Radio NZ News 10 October 2020
Our additional comment: Yep – coercion of the law, justice and health all working hand in hand.
And no need for legalisation. Labour are finally learning.
“In 2018, Clark was arrested & jailed for selling drugs. She was later bailed to rehab centre Odyssey House & is now involved in Waipuna Ora, a community-run support group.
“I finally got tools that I needed. I just want whānau to know that change is possible.””
Linda Clark’s voice trembled as she told Jacinda Ardern her story: “Aged 19, I had my first puff of meth.”
Speaking on Friday afternoon, the Auckland woman confessed she had been rehearsing her speech to the Labour leader “for days” but still could not keep the tears from welling up.
Clark stood at the front of Moerewa Christian Fellowship Church and spoke of her troubled gang upbringing: passed between her nan and mother, and years of abuse at the hands of a neighbour.
“First time I got drunk was at the age of nine. Smoking weed hard out by the age of 13. Kicked out of school by 15.”
In methamphetamine Clark found relief – “a ray of sunshine” – but it was short-lived.
“After the first year, everything just started crumbling down. Gambling. Prostitution. Violent relationships,” she said.
“Stealing off my mum. Robbing my family.”
In 2018, Clark was arrested and jailed for selling drugs. She was later bailed to the rehab centre Odyssey House and is now involved in Waipuna Ora, a community-run support group.
READ MORE: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/428009/first-time-i-got-drunk-was-at-the-age-of-nine-pm-told
