Mr Bell said the foundation was "neutral" on the legal status of cannabis. It did not have a secret agenda, nor was it a liberal or pro-drug organisation as its opponents claimed.

The symposium's international speakers are led by Sandeep Chawla, one of the most senior United Nations drugs officials to have visited New Zealand.

New Zealand speakers will include Deputy Police Commissioner Rob Pope, Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples and principal youth court judge Andrew Becroft.

The symposium will address New Zealand's Misuse of Drugs Act, which was passed 34 years ago and is being reviewed by the Law Commission. It will also examine the United Nations' drug policy.

* George Soros

Currency speculator, philanthropist and political activist, ranked by Forbes as the 101st richest man in the world.

Known as a legaliser or a liberal because of his worldwide efforts to promote drug policy reform.

Most recently put US$400,000 towards a successful referendum in Massachusetts which decriminalised possession of less than one ounce (28g) of marijuana.

Once teamed with Peter Lewis, the American billionaire caught smuggling a small amount of marijuana into New Zealand in 2000, to finance an advertising campaign backing medicinal use of cannabis.

By Patrick Gower | Email Patrick