Extra funding to reduce meth harm in the BOP

File image/SunLive.

The government is investing $1.19 million in the Bay of Plenty to reduce the damage methamphetamine use is causing.

The funding will go to two providers to help with prevention and rehabilitation.

Te Runanga o Te Whanau will receive $213,000 to run Whare Rauora, a 12-month programme that fosters whanau-led prevention through education. This is an iwi-led, community-based programme that will target 1500 people over a year.

Tikanga Aroro Charitable Trust will receive $976,000 to run Puwhakamua, which provides a Tikanga Maori Rehabilitation programme for people who have either previously been imprisoned or are deemed to be at high risk of offending. This programme provides a live-in residential programme for people.

This has been funded through the Provincial Growth Fund with $6.7 million going to nine programmes around the country.

Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones says the programmes will help to address the terrible toll meth is taking on people in the regions, their families and whanau, and communities.

"Businesses across New Zealand have told us it is difficult to employ people with drug problems. Particularly in our current economic climate, it is important that regional businesses have reliable workforces.

'It is also incredibly important for people to have the tools to deal with addiction so that they can get and keep job."

The funding is part of the $20 million allocated from the Provincial Growth in July to fight meth harm in the regions.

The Provincial Development Unit is working with police, the Ministry of Health and regional providers to reduce the harm, with a long-term plan to eliminate the drug from the regions.

"The nine projects will support community providers in Northland, Bay of Plenty, Manawatu-Whanganui and Hawke's Bay.

"These programmes will support more than 2000 people and create opportunities for them including employment," says Jones.

"These providers work alongside their communities and incorporate strategies including improving access to treatment, drop-in hubs, kaupapa Maori approaches, peer support and after-hours support."

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