Gerry Brownlee: “Very good deal” signed between Tuvalu and Australia
Nov 11, 2023
auto_awesome
Gerry Brownlee, a political figure involved in the deal between Tuvalu and Australia, discusses New Zealand's support for the deal, the potential shifts in foreign policy, the mining industry in West Coast Tasman, the necessity of coal as a backup power source, the environmental impact and future of mining in New Zealand, the debate over Auckland housing, and the history of methamphetamine use in New Zealand.
The ease of manufacturing methamphetamine using pseudoephedrine found in cold and flu medicines led to a significant increase in its usage in New Zealand between 1998 and 2001.
The highly addictive nature and negative consequences of methamphetamine use have contributed to a strong stigma surrounding the drug, perpetuated by media portrayals and negative stereotypes.
The New Zealand government's approach to addressing the methamphetamine issue has primarily focused on punitive measures, resulting in unintentional consequences such as an increase in supply and control by international cartels.
Deep dives
The History of Methamphetamine in New Zealand
Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth or P, saw a significant increase in usage in New Zealand between 1998 and 2001, with a nearly thousand percent rise. This surge in popularity can be attributed to the ease of manufacturing methamphetamine using pseudoephedrine found in cold and flu medicines. However, it's crucial to note that in the 1950s and 1960s, methamphetamine and amphetamines were widely available, even prescribed by doctors. It wasn't until 1975, with the Misuse of Drugs Act, which heavily regulated and restricted access to these substances. Despite the growing stigma surrounding methamphetamine use, its addictive nature and highly publicized negative consequences, tens of thousands of Kiwi adults continue to use it every year.
The Stigma of Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine, also known as meth or P, has developed a significant stigma compared to other drugs. This stigma can be attributed to its highly addictive nature, with users having a 15% chance of becoming addicted. The media's portrayal of the drug as a demon or evil scourge further contributes to the stigma. Such labeling extends to individuals who use methamphetamine and perpetuates negative stereotypes. The profound impact that methamphetamine addiction can have on individuals' lives is often realized after users get clean and reflect on the disruptive effects of their addiction. The public's strong association of methamphetamine with addiction and its damaging consequences has amplified the stigma surrounding the drug.
Policy Responses to Methamphetamine in New Zealand
The New Zealand government has implemented various policy responses to address the methamphetamine issue. In the late 1990s, the banning of pseudoephedrine, a precursor for methamphetamine production, was intended to restrict the accessibility of raw materials for small-scale methamphetamine cooks. However, this resulted in international cartels taking advantage of the gap in the market and significantly increasing the supply of methamphetamine in the country. The approach to dealing with methamphetamine has primarily focused on punitive measures rather than adopting a harm reduction approach employed with some other drugs. A potential alternative approach could involve trialing safe supply schemes to provide users with alternatives to the black market and reduce harm associated with methamphetamine use.
The Impact of Methamphetamine Use in New Zealand
Methamphetamine use in New Zealand has had significant social and economic impacts. The size of methamphetamine busts and the price of the drug indicate increased supply and use, despite efforts to crack down on production. Methamphetamine has been associated with high-profile crimes, leading to public concern and a demand for action. The government's response to methamphetamine in New Zealand has resulted in the unintentional consequence of causing an influx of the drug through international sources. Gangs and organized crime now heavily control methamphetamine trade in New Zealand, perpetuating violence and contributing to the country's methamphetamine problem.
Exploring Alternative Approaches
Exploring alternative approaches to tackling methamphetamine use in New Zealand may involve considering harm reduction strategies. One such strategy could be the implementation of safe supply schemes that provide users with alternatives or cleaner sources of drugs. These schemes aim to minimize harm, reduce criminal activity, and offer support to individuals struggling with addiction. While introducing safe supply schemes geographically may prove challenging, given the concentration of methamphetamine use in specific areas, it is an avenue that merits exploration. Such initiatives would need to be carefully studied, implemented, and monitored to determine their effectiveness in reducing the harm associated with methamphetamine use and engaging users in healthier alternatives.
