Queenstown Lakes’ new mayor and council will need to grapple with a range of public health issues once elected. The Wakatipu Public Health Group, a voluntary body made up of health professionals, has asked all mayoral and council candidates for the Queenstown-Wakatipu ward where they stand on issues the group considers have high priority in the district. The following are candidates’ responses regarding the issue of alcohol-related harm in Queenstown, particularly binge drinking on young people and domestic violence on women.
Queenstown Al Angus (mayoral candidate): ‘‘Drinking culture, bars and clubs, taps off at 2am, doors shut at 2.30. Regarding the domestic violence, it has to be a community effort. Giving talks at schools by ambulance staff and police. Drum home the cowardice of bashing women and kids.’’
Jim Boult (mayoral candidate): ‘‘A significant issue for most towns and cities in NZ. Not sure that we are any worse than other places. However, that aside, I am very concerned about the issue and would look to work with the hospitality industry, the medical profession, the police and social agencies for ways to improve the position. The present chaos in the downtown area at night is particularly worrying.’’
Cr Lyal Cocks (mayoral candidate): ‘‘Through a multi-agency and whole-of-community approach this issue will be addressed in a variety of ways, including but not limited to the following: behaviour influenced by parents — provide inspirational advice and support groups; implementing local alcohol policies (Laps); lobby police for greater enforcement/presence in CBD during critical periods; joint project with Downtown Queenstown to improve the amenity of the CBD area and this will address safety issues.’’
Cr Alexa Forbes: ‘‘We are developing a local alcohol policy and have been (I think) well advised by our regulatory manager Lee Webster to hold off until the court cases around those developed by other districts are settled ... As those cases become settled and there is case law, we should put together our own policy that suits our circumstances and that will stand up in court.’’
Tony Hill: ‘‘The solution needs to be driven by the Downtown Queenstown group and I am keen that a solution is agreed, sooner rather than later.’’
Tamati Maruera: ‘‘I do agree that we have a social and moral obligation to ensure alcohol is not abused and leads to harm. Until I’m fully informed of the current state and possible increased negative effects to the district I cannot pass comment on this issue.’’
Terri Anderson: ‘‘We can’t stop it being a party town, but we can relentlessly work against some of the negative facets. Focus on safety. I want to work with authorities to make sure that we are working to shut down perpetrators, not victims. A visible police presence is needed too.’’
Niki Gladding: ‘‘We need a local alcohol policy (Lap). I’ve submitted against a liquor licence application and I know that not having a Lap limits the ability of the panel to decline applications; e.g. they may still have to grant a licence opposite a school if we don’t have a local policy that says that’s not OK. So we need to work with the industry and with the community and public health groups to come up with a policy to take to the community for consultation.’’
Penny Clark: ‘‘Yes, we are a party town and this is part of our ‘entertainment offering’. However, we need to monitor and take care of our community and visitors. We need to see police presence around late at night. We need to be confident we have the opening hours functioning well. That cheap/special alcohol is not freely available at all hours for pre-loading.’’
Michael Ramsay: ‘‘There are no quick fixes, but solutions can be found: a) increase prices; b) greater emphasis on low-alcohol products; c) use more of the alcohol tax to fund community support, alcoholic health education, local research, increased enforcement, improved outcomes by working with the entertainment sector.’’
Cr Simon Stamers-Smith: ‘‘It is not only Queenstown’s problem. Council has shortened opening hours — little difference that I see. My view is even shorter hours. Not a hell of a lot more we can do except possibly limit the number of licensed premises in downtown Queenstown. What an uproar that would cause and no doubt enrich many lawyers as they fought such an idea.’’
Hudson Turnbull: ‘‘Requires the co-operation of all parties involved, with the QLDC just one of those.’’
Cr Craig Ferguson: ‘‘I would like to see more of a police presence around the CBD. Our adults need to set a better example for the youth. I would like to see movement, next term, on our local alcohol policy and what that may deliver for the community.’’
Val Miller: ‘‘I am not in favour of the extended drinking hours and would like to see this cut back. If we had better public transport, it would help with drink-driving. Serving drunk people has got to be policed actively.’’
• Mayoral candidates John Mann and Roger Tompkins did not respond, nor did council candidates Peter Faul or Merv Aoake.
*Responses have been condensed.
