included Jeremy Wood Director of the Crime Prevention Unit, Thinking Drinking Junior Toleafoa Host Responsibility Manager SKYCITY, Sara Bennett Manager Population Health & Needs Assessment Conference Auckland District Healthboard, Warwick Bryan Investor Relations Manager Lion Nathan Ltd, Judge Bill Unwin of the ALAC took its new programme designed to change Liquor Licensing Authority and Sandra Kirby Group Manager Population New Zealand’s risky drinking culture to Australia last Strategies ALAC. Showcasing local models of innovative month and received overwhelming support. practice was also a focus for this year’s conference. Twenty-nine presentations over three break-out sessions provided ALAC outlined its new culture change initiative at the Thinking Drinking -- attendees with an opportunity to see Achieving Culture Change by 2020 Conference. The three-day conference held in current examples of projects happening Melbourne in February was a joint venture between the ALAC and the Australian throughout the country. These sessions Drug Foundation and focused on unearthing strategies needed for a healthier New included monitoring and enforcement, Zealand and Australia in 15 years. training, Ma¯ori and Pacific people, More than 200 delegates attended including a strong New Zealand contingent. community action, research and policy Delegates included representatives from public health, alcohol and other drugs, and planning. prevention, youth, welfare, health promotion and education. “ALAC is committed to ensuring that if ALAC Chief Executive Officer Dr Mike MacAvoy says ALAC’s programme was there is a new or innovative idea out there extremely well received with many recognising it as cutting edge. that reduces alcohol-related harm, we “The programme promoted a lot of discussion among delegates many of whom want everyone to know about it. That is approached me after the presentation to congratulate ALAC on the direction we are part of what this conference is all about, taking.” bringing people together to discuss and showcase good ideas,” says Sandra ALAC’s Group Manager Population Strategies Sandra Kirby presented a paper Kirby Group Manager Population on Changing the Minimum Purchase Age – Reflections on the New Zealand Strategies ALAC. Experience. “Ideally we would like people to pick She discussed the 1999 law change, which was the Minimum Legal Purchase up these initiatives, trial, test and adapt Age for alcohol in New Zealand – commonly, but erroneously referred to as the them to meet the needs of their local “drinking age”- lowered from 20 to 18 years. communities.” This change occurred she said with a range of other changes to the legislation This was followed by Megan McSweeny governing the sale of alcohol and with a great deal of controversy and lobbying. from SKYCITY who spoke about the She examined the implications of the change and the difference between a role of host responsibility in creating an purchase age and a drinking age will be explored and posed the question would enjoyable and entertaining environment re-visiting the purchase age make a difference for the young drinkers in 2020; where customer retention was a focus. or should our countries aim for to have a minimum legal drinking age or other alternatives by that time? In looking towards future Working Together conferences, ALAC Project Papers from the conference are available on the Australian Drug Foundation Manager Liquor Licensing Shannon website at http://www.adf.org.au/ Hanrahan says some definite trends emerged in terms of future topics for discussion. “There is strong support for future conferences building on policy and planning issues particularly in the local government area. This is something we will certainly be taking on board when looking towards the planning of future conferences.” Papers from the conference are available on the ALAC website: www.alac.org.nz

16 Research Scholarship brings International Opportunities

Professor Ross McCormick, Director of the Goodfellow Unit, School of Population Health,

University of Auckland was the 2004 recipient of the ALAC Gary Harrison Memorial

Scholarship. The scholarship allowed Ross to travel to The United Kingdom where he was based at the National Addictions Centre, Kings College, University of London, as Honorary

Visiting Professor. He reports on his experiences.

