Meth increase hits Rotorua, strategy to be overhauled

Meth use is still increasing in Rotorua despite the government changing strategy. Photo/File

Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett will overhaul and lead a new government approach to tackle methamphetamine, it can be revealed.

This comes after a key intelligence gathering tool launched by former Prime Minister John Key to tackle methamphetamine has been scrapped - and the responsibility for the drug has been dropped from the prime minister's responsibilities.

A Rotorua drug sector worker says the number of users and the supply of meth is not decreasing and government efforts are important to stem this.

Matua Peni said meth use was "certainly" on the increase.

"There appears to be a lot out there. And given that Tauranga's just down the road and there's a port there, the thinking would be that a lot of it is coming through that way," Mr Peni said.

"If you're really looking for it because you're desperate and you need it, you'll find it very easily."

He said Rotorua's proximity to the port seemed to make it easy - it was the first stop for new shipments.

"From what I can gather . . . for every one person in Rotorua that's on it, there are two in Tauranga. That seems to be the balance."

Work on the Government's meth progress report had been suspended earlier this year by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

In a written response to NZME's inquiries, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Police Paula Bennett confirmed she would lead the revamp.

"I will be taking over responsibility for this programme as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Police. Details will be released in due course.

"Cabinet has decided to take a broader approach to tackling the issue."

The nature of methamphetamine production and supply has shifted, according to experts. Far less is being manufactured in New Zealand after a crackdown on precursors. Instead the pure, finished product is being shipped in en masse. Seizures by police and Customs increased from 31kg in 2013 to more than 900kg last year.

The current approach involves ministers, officials and data from six government agencies - Corrections, Health, Police, Justice, Customs and Te Puni Kokiri.

Te Tuinga Whanau Support Service executive director Tommy Wilson said there were common factors between those in the Bay of Plenty region who had fallen on hard times.

"I've found the same set of circumstances and solutions with both homelessness and P users, and that is that they're disconnected people. The secret is to reconnect them. Not taskforces of police coming in," Mr Wilson said.

"Connection to your marae, your sporting group, your church. Put the resources into those organisations and you'll get a change and answers."