A Waitangi woman is disappointed not many local people have shown an interest in an Alcohol Awareness Day she organised for today.
But Hinihou Apiata said if one person learned something from her efforts it would be worth it. While she hoped to target young people before alcohol became aproblem in their lives, only about 20 had shown interest in the awareness day.
With little initial help and a slow community response, the Waitangi Te Tii Marae kuia ploughed on organising today's hui. "Even if I can help save one life that might otherwise be lost, how great would be the joy for that whanau, hapu and iwi," she said. She feared whanau and the community was ignoring or denying alcohol was a serious social problem.
She hoped the informal conference would have a ripple effect for bringing about greater awareness. "It's a beginning, but it's a hard road to walk. It's been a month-long journey for me but that journey won't end any time soon."
Alcohol advisory group Alac has come on board, along with "very special friends of people of the Bay", David and Robyn Clarkson, for the "whanau day" aimed at sharing stories and knowledge.
The conference will start with a powhiri at 3pm at Waitangi Motel. A sand sculpture event for children at midday was planned. In keeping with the theme of positive alcohol-free living, children were encouraged to express through their castles what family meant to them.
