Lizard News JUNE 2022
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Anger over liquor outlet approval By Matthew Farrell new liquor outlet is to open in Te Puna just 50 metres from another and next door to a tavern. Despite fierce opposition from local Police, a health provider and social support workers, the District Licensing Committee ruled in favour of the applicant. DLCs are independent decision-making bodies administered by local councils under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act. Tommy Wilson of Te Tuinga Whānau Support Services Trust says the individuals making these decisions should take a long, hard look at themselves in the mirror. “The Council can only do so much. It’s up to the community to voice their disappointment at losing this objection because it is the health and well-being of our community being sucked out. Unless we have a community conscience this problem ends up on the doorstep of the Police, hospital, and social services like us. It’s madness in my eyes. “Accidents and family harm are manifesting as a direct result of more cheap alcohol being made available. 90% of the greater Te Puna community can access all their alcohol needs with existing outlets, and won’t be any better served by having another one. It will only cause more grief to everybody. Shoppers aren’t the ones asking for this. It is not consumer-led demand. It is a pure profit before people venture,” says Tommy. Pirirākau Hauora is among the health providers cleaning up after alcohol-related harm. CEO Donna Motutere is bitterly disappointed at the DLC decision. “This issue is mostly about the health and well-being of people. We already have enough liquor outlets in Te Puna. It is vulnerable whānau who will suffer the impacts of this. “Mental health, road accidents, and domestic violence. We don’t see people behind closed doors, but we see them when they end up here. We are the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff. We see
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Pirirākau Hauora CEO Donna Motutere and Tommy Wilson of Te Tuinga Whānau Support Services Trust are frustrated by the decision to allow another liquor outlet in Te Puna.
the kids being uplifted, but it’s all too late,” says Donna. Te Tuinga Whānau offers free social work, advocacy, information and support services to everyone regardless of ethnicity. They help clients dealing with WINZ, IRD, vulnerable children, youth services, and court or custody issues. Matters range from budgeting advice to emergency housing. “Thanks, District Licensing Committee. That’s just made our jobs harder. Who
chooses and who pays these people? In my opinion, they are not doing their jobs if they are being paid. I question not only their decisions but also their integrity,” says Tommy. Western Bay of Plenty Alcohol Harm Reduction Officer Sgt Dan Roser says, “While I am disappointed in the decision to issue the licence, Police will work towards a positive relationship with the licensee to try to minimise the harm caused. “Police urge all community members
to keep an eye on matters affecting their communities, including public notices and licensing applications. The legislation seeks to include communities’ views on these matters.” Last month, Hamilton City Council joined Auckland Council, Christchurch City Council and Whanganui District Council in voting to support MP Chlöe Swarbrick’s private member’s (Harm Minimisation) Amendment bill to limit the sale and supply of alcohol in communities.