Hikoi against meth sounds its voice through Rotorua

A small, but vocal group from across the country marched through Rotorua today raising awareness of the effect methamphetamine has on whānau.

A group of about 30 adults and children made a journey from the Rotorua Lakefront to Kuirau Park this morning.

They carried signs emblazoned with the words "meth destroys", "meth is anti-whānau" and "meth destroys culture".

The group represented members of the Methamphetamine Awareness Group Rotorua who support users, addicts and whānau affected by the drug.

The organiser of the hikoi, Paul Khan, said the march was about raising awareness in the community.

"We would like to see the prohibition around addiction change so it's seen as a health issue and not a crime issue."

He said legalising the drug would enable better outcomes for users and their whānau.

"In 2001 Portugal decriminalized everything and since then they've seen a 50 per cent decrease in the drug user population.

"All of the money they were using to police and then imprison the people using the drugs has instead been put into rehabilitation, giving them jobs and other areas which actually help them."

Hikoi organiser Paul Khan, centre, and the others who came together for the event. Photo / Alice Guy

He said there was more to meth than punishing people and instead it was about helping them turn things around.

"Within our group, we see a lot of whānau who are being affected by this.

"Everyone in the house is touched by it, whether that's being split up by a parent going to prison or a child ending up in Child, Youth and Family care."

As they marched they called out slogans, saying they wanted to see people "smoking fish, not meth".

Tria Tamaka had travelled from Wellington to take part in the Rotorua hikoi.

"I'm here to help this group and get the message out there.

"Meth is affecting all of our whānau, our community and our culture."

She said for her, the focus needed to be put into prevention and early education to stop future generations making the same decisions.

"People in positions of power need to get behind this amazing kaupapa."

A woman, who chose not to be named because of her work, said she was in a frontline job working with those affected.

"It's about supporting an Aotearoa free from meth because I see the horrible effects every day."