New ALAC co-ordinator
Maoris tend to be problem drinkers but few are alcoholics says Ngamaru Raerino, the new maori coordinator for the Alcoholic Liquor Advisory Council (ALAC). He says alcoholics destroy themselves while problem drinkers destroy those around them. Mr Raerino, the first maori coordinator was appointed to the council to bring a maori perspective to the area of alcohol problems. His aim is to create an awareness within the maori community of the need for programmes and projects to combat problem drinking.
He said he tackles the topic side on, rather than head on. Instead of telling young maoris to stop drinking he asks them how they can breakdance, or play rugby if they are drunk. Using this technique he feels he has had a very positive response. His message is not to stop drinking altogether but to drink moderately and responsibly. He quotes an old maori saying “Kai i te kai a te rangatira kaua e tukuna ko te waipiro hei rangatira mou” “Don’t let alcohol be your chief.”
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/periodicals/TUTANG19840601.2.22
Bibliographic details
Tu Tangata, Issue 18, 1 June 1984, Page 18
Word Count
171New ALAC co-ordinator Tu Tangata, Issue 18, 1 June 1984, Page 18
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