Community-Led Drug Policy Reform: Moving Forward Together

A 2-minute presentation for 2025 Mayoral candidate, Blair Anderson 

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Fellow Christchurch residents,

Our community spoke clearly when we voted for drug policy reform. We chose compassion over criminalization, health over punishment, and evidence over ideology. Yet too often, our voices are drowned out by outdated systems that refuse to listen.

We know better because we live it. Every day, our whānau, our neighbors, our workmates are affected by policies that treat addiction as a moral failing rather than a health condition. We see people pushed to the margins instead of being supported toward recovery. We watch resources poured into enforcement while treatment services remain underfunded.

But here's what systemic prejudice misses: Communities that embrace drug policy reform aren't "soft on crime" – we're smart on solutions. We understand that when someone struggling with addiction gets treatment instead of a criminal record, our whole community benefits. When we provide safe spaces and support services, we reduce harm for everyone.

The evidence backs us up. Every jurisdiction that has moved toward health-based approaches has seen reduced drug-related deaths, less crime, and stronger communities. Not because they ignored the problem, but because they addressed it honestly.

As your Mayor, I will champion what you voted for:

• Advocating with central government to implement the reforms you supported
• Ensuring our local services – housing, mental health, community support – are integrated and accessible
• Working with police to prioritize serious crime while supporting diversion programs
• Creating spaces where affected families and communities have a real voice in policy decisions

This isn't about being permissive – it's about being effective. It's about recognizing that our community's wisdom, expressed through democratic participation, deserves to be heard and acted upon.

We voted for change because we believe in each other. We believe that every person in our city deserves dignity, support, and the chance to thrive. That's not radical – that's who we are as Christchurch.

Together, we can build a city that leads with compassion and gets results. Thank you.

Blair Anderson
also see http://mildgreens.blogspot.com and http://facebook.com/mildgreens