Spreading the word about meth abuse

Billboards alerting people to methamphetamine abuse in the community have started appearing on State Highway 35 in an initiative organised by Tuta Ngarimu, regional manager for NZ P Pull Movement and manager of Manaaki Moves Trust. He and his whanau and friends started with putting up this billboard at Te Araroa. Picture supplied

Billboards are popping up around the Tairāwhiti region to remind people about methamphetamine abuse in the community.

This is a local initiative organised by Tuta Ngarimu the regional manager for NZ P Pull Movement and manager of Manaaki Moves Trust. The first was put up in Te Araroa.

“They are designed to start korero within families about the very real issue our community has been dealing with and the damaging effects methamphetamine has had here on whanau in Tairāwhiti,” Tuta Ngarimu said.

The campaign will last until the end of 2023 when the narrative will change to an education message on where to get help.

A meth awareness East Coast Ride is planned for November 4.

This event has been cancelled twice because of the challenges from weather events over the past year.

“We are hoping the weather will be OK this time,” Mr Ngarimu said.

“The ride is to take information about dealing with methamphetamine addiction and the damage it has in the Tairāwhiti community.”

It will start from the Kaiti Hub and head up State Highway 35 stopping in Uawa, Te Akau o Tokomaru, Ruatorea and ending at Hinerupe Marae in Te Araroa.

At each stop guest speakers will share their personal journeys — approximately an hour at each stop, with lunch in Te Akau o Tokomaru.

To register be at the Kaiti Hub at 9am on the day. The cost is $15 each, which  will pay for the hangi at the end of the ride.

Any queries contact Tuta Ngarimu on 027 498 1051