Candidates in NCC By-Election 2003

Print friendly version

Health Action sent a questionnaire to all 6 candidates for the NCC by-election June 2003.  By 23 May 2003 we had received responses from the following 5 candidates.  Responses are in different coloured fonts for each candidate.

Don Murray:
Kia ora.  My responses to the Health Action Trust questions follow.  Every good wish to you and your co-workers  - Don Murray

Mental Health
1.      How will you help to improve the mental health of young people in this region?
I have first hand experience working with young people and I will continue to advocate for drastic improvement of primary health care resources to support young people in acute and chronic need.  We have a skilful crisis team, but delay in access
to on going counselling in this region just makes matters worse for many young people.  Ultimately the emotional and mental well-being of young people is dependent on the quality of their family life, the attitude and expectations of society and the availability of employment and educational opportunities. 
Local Government can show that we value young people through our provision of recreational facilities and services, consulting with them and supporting community groups through resources and removing barriers to their work.  A caring community thinks ahead for their young people.  I will continue to advocate for all of these actions.

2.  What is your view on Mental Health service users being involved in the development of the services they use?
Client participation is a key element in the provision of effective Mental Health Services.  Local Government has the opportunity to work with and through community groups to advocate for services and solutions in our region.

Youth and alcohol
3.  What can you do to help minimize alcohol-related harm for young people in this region?
Current law on the sale of liquor to minors needs to be rigorously enforced.  Hard sell promotion of alcohol in the media needs to be stopped.  
Publicity / education campaigns to demystify the alcohol culture, and in the short term, patrols to keep our young people safe and the facilitation of alternative recreational activities

Legal Status of Cannabis
4.  What do you think the legal status of cannabis should be in NZ, and why?
The current law on Cannabis is not keeping young people safe.  The community needs to be provided with options that focus as with alcohol, on demystifying the culture of use including aspects of psychological dependency and the impact of use on cognitive functioning particularly for young learners.  A legal distinction between possession for personal use and possession for supply might be a useful part of such a package of options. 
Decriminalisation of personal use might make it possible for some to share their experiences more candidly.  Any change in legal status should include consultation with young people, monitoring of the impact, preparedness to reverse the change
and funding for appropriate educational intervention.

Maori Health
5.   What is your view on Maori health service provision in the Nelson region?
While the provision of health services is not directly a Local Government function, three factors lead me to consider Maori health service initiatives for Maori to work with Iwi and other Maori appropriate. Potential for Maori client involvement,
significant Maori risk statistics above the community average and a proven record of effectiveness of Maori health care workers addressing their community's needs.

Mary Gavin:

Mental Health

1.      How will you help to improve the mental health of young people in this region?

The new local government legislation places increased responsibulity on local authorities for community health and well-being. I believe that the Council must mange prudently and efficiently all the health-related facilities for which they have statutory responsibility. However, more importantly they must also take a more holistic view and monitor the social impact of all of their activities or decisions (including planning and financial). This includes the implications for the mental health of young people in this region. There are well -documented indicators of the factors which nuture robust mental health in adolescence such as a sense of safety and identity and belonging and it is important that Council recognises these.  I know that there is a range of expertise in this area to support the healthy development of young people but if, for any reason, the pattern of this development is derailed, extensive resourcing is required.  However, I do not think that conducting more surveys or suggesting  new initiatives is a useful response. As a councillor I will advocate for support and recognition for existing structures and providers and for inter-sector co-operation so that the priority and emphasis is on service provision. 

 

2.  What is your view on Mental Health service users being involved in the development of the services they use?
I understand that there is a consumer representative on each of the DHB committees and I strongly support this concept. There is also consumer representative input into  the running of the Acute Mental Health unit and most of the mental health providers, including of course Health Action, involve client representation wherever possible. Reports indicate that this works well and I hope that as the practice becomes  longer-established  the participants and their families will feel increasingly empowered.

