Hundreds to star in music video against meth

Kaikohe Dance Crew performs during the making of a video for Let's Make a Change, a song which forms part of an anti-meth campaign.

Hundreds of Northlanders will star in a music video which forms part of a pilot anti-methamphetamine programme in the region.

Police and the Northland District Health Board have been granted $3 million to set up the pilot programme, Te Ara Oranga, which aims to reduce demand for methamphetamine, better known as meth or P.

The funds came from the Criminals Proceeds (Recovery) Act, which allows the courts to seize and sell property paid for by crimes such as drug dealing.

As part of the programme various resources are being created for use in education and treatment, including a CD of songs called Let's Make a Change/He Waka Eke Noa and ranging from waiata and haka to rap and gospel.

The theme tune, Let's Make a Change, was written by Kaipara man Taniora Tauariki, who works for a Ngati Whatua health provider.

Recently Mr Tauariki and bandmate Hone Winder-Murray have been travelling around Northland filming a video for the song.

Filming was done by Channel North in streets and parks in Kaitaia, Kaeo, Kerikeri, Moerewa, Omapere, Kaikohe, Kawakawa, Dargaville and Whangarei.

Mr Tauariki said making the video with hundreds of Northlanders - including school children, dance groups, health workers and police officers - was "really overwhelming".

Health board spokeswoman Liz Inch said a music video was an effective tool for spreading the message about meth reduction.

Other resources being developed included billboards, meth-free pledge stickers, CDs and educational videos.

Te Ara Oranga aims to direct resources more effectively so users get better access to treatment and support, while police and the courts put their focus on dealers and serious offenders.