Latest news with #MartinJames
1News
20-05-2025
- Health
- 1News
The town where meth use has spiked by more than 300%
Police say they are concerned at the lack of information they're receiving from the public as methamphetamine use in the small rural Central Hawke's Bay town Waipukurau surges. Wastewater testing site at Waipukurau recorded the biggest increase in meth consumption in the country in 2024 — up 333% on 2023. District crime manager Detective Inspector Martin James told 1News that the high readings are "very concerning for us" but Police needed more information to act. Police in Waipukurau are alarmed at the lack of information they're getting from the public, as meth use soars. (Source: 1News) "One of the key concerns for me here in Central Hawke's Bay is a lack of information that is coming through from the public to support us, there will be people within this community that know who are supplying this drug, this heinous drug, and we need them to come forward." While meth use in Waipukurau has increased there hasn't been a corresponding increase in other types of crime in the area. "So we haven't seen a significant increase in crime in Central Hawke's Bay, but for us that's not the point," James said. "What we do know is there's a large amount of methamphetamine consumed in this community and we need to reduce it, and we need the public's help to make that happen." Central Hawke's Bay Mayor Alex Walker said many in the community are battling. "We're seeing lots of pressure on the community, pressures on families, the cost of living is really causing some struggles and that is putting a lot of pressure on to our families." Walker said given the town hadn't seen an increase in other crimes, some felt the high meth readings were "odd". "But there is no denying that we definitely do have methamphetamine circulating in our community and use circulating in our community, the fact that it's rising says that we have to pay attention to this because this could escalate into something far bigger." In late 2023, the Central Hawke's Bay lost funding for a programme — Herenga Whānau Ora; that was helping people who were struggling with meth addiction navigate the services that were available to them. "Unfortunately, that was really starting to have an impact," the mayor said. She urged the Government to step up and provide addiction support. "Just because we're small and a small population doesn't mean that we're immune from the really big issues and we need that support on the ground to help us to help our community as we are fronting up to this issue, we desperately need their support for us to be able to tackle it. "A one off trip to a councillor does not fix a methamphetamine addiction." When 1News interviewed Waipukurau locals this week, some found the high meth readings hard to believe and others said they'd never seen any evidence of it. Another described the town as a very friendly place, where there was no need to lock the doors when you go out. Recently released data from Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR)'s wastewater testing programme revealed New Zealand's meth consumption rose from 732kg in 2023 to 1434kg in 2024. Using the Official Information Act, 1News obtained the wastewater testing sites that recorded the biggest increases in 2024. Meth use in Huntly rose 41%, in Tokoroa it rose 61% last year, in Levin it was 90% in South Auckland it was 98%. In Waipukurau, it increased 333%. In 2023 in Waipukurau the meth consumption rate was 1.1 grams per day, per 1000 people. In 2024, this had risen to more than 4.8 grams per day, per 1000 people. The wastewater testing didn't indicate whether a lot more people were using methamphetamine or a smaller group of users were consuming much larger quantities of the drug.
Economic Times
18-05-2025
- Economic Times
Waipukurau is the meth capital of New Zealand, use surges 333 per cent
Police urge community support as Waipukurau records NZ's highest meth spike in 2024 Central Hawke's Bay, the town of Waipukurau, is grappling with a 333 per cent spike in methamphetamine consumption in 2024 compared to the previous year, marking the highest increase nationwide. This surge was uncovered through wastewater testing, a method that detects drug residues in sewage, providing a snapshot of community drug use. In Waipukurau, meth consumption escalated from 1.1 grams to over 4.8 grams per day per 1,000 people. Detective Inspector Martin James expressed, "One of the key concerns for me here in Central Hawke's Bay is a lack of information that is coming through from the public to support us. There will be people within this community who know who are supplying this drug, this heinous drug, and we need them to come forward." This increase in meth use hasn't coincided with a rise in other crimes. James noted, "So we haven't seen a significant increase in crime in Central Hawke's Bay, but for us that's not the point." Mayor Alex Walker highlighted the broader challenges facing the community: "We're seeing lots of pressure on the community, pressures on families. The cost of living is really causing some struggles, and that is putting a lot of pressure on our families." She acknowledged the presence of meth in the community, stating, "There is no denying that we definitely do have methamphetamine circulating in our community. The fact that it's rising says that we have to pay attention to this because this could escalate into something far bigger."A significant setback occurred in late 2023 when funding was lost for Herenga Whānau Ora, a program aiding individuals struggling with meth addiction. Mayor Walker said, "Unfortunately, that was really starting to have an impact." She urged the government to provide necessary support, "Just because we're small and a small population doesn't mean that we're immune from the really big issues, and we need that support on the ground to help us to help our community as we are fronting up to this issue. We desperately need their support for us to be able to tackle it. A one-off trip to a counsellor does not fix a methamphetamine addiction."Nationally, methamphetamine consumption nearly doubled, rising from 732kg in 2023 to 1,434kg in 2024. Other North Island towns also saw significant increases: Huntly (41 percent), Tokoroa (61 percent), Levin (90 percent), and South Auckland (98 percent).The wastewater testing doesn't specify whether more individuals are using meth or if existing users are consuming larger quantities. However, the data underscores a pressing need for community engagement and comprehensive support systems to address this escalating issue.
