Marae meeting declares methamphetamine ban

Maori groups are beginning to fight back against the methamphetamine epidemic's devastation of their communities.

About 50 people gathered at an Auckland marae to declare a region-wide rahui (ban) on using or dealing in P or pure methamphetamine.

"P has had a devastating effect on some of our whanau," said Joseph Pihema, a high-school teacher and member of the committee that organised the hui at Orakei Marae.

"It has totally ripped families apart. It has divided some whanau and there has been an undercurrent of growing violence and criminal activity within our community."

Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples, who attended the hui on Friday, said later that Maori groups in other areas, including Murupara and Tauranga, were considering declaring rahui against P. "Murupara have declared their town P-free. They may follow up with a rahui."

He said laws against racial discrimination had demonstrated it was possible to change behaviour by declaring something unacceptable. Rahui could be useful in other areas.

Asked if the rahui on P could be expected to influence Maori who were out of touch with traditional Maori culture, Dr Sharples said: "Yes. Slowly.

"There's a strong desire among Maori to be Maori, so this has got to have its effect on those who aren't involved in P who are related to those producing P."

Mr Pihema said the rahui was "not about creating a witch-hunt mentality. It's about cleansing and reconciliation and finding ways to unite those whanau which have been divided".

Follow-up events promoting the P-free message are to be held at the marae today, including a workshop.