Dear Ministry of Education,

I am writing under the Official Information Act 1982 to request information regarding the Ministry of Education’s response to methamphetamine-related harm affecting rangatahi and school communities in Northland. As methamphetamine use continues to pose a significant social and health risk in the region, I am seeking to understand what strategies, supports, and inter-agency efforts are in place to address this issue within the education sector.

Specifically, I request copies of any policy documents, internal briefings, or regional planning materials held by the Ministry that refer to methamphetamine use, student exposure to drug-related harm, or substance misuse education in Northland, dated from 1 January 2022 to the present. This includes any material relating to school wellbeing plans, guidance to principals or boards of trustees, or advice to the Minister on this issue.

I would also like information on any funding provided by the Ministry to Northland schools, kura kaupapa Maori, or community organisations for initiatives that address substance misuse, drug education, or student mental health and addiction support, particularly where methamphetamine is a concern. Please include the name of each programme, its delivery partner (if applicable), the amount of funding, and any available evaluations or outcome data.

In addition, I request copies of any correspondence between the Ministry of Education and other agencies - including Health New Zealand, NZ Police, Oranga Tamariki, the Department of Corrections, or Far North District Council - relating to methamphetamine harm, student safety, or support services in Northland schools since January 2022.

Lastly, I am seeking information on any incidents or trends reported to the Ministry regarding methamphetamine use or exposure in or around school environments in Northland, and how these have been responded to, including the provision of pastoral care or referrals to external support services.

Yours faithfully,

Dan Tasman