Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: I'll stick to being boring

FILE

National MP Stephen Joyce is obviously his own man. He admitted this week to being boring. He had waited a long time for a journalist to finally ask him if he had ever taken illegal substances. He declared he hadn't. He was plain boring. Good for him. I don't think he's boring at all. Just makes up his own mind. Up until I was 56, I could have said the same thing.

It happened at a party in Auckland. In a beautiful house where those present seemed to be either lawyers or working in the media. At one point, I went out on to the deck to have a cigar. There, a group of people were enjoying whatever it was they were smoking. I was asked if I wanted a smoke. I declined, saying I had my cigars with me. They gave me an odd look.

I then explained I had never smoked pot. Not even shared a joint. This explanation was accepted but someone commented that I was definitely the "odd one out" at the party.

I was assured I could try a joint later if I changed my mind. I did, some hours later. To my surprise, probably relief as well, nothing worth noting happened.

I didn't particularly like the pungent, sickly smell, I wouldn't call it taste. There was no instant high. And I couldn't even finish the joint.

And after years of saying "no thanks", I still can't understand why I went back on my long-held decision to avoid illegal drug taking. I couldn't figure out what all the fuss was about. Where was the feeling of cheery light headedness and euphoria? Not a sign, a smidgen.

You must have to keep at it for a time, give it your best shot so that the habit grows on you. Give me my cigars any time. 'Why would anyone bother' I thought and I never did again.

Most of the people shared their joints and were popping out on to the deck at all times during the evening. I noticed they didn't drink much but they were great company.

I've met some of these people again over the years. They are intelligent and engaging.
They have done very well in their careers, some being familiar names in the media today. I have no idea if they are still smoking or taking other illegal substances. I guess at that time they must have been what is referred to as recreational users.

The people in Auckland seemed to be fully present that night, irrespective of their smoking. They are different from some of the people I know here in Rotorua who smoke pot. Maybe that's because I don't know the "up town" smokers.

You can bet we have them in Rotorua too.

The people I know, sadly, look like drug users. They don't appear to be "with it" half the time. Not many work now, although I know some of them used to years ago. And they were good workers. Then they had something to get up for in the morning.

I have seen a drastic change in recent years. Sadly, they have settled for a life lived below the line. They got hooked. Perhaps they started out as recreational users. Why couldn't they have just stayed that way?

In my early morning walks, I sometimes pass the retail shop in the CBD that sells "legal highs". This is before the shop opens. I often see people, users I presume, waiting outside for the shop to open. The products being sold may be legal but the latest research shows they can be even more harmful than illegal drugs.

I guess it's a matter of everyone making their own choices. So at least you can't say you weren't told. When I think of it now, I'm thankful illegal substances weren't around, to any great extent when I left home at 18 and went flatting.

I might have tried, persevered, been successful at it and not had the opportunity to be "boring" too for at least for 56 years.

Merepeka Raukawa-Tait lives in Rotorua. She writes, speaks and broadcasts to thwart the spread of political correctness