Newsmaker: Skingraft owner David Young

NEWSMAKER: Skingraft owner David Young was in the news this week in relation to the Government's decision to pull legal highs from shop shelves. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER 280414SP4

This week's Newsmaker is David Young, owner of Rotorua's Skingraft store, who this week send back four boxes of synthetic cannabis to the manufacturers after the Government announced all synthetic drugs would be banned until they are proven safe.

Tell us a bit about yourself?

I have been a member of the Rotorua community for more than 40 years now. In the time I have been here, Rotorua has grown and changed in so many ways, I look forward to what's to come. I am a member of the Chamber of Commerce and support many local charities and I appreciate all they do for our community.

Tell us a bit about your role at Skingraft?

My wife and I started Skingraft 27 years ago. Selling legal highs is and never was what my business is about. We stock a huge range of products from leather gear, ornaments and clothing. We also offer professional tattooing and piercing services. Synthetic cannabis was only a very small portion of business.

What are your thoughts on the recent ban on synthetic cannabis? Do you think it will be successful?

I believe there are going to be both positives and negatives to synthetic cannabis being banned until proven safe. You can't really predict what is going to happen but I do of course hope there is more positive than negative.

What would you like to see happen to rules and regulations around synthetic highs?

I am concerned with the animal testing that is going to occur. I am certain there would be enough people that would put their hands up for safe testing of legal highs rather than innocent animals that haven't got a say in the matter but that decision is not up to me.

Tell us three things about yourself that most people wouldn't know?

One of my debatable lifestyle choices is my choice in TV programmes. My favourite TV programme is Shortland Street. I like supporting a New Zealand series but disagree with the way alcohol is abused on the show. I have raised a child and I am concerned with what is being shown on an apparently family friendly programme. I have just got out of hospital after having a double hernia operation. I'm thankful I have such supportive friends and family.