I went to London to complete unfinished research projects, to developed a British Medical Journal web-based learning module design a collaborative primary care alcohol research project together with Bob Patton for general practice-based detection between the University of London and ourselves, to meet leading of and appropriate intervention for problem alcohol users, and alcohol and drug researchers, to attend clinical meetings, to worked on a database studying pharmacist attitudes toward the attend and give seminars and conference presentations and to management of opioid-dependent clients. have fun. I spent six months with the National Addiction Centre, The pharmacist attitude study is showing some useful University of London. Their Director is Professor John Strang. preliminary findings. Among these is that training through a The National Addiction Centre is an addiction research, university-level course or a prolonged education course with international consulting and clinical services centre in South peer group follow-up (e.g. the Goodfellow Unit National Opioid East London. The surrounding boroughs of London house some Treatment Training Programme) improves pharmacist willingness 15,000 heroin and other drug users. to support those with drug dependency and reduces pharmacist dropout from provision of methadone services. The Centre’s staff includes tobacco, alcohol and drug clinicians and researchers. Its services include teaching and consulting Bob Patton and I prepared and submitted a joint research with local and international governmental authorities. Research application to United Kingdom research funders, entitled themes cover the spectrum of drug dependency, primary Pharmaceutical Oriented Training in Alcohol: an investigation care problem use of alcohol, and epidemiology. The Centre is of the impact of new pharmacotherapies on GP attitudes and associated with the Institute of Psychiatry, which researches behaviour. Other grant applications will be developed from biological and psychosocial aspects of addictive behaviour. I this work. worked closely with Bob Patton, Director of Research, whose I attended seminars on topics related to addiction and support, friendship and help were invaluable. psychiatry. The Maudsley Hospital, a well-known London Going on sabbatical has the advantage that you leave all your Psychiatric Hospital was next door to the National Addiction responsibilities behind. No staff, no committees, no students, Centre. Senior Addiction Specialists working at Marina House no clinical work, no administration, and no politics means plenty Drug Treatment Centre in Camberwell invited me to several of of time for reflection, networking and research. During my six their clinical team meetings. These included discussing the months I was either lead writer or part of the writing team for treatment of opioid addicts, and of stimulant users. This exposed nine publications now either in press or submitted to journals, me to treatments not yet available in New Zealand,

17 e.g. buprenorphine, and let me see how English treatment These observations support the direction we are taking in centres are attempting to help chronic stimulant users. New Zealand, ie working to ensure detection of, and appropriate intervention for, problem use of alcohol becomes a mainstream I presented at the November Society for the Study of Addiction activity of primary care and general practice, hospitals and (SSA) conference in York. My presentation, “Educating primary special interest communities. care providers about brief intervention – seven years of New Zealand experience”, described the evolution of the Tobacco Bob Patton was good to work with. Apart from anything else Alcohol and Other Drugs (TADS) project run through the he has successfully implemented a screening and intervention Goodfellow Unit and funded by the Ministry of Health. The programme in an Accident and Emergency Department. audience response was incredibly positive, with many in the Listening to him and reading his work disabused me quickly audience commenting that Britain should develop a programme of the New Zealand view that you can’t implement these similar to TADS. The development of appropriate problem programmes in A&E. alcohol detection and intervention processes for primary care My wife accompanied me to London. We visited an early 1800s professionals appears to be still at a theoretical level in the operating theatre in London, attended various films and plays, United Kingdom, in contrast to the TADS project developments attended the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall, saw Faust at the over its seven-year action research process. New Zealand could Royal Opera House, went for walks in the English countryside, well be leading the world in this field. visited the Lake District, Oxford, Bath and York, experienced The SSA conference included many leading United Kingdom a white Christmas at a lodge in Luss, visited Paris to sample addiction researchers, plus some from the USA. It was a useful French cuisine, and visited Budapest and Istanbul each for networking experience, as well as giving me an overview of a weekend. We lived in a small low budget top-storey flat at recent research, eg harm minimisation medications for use in Wandsworth Common with our Italian landlady and her Danish stimulant addiction, such as baclofen. husband downstairs. I think it will take a long time to forget walking to the train through the common, watching the squirrels, The United Kingdom National Health Service provides monetary birds, English dogs and their owners. incentives to encourage general practitioners to offer drug addiction treatment. They have not done the same for detection My thanks to the Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand for and appropriate intervention for problem use of alcohol. This awarding me the Gary Harrison Memorial Scholarship 2004. means that many general practitioners either do not see problem It made my sabbatical much easier. I owe a huge debt of use of alcohol as an issue, or else are not intervening because gratitude to Professor John Strang, Director National Addiction it is not ‘yet’ funded. A session I taught in Leeds was funded Centre, University of London, for his and his staff’s enthusiastic as a drug addiction treatment session, and the convenors were hosting during my stay. I trust that members of John’s National apologetic that their funders did not fund misuse of alcohol Addiction Centre will see fit to visit and be hosted by the training. The Leeds general practitioners seemed to have a New Zealand addiction field in the future. I am keen to return dichotomous view of alcohol (i.e. you are either an OK drinker, or the favour. an alcoholic), rather than a continuous view of alcohol use from abstinence to safer drinking to risky and problematic drinking to dependency.