Youth and alcohol

3.  What can you do to help minimise alcohol-related harm for young people in this region?

I was opposed to the lowering of the drinking age and I regret the results that are already evident from this legislation. However, now that it has happened, as a councillor I would monitor the compliance of this law and strongly support any measures for the safe management of liquor, especially in the central city area. This would include close liasion with the police and schools and active support for ongoing funding initiatives from relevant groups such as the Safer Community Council the Night Patrol, Health Action and church and social welfare groups.

Legal Status of Cannabis

4.  What do you think the legal status of cannabis should be in NZ, and why?
Although I have personal views on this topic shaped by my teaching experience, a local authority councillor has no direct influence on legislation relating to the status of cannabis in NZ.

Maori Health

5.  What is your view on Maori health service provision in the region?

I am aware that there are a number of Maori health providers in Nelson who offer a service by Maori for Maori and, in some cases, also for non-Maori. These services are funded throught the District Health Board and the  Nelson District Health Board also has a Director of Maori Health. I can see that it is possible that, having a considerable number of  providers for a relatively small population, could lead to both duplication and omissions so I hope that co-ordination is a strong priority for this director.

- Mary Gavin - NCC by-election candidate

 

Jan Fryer:
Hi - Here is my reply to the questionnaire you sent.
 
Mental Health
1.      How will you help to improve the mental health of young people in this region?  2.  What is your view on Mental Health service users being involved in the development of the services they use? 

Youth and alcohol:  3.  What can you do to help minimise alcohol-related harm for young people in this region?
I think it is important for communities and community groups to understand the role and responsibilities of Council as governed by legislation.

Councils have obligations to provide for the health and wellbeing of their communities and citizens, but it has generally been based aroud the provision of services such as water, sewerage, roading, stormwater, parks and recreation facilities, etc, for which rates are levied.
It is certainly possible to expand on the basic services but then it becomes a question of who pays!
It is currently the role of central government to provide specific health services, for which taxes are levied.
 
There are certainly areas that Council can be involved in and I fully support initiatives such as the Hub for youth, the Youth Council and support of the HYPE Team and Youth events. In fact, I put in the application to Community Trust last year for the New Years Eve event and was successful in gaining $15,000 for that event and the HYPE Team.
 
These are all initiatives that benfit the health and well-being of the community.
 
I personally can make no appreciable difference to any of the issues you have raised, but will certainly encourage dialogue between the providers, the community and myself to ascertain where council can assist.
 
I feel that the users of services should most definitely be involved in the provision of those services and they will probably be far more successful if the users are the actual drivers of the initiative, with help and guidance from the professionals.

Legal Status of Cannabis

4.  What do you think the legal status of cannabis should be in NZ, and why?

I do not believe in the legalisation of cannabis. In the previous question you asked about minimilising the harm from alcohol for young people, so why go down the track of something else that can cause harm. It is however not an issue that the council is constitutionally able to deal with.
 

Maori Health

5.  What is your view on Maori health service provision in the region?

Again, Maori Health is being addressed by a variety of services and the Councils role in that is the same as for everyone - the provision of good water, sewerage systems, parks and recreational facilities and the encouragement of healthy lifestyles and planning for a healthy city environment.
Regards - Jan Fryer.
 
Gary Watson:

Mental health

1.      How will you help to improve the mental health of young people in this region?

Removing some of the barriers which prevent businesses creating jobs is just one of many measures I would like to see implemented. A job and particularly a job where the environment is supportive of peoples needs, provides a future for people to turn their dreams into reality. I believe if our young are encouraged, treated as equals and given a chance they will do us all proud.  I believe there is no substitute for children being raised in a 2 parent loving family and blame many mental health situations on poor parenting and lack of education.

 

2.  What is your view on mental health service users being involved in the development of the services they use?

Common sense says totally involved - the community as a whole has a responsibility but we need guidance from those with the skills and experience.

 

Youth and alcohol

3.  What can you do to help minimise alcohol-related harm for young people in this region?

I support the carrot approach not the current stick.  We need to involve the young in activities that keep families together. 1 on every 3 children are being raised in a 1 parent family and I have seen the results of this many times.

