Black Lives Matter are coming! #HealthNotHandcuffs Update July 2019

Tēnā koutou katoa, hello,

As New Zealanders, we pride ourselves on treating all people fairly, as equals. Of course, we definitely don’t always get this right – sometimes we get it horribly wrong, in fact.

It will be amazing hearing from Black Lives Matter about their progress towards equality as they fight racist drug laws in the United States.

What you may not know is just how much of New Zealand’s drug law has been influenced by American politics. We’re super keen to hear about the similarities (and differences) with how we do things here in New Zealand and to find inspiration from their successes. See details on the tour below.

Kali Mercier
on behalf of #HealthNotHandcuffs

 

3 people sit talking on a park bench

What's your most convincing argument?

Why will you vote yes in the cannabis referendum? What arguments do you use to convince your friends about it? And do the arguments work?

We are turning to you for suggestions to refine the messages we will use in the lead-up to the referendum. Are some arguments more convincing than others? What will change someone’s mind?

If you think you have the killer arguments - or if you just know what doesn’t work – please help us by taking five minutes to fill in this super short questionnaire.
Share now

 

close up of dropping tincture onto hands

What’s happening with medicinal cannabis ?

Nearly all New Zealanders agree that people should be able to access cannabis for medicinal purposes if they need it.

The government is now inviting the public to make submissions on who should be able to produce, prescribe and use these medicines. One of the big questions on the table is: should GPs be able to perscribe, or just specialists?

When up and running the new scheme that should ensure better access to high quality, affordable products that can be prescribed for any condition. However, many questions remain about when they’ll be available, and whether patients will be able to afford to buy them.

If you would like to make a submission, check out the NZ Drug Foundation submission guide and video.
Make submission

 

Save the date Auckland

A co-founder of Black Lives Matter and two other leaders fighting the racist war on drugs in the USA are coming to New Zealand in September to inspire our movement!

Patrisse Cullors, Deborah Small and asha bandele have repeatedly put themselves out there to challenge injustice. They’ll share stories from the frontline about how a people’s movement can lead to meaningful change.

Come along and get fired up!

Save the date: Health Not Handcuffs public meeting, Auckland Town Hall, Monday 15 September.

More details are coming soon.

Can you put a poster about the event? Or promote on social and through your networks? Or help on the night? Any offers to volunteer – big or small -- will be gladly accepted. 

LET US KNOW HOW YOU CAN HELP +

 

The #HealthNotHandcuffs Crew

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