18 News

After a truly stunning Against this backdrop of celebration and Professor Hornblow thanked the Halberg success, ALAC was also grateful for the Trust for their work and their unbending year for New Zealand opportunity to provide a more serious, commitment to young people, wellbeing yet simple message to the sportspeople, and participation – goals which ALAC sport, ALAC was once sporting and business leaders and people shared and supported.” with a keen interest in sport, health and ALAC congratulates in wellbeing. again immensely proud capturing the country’s ultimate sporting In his message to guests, ALAC Chairman prize – the Halberg Award. to support the Halberg Professor Andrew Hornblow said sport and Sarah also took the Say When alcohol often went hand in hand, often ‘Sportswoman of the Year’ award. Trust in recognising and in harmful ways. ALAC was currently Olympic gold medallist Hamish embarking on a significant programme to Carter took the Say When ‘Sportsman of honouring our nation’s change the way New Zealanders drink; the Year’ section, and Ulmer’s Cambridge because New Zealand had a culture that neighbours, Caroline and Georgina top sporting champions accepted and celebrated getting drunk, Evers-Swindell - former Halberg Award which was the sort of drinking that causes winners in 2001, women’s double scull at this most prestigious the most harm. gold medallists in Athens, and unbeaten of events, the 2004 Professor Hornblow emphasised that in that discipline since the 2001 world ALAC couldn’t make this change on its rowing championships - the ‘Team’ Say When Halberg own. Debate in the media, policies, law, category title. Just for good measure, education in schools and advertising also Dick Tonks, coach of the rowing twins, Awards. wouldn’t achieve change on their own completed the Olympic clean sweep when either, he said. he was voted SPARC ‘Coach of the Year.’ He told the assembled guests that ALAC needed people such as themselves to understand the need for, and lead the change. They could all help by championing a drinking culture that did not accept and celebrate drunkenness. He invited those present to join with ALAC in changing the culture of drinking in New Zealand. If those present could take every opportunity to help ALAC convey the unacceptability of excessive alcohol consumption, that would be a small, but important contribution to solving a significant problem for New Zealand.

