Waitaki Whānau Overcoming Addiction

06/05/2026

As a previous co‑ordinator of Waitaki Whānau Overcoming Addiction, I want to share a quick update and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey so far.

Our support group has always been about connection, honesty, and standing alongside whānau who are navigating the impacts of m**h harm. I’m really pleased to let you know that a new organisation will now be taking the lead in running the group going forward. They bring strong experience, genuine care, and a commitment to keeping this space safe, confidential, and grounded in community. I’m confident the group is in good hands and will continue to grow in the ways our community needs.

Monthly meetings will be held on the second Tuesday of the month at 6.30pm

I also want to highlight the upcoming workshops being offered by Stronger Waitaki. These sessions are a fantastic opportunity for both rangatahi and the wider community to learn more about m**h harm, safety, and how to support loved ones. Peter Thorburn from MESS NZ brings a wealth of knowledge and a down‑to‑earth approach that makes tough topics easier to understand.

There are two events coming up on Thursday, 28 May:

A Rangatahi Workshop (ages 16–20) from 4–5.30pm

A Community Talk from 7–8.30pm

Both are free, held at the Ōamaru Pacific Island Trust on Ribble Street, and include kai.

If you or someone you know could benefit from these conversations, please share the details or come along. These are the kinds of kōrero that strengthen our whole community.

Thank you again to everyone who has supported the group, shared their stories, or simply shown up for others. Your courage and compassion continue to make a real difference.

06/05/2026

20/12/2025

🚨 First M**h Hit Under New Roadside Drug Tests: Child Found in the Car

New Zealand Police have revealed a confronting first result under the country’s new roadside drug-testing regime, after a father was caught driving while allegedly impaired by m**hamphetamine — with his young child in the vehicle.

The man was stopped at a police checkpoint in Wellington this week, where officers used newly introduced roadside saliva testing equipment designed to detect drugs such as m**hamphetamine, cannabis, M**A and co***ne. The test returned a positive result for m**h.

Police say the driver was unable to provide a second saliva sample and later refused a blood test, an offence in itself under New Zealand law. As a result, he was summonsed to court and immediately had his licence suspended for 28 days.

Most disturbing was the presence of his child in the car at the time. Officers ensured the child was safely transported home, highlighting the real-world risks drug-impaired driving poses to vulnerable passengers.

Police say the case underlines why roadside drug testing is being rolled out nationwide — to identify impairment early and prevent potential tragedies before they happen.

The driver is due to appear in court early next year.

**hamphetamine

22/11/2025

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The government has announced a plan to strengthen border security and increasing addiction services to combat the issue.

17/10/2025

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It was just a dabble at a party, thought nutritionist Lisa Reid.

28/09/2025