The old statement that families that play together, stay together is often very true.  

Parents need to be their children's best friends and set an example. The debate is complex and often the youth themselves can go  along way to solve the issue if its openly discussed. Parents need to treat going out with friends and an ongoing contractual agreement and enforce a grounding where the line has been over stepped. This will build respect from both sides.

 

Legal status of cannabis

4.  What do you think the legal status of cannabis should be in NZ, and why?

Its an addictive drug and I do not support the legalisation of this drug.

It is harmful to ones health, it is anti social, and no good will come from it.

 

Maori health

5.  What is your view on Maori health service provision in the nelson region

I know very little about Maori health in the region but I find it racist to single out someone on race and I also dislike the way Maori are reported often in a negative light. If you say disadvantaged New Zealanders then the health dept should be using the media more to help those who need help the most. Many of these people who often don't know what they don't know.

 

 As the owner of mainland TV I am happy to discuss any of these issues on air at no charge and with no strings any time you wish.

 I would also like to have a discussion with some young people and some of your team and have an open live on TV forum. 

Best regards - Gary Watson

 

Giselle Tonee:
Thank you for the opportunity to express how my qualifications and experience can benefit your organization and the community at large.
Extra pleased to see you using recycled paper!                

1. Mental Health.
I have a long history academically, professionally and personally working with all the issues your organization is committed to.
Firstly, in my role as a local councillor there is a certain process via submissions that we are both bound by. At the last Community Services meeting I attended it was noted there was no report from the Youth
Council. The local councillors felt it was imperative that this was available on a regular basis; otherwise they have no idea as to your requirements. Effective communication is essential from both parties.

As a professional counsellor, past manager of Social Services (Council WA), and government accredited trainer specialising with the long term unemployed I am conscious of the multitude of causal factors as well as the plenitude of various remedies in the mental health arena.

Personally I feel for long term healing individuals self-esteem must be addressed. Following this self-responsibility and empowerment go hand in hand, one without the other will not work. In honour of my
commitment to this I have undertaken to implement a social/community model at a local primary school.

Human and financial resources must be readily available to all those who require it or society will feel the effect of its neglect. In summary although I have much more to share, I have a well-rounded
understanding of your work and am committed to supporting you.

2. Mental Health service users being involved.
Of course they have to be involved. Studies show unless they are involved in the process they will feel no ownership of it nor commitment to its processes. Our youth must be exposed to skills and tools they
currently do not possess in order for them to make informed decisions.
And we must be open to the incredible wisdom that so often stems from them. They are just as much our teachers as we are their pupils.

3. Youth and Alcohol
Modelling, education and well thought out legislation. Peer pressure can be addressed through the education system, the earlier the better.
Unfortunately many parents/adults require the same messages. Drinking and drugs is not cool! Not enough is being done to assist young people in becoming effective communicators, to reach deep inside themselves in order to identify their triggers, and then to question their behaviour. To ask does it really serve them in achieving their personal aspirations?
The children belong to and impact on the entire community, so we need to ensure their needs are met.

4. Legal Status of Cannabis
Cannabis used for recreational purposes is a cry for help, as is cigarette smoking and a couple of alcoholic beverages every night to cope with your day. These people will not admit they have low self esteem as
evidenced by their actions. When you truly have self-respect you do not do anything detrimental to yourself/to your body. Many people have missed out on exposure to other ways of stress management and this is included in the Community Model I am developing. However as I have a strong commitment to Natural Medicines i.e. Herbs and Homeopathy I feel Naturopaths and General Practitioners should be able to prescribe cannabis and have it used for pain relief.

5. Maori Health
As I have Maori relations by marriage I feel privileged to have access to issues that are culturally sensitive. This issue though requires more research, as there are so many factors involved. Some I have spoken to
feel provision is adequate; others are more comfortable dealing with Maori only.

My underlying belief is that every person regardless of sex, race or religion has the right to develop themselves to their full potential. My entire life has been committed to this premise.
Kind regards - Ms Giselle Tonee