19 NEWS No health benefits from alcohol for the under 60s A recent study for ALAC Hoorn, Clinical Trials Research Unit, the remainder was due to other chronic University of Auckland; and Jürgen Rehm, illnesses related to heavy drinking. Most says a few moderate drinks Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, alcohol-related deaths before middle-age Toronto, and World Health Organisation were due to injury. Comparative Risk Analysis Collaborating for the over 60s could be ALAC Chief Executive Dr Mike MacAvoy Group. said it was clear that for drinkers beneficial to health. But The study, released earlier this year, consuming the same average volume showed that in the year 2000 there of alcohol, the pattern of drinking had researchers warn the health were 1037 deaths attributed to alcohol a huge influence on both benefits and consumption in New Zealand, with more harms. than half resulting from injury after benefits are strictly limited Five major messages have emerged from excessive drinking. this analysis: to the over 60s. The researchers also showed the health • There are no health benefits of burden of alcohol fell inequitably on drinking alcohol before middle age Most of the benefits of alcohol Ma¯ori, because of different drinking • The pattern of drinking is very consumption accrue in the elderly. The patterns. Non-Ma¯ori were more likely to important in determining the health study shows coronary heart disease is be alcohol drinkers and drink more often, effects of alcohol consumption prevented and strokes, diabetes and but less likely to binge-drink than Ma¯ori. complications from the gall bladder Even though both Ma¯ori and non-Ma¯ori • Injury is responsible for half of all are reduced by a pattern of drinking drink about the same amount of alcohol, alcohol-attributable deaths and characterised by frequent low volume the impacts on health differ substantially. almost three-quarters of the years of intake. The research indicated that because of life lost due to alcohol different styles of drinking, Ma¯ori were • There is a huge burden of disability For younger drinkers it’s a different story. four times more likely to die from an due to alcohol use disorders that is There were far more deaths than benefits alcohol-related cause than non-Ma¯ori. related to alcohol in young people. not reflected in mortality figures The study also showed that people were • The health burden of alcohol falls This study was carried out by Jennie more likely to die from injuries as a result inequitably on Ma¯ori. Connor, Joanna Broad, Rod Jackson of drinking. Death from injury made up from the School of Population Health, 51 per cent of alcohol-related deaths, The full report is available on ALAC’s University of Auckland; Stephen Vander cancers accounted for 24 per cent, and website at www.alac.org.nz Advertising review options The government is looking at options "The Government has agreed there are the Government was already undertaking for a review of the voluntary regime that issues relating to the self-regulatory frame- initiatives in both these areas. regulates alcohol advertising. work that need to be considered," said ALAC Chief Executive Officer Dr Mike Associate Health Minister Damien O'Connor. This decision is in response to a Health MacAvoy welcomes the move. Select Committee report recommending "Consequently, the Government has asked "The responsible marketing and promotion such a review. The report was the result the Inter-Agency Committee on Drugs of alcohol remains a key area to address of a petition, presented to the Committee to look at options for a Government-led in order to ensure ALAC's programme to by Dr Viola Palmer (a member of GALA, review. A policy paper covering these change the drinking culture is as effective the Group Against Liquor Advertising) and issues will be presented to the Ministerial as possible. For this reason we welcome the 2,869 others. Committee on Drugs in mid-2005." review of the self-regulatory framework and The petition called for a Committee The Committee report also recommended indeed hope that the review is as broad as inquiry into the effects of alcohol the monitoring of research into the health possible to take in all aspect of marketing promotion, particularly advertising and impact of advertising, and the facilitation especially the now extensive use promoters sponsorship. of counter-advertising. Mr O'Connor said make of web sites."

20 Electronic mailing lists for the alcohol and drug field

Two electronic mailing lists have been set up to enable individuals to communicate via email with other alcohol and drug professionals in New Zealand.

You can either subscribe to a general mailing list or register to connect to a network of M≠ori alcohol and drug workers.

SUBSCRIBESUBSCRIBE NOW NOW Contact other alcohol and drug professionals: 1. If you have access to the web, subscribe by going to http://lists.iconz.co.nz/mailman/listinfo/aandd You will find a form to fill out. You will need to choose a password.

2. If you don’t have access to the web, send an email message to [email protected] leaving the subject line blank. In the body of the message type: Subscribe ***** (where ***** is an alphanumeric password of your choice between 4 and 8 characters). If you have any problems with the above, or for further information, please contact Susan McBride. Email: [email protected] Phone: 04 917 0060

Join a network of M¯aori alcohol and drug workers: 1. If you have access to the web, subscribe by going to http:// lists.iconz.co.nz/mailman/listinfo/te_kupenga_hauora You will find a form to fill out. You will need to choose a password.

2. If you don’t have access to the web, send an email message to [email protected] Phone: 04 917 0060

REGIONAL OFFICES AUCKLAND 09 916 0330 [email protected] CHRISTCHURCH 03 365 8540 [email protected] WELLINGTON 04 917 0060 [email protected] CALL FREE 0508 258 258 We cheered when you broke the world record. We cheered when you broke it again. We cheered when you won the gold. Now we’d like to do it again.

ALAC would like to congratulate Sarah Ulmer, winner of the Halberg Award 2004. Reaching the top in any sport takes discipline, just as it does to know when to say when. Well done also to - Say When Sportsman of the Year, Sarah Ulmer - Say When Sportswoman of the Year, Caroline and Georgina Evers-Swindell - Say When Team of the Year, Dick Tonks - SPARC Coach of the Year, Heather and Jeff Robson - NZ Herald Lifetime Achievement Award and Sir Brian Lochore - SPARC Leadership Award.