Have your say: Not anti-alcohol

The Onerahi Alcohol Harm Minimisation Group are not "anti-alcohol," says a spokesperson.

The letter by Valerie Green-Moss dated June 24 describes the objectors to a new liquor outlet in Onerahi as being "vehemently anti-alcohol".

The Onerahi Alcohol Harm Minimisation Group, together with the Northland District Health Board, recently opposed the District Licensing Committee decision to grant a liquor licence for a new outlet in Onerahi.

We are not "anti-alcohol" and have never promoted this position. Our concern is the direct and indirect harm alcohol causes, and our choice of name reflects this.

We agree with Ms Green-Moss that the council's draft Local Alcohol Policy provides an opportunity for people to oppose new bottle stores in the district, restrict trading hours for on and off-licences and impose other conditions to regulate access and availability of alcohol.

Plenty of national and international evidence links increased access and availability of alcohol with harm. Our failed attempt at opposing this new liquor outlet demonstrates we now need to look to more robust alcohol regulation, which a Local Alcohol Policy can potentially provide.

At the public meeting last night, at the Onerahi Community Hall, our group provided feedback on our failed appeal, and encouraged people to make submissions on the draft Local Alcohol Policy.

Our hope is that no other community in Whangarei has to endure what we have been through, in order to protect their community from alcohol-related harm.

Hikurangi, we wish you well in challenging the proposed new outlet in your community.

Mariameno Kapa-Kingi
Onerahi Alcohol Harm Minimisation Group spokesperson