Ki Te Ara Whakamua: Pathways to Reducing Methamphetamine Harms was a call for change from 130 Māori experts in hauora and drug harm reduction regarding the challenges hapori Māori are experiencing with methamphetamine. This was held at Parliament on 26 July 2022.
The panel included Sarah Helm (chair) Pākehā, Ngāi Tahu; Billy Macfarlane, Te Arawa; Dr Vicki Macfarlane, Te Arawa; Terry Huriwai, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Porou; Gilbert Taurua, Atihau Nui A Pāpārangi, Ngāti Pāmoana, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kāwa.
They discussed ways to improve methamphetamine harms amongst whānau and hapori Māori. Some of the solutions included the restoration of tapu, mana, and wairua; building cultural advocacy; and addressing stigma and discrimination. The panel highlighted the need to move towards maintaining well whānau, doing things different, providing clear recommendations to Government to demand change.
