UK site claims NZ Government backs party pills

The Government is seeking action on claims that it endorses party pills that are being sold on a British website under the heading "New Zealand Highs".

The site, everyonedoesit.com, has been described by British press as one of the leading mail-order sites for the pills, which are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to hard drugs.

But it has come under fire from New Zealand politicians who say the site's marketing is misleading and tarnishing our reputation.

On a page dedicated to "New Zealand Highs", the pills are marketed as "the finest quality herbal stimulants available legally and are endorsed by the New Zealand government as part of their drug harm minimisation policy."

It goes on to say the pills have been developed to be a safer and legal alternative to harmful and highly addictive street drugs.

However, Associate Health Minister Jim Anderton, who is also chairman of the ministerial committee on drug policy, said the site was wrong.

"The New Zealand Government has not and does not endorse these pills."

He added that claims the pills were "a less harmful substitute for illegal drugs" were scurrilous marketing by the site.

"I understand it is an internet-based mail-order operation which is trading in anything that can be termed a legal recreational drug in Britain. I presume it is acting within British law, although its marketing is misrepresenting this Government's position."

Mr Anderton said he was seeking Crown Law advice as to what action could be taken against this company and its owners for the misrepresentation.

However, National MP Jacqui Dean - who has campaigned for tighter restrictions on party pills - said she was not surprised that other countries were confused by New Zealand's stance.

"It doesn't surprise me that the Government is being seen to support these pills because they are sending out mixed messages about illegal drugs."

The mixed messages came from the draft drug policy's focus on harm minimisation rather than prevention.

Ms Dean said international publicity about New Zealand and its attitude towards party pills damaged the country's image.

"I would like to see that image straightened out quickly. I think we are viewed as a bit of a soft target, and if we are viewed as a soft target with party pills how are we viewed as a target for other illegal drugs?"

Matt Bowden, chairman of the Social Tonics Association, said the website was incorrect in saying the Government endorsed the pills.

However, Mr Bowden disagreed that the country's reputation was being tarnished by the international publicity. If anything, New Zealand should be proud of its progressive drug policy.

"In America they have a no-tolerance policy and it's not really based around the safety of drug users. Our policy is based on harm minimisation.

"We are moving away from the idea that it is morally wrong to use a substance. The idea is we want to reduce that harm, reduce the health risks rather than take people that are breaking laws and punish them."

The Government recently restricted the sale of party pills to over 18s.

There are also plans to reassess the pills' status once research is completed this year.