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Time of India
Waipukurau is the meth capital of New Zealand, use surges 333 per cent
Central Hawke's Bay town, Waipukurau, faces a staggering 333% surge in methamphetamine consumption in 2024, the highest nationwide. Wastewater testing reveals the alarming increase, while authorities seek public support to identify suppliers. The community grapples with the loss of addiction support programs and rising cost of living, exacerbating the crisis, and urgently requires government assistance to combat this escalating issue. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Central Hawke's Bay, the town of Waipukurau, is grappling with a 333 per cent spike in methamphetamine consumption in 2024 compared to the previous year, marking the highest increase surge was uncovered through wastewater testing, a meth od that detects drug residues in sewage, providing a snapshot of community drug use. In Waipukurau, meth consumption escalated from 1.1 grams to over 4.8 grams per day per 1,000 Inspector Martin James expressed, "One of the key concerns for me here in Central Hawke's Bay is a lack of information that is coming through from the public to support us. There will be people within this community who know who are supplying this drug, this heinous drug, and we need them to come forward." This increase in meth use hasn't coincided with a rise in other crimes. James noted, "So we haven't seen a significant increase in crime in Central Hawke's Bay, but for us that's not the point."Mayor Alex Walker highlighted the broader challenges facing the community: "We're seeing lots of pressure on the community, pressures on families. The cost of living is really causing some struggles, and that is putting a lot of pressure on our families."She acknowledged the presence of meth in the community, stating, "There is no denying that we definitely do have methamphetamine circulating in our community. The fact that it's rising says that we have to pay attention to this because this could escalate into something far bigger."A significant setback occurred in late 2023 when funding was lost for Herenga Whānau Ora, a program aiding individuals struggling with meth Walker said, "Unfortunately, that was really starting to have an impact." She urged the government to provide necessary support, "Just because we're small and a small population doesn't mean that we're immune from the really big issues, and we need that support on the ground to help us to help our community as we are fronting up to this issue. We desperately need their support for us to be able to tackle it. A one-off trip to a counsellor does not fix a methamphetamine addiction."Nationally, methamphetamine consumption nearly doubled, rising from 732kg in 2023 to 1,434kg in 2024. Other North Island towns also saw significant increases: Huntly (41 percent), Tokoroa (61 percent), Levin (90 percent), and South Auckland (98 percent).The wastewater testing doesn't specify whether more individuals are using meth or if existing users are consuming larger quantities. However, the data underscores a pressing need for community engagement and comprehensive support systems to address this escalating issue.
NZ Herald
13-05-2025
- NZ Herald
Tributes flow for young Napier rugby star Kaea Karauria as homicide probe continues
Kaea was a student at Napier Boys' High School. Detective Inspector Martin James said, in an update on Tuesday, that police were continuing to appeal for information from the public, including any relevant footage. 'We have received a steady flow of information through the anonymous portal and Crime Stoppers, which is being analysed by the investigation team. 'We urge those who saw what occurred to come forward and speak to police. 'The scene examination will conclude today [Tuesday], and a post-mortem will also be conducted. 'No arrests have been made at this stage.' He earlier said a team of 20 investigators were on the case. 'We understand the fact someone so young has been killed is very unsettling for the community.' Kaea was a rising rugby star and played junior rugby for Napier Pirate, represented the Napier Ross Shield team during 2021 and 2022 (the latter of which the team won), and most recently was a cornerstone of the Napier Boys' High School U15 rugby team, playing at lock or flanker. His former Ross Shield coach, Willie Tran, who is the current Napier Boys' High 1st XV coach, said he was more than just a talented athlete. 'He was the heart and soul of every team he was a part of. 'His presence lifted others. His actions inspired. 'And his loyalty bound us together in ways that only those who played beside him can truly understand. 'Whether it was on the field or off, Kaea led with quiet strength, fierce determination, and an unwavering love for those around him.' He said he was incredibly privileged to have coached him in the Napier Ross Shield team, and to have been involved with him at Napier Boys' High. 'What drew me most to Kaea wasn't just his skill or his bravery in the trenches of the game, though those were undeniable. 'It was his deep, authentic care for his teammates. 'He played not for accolades, but for the brothers beside him.' He said Kaea was 'a warrior in every sense of the word' and 'we are all better for having known you'. 'Your impact will ripple through our hearts and our teams forever. 'You will be deeply missed — and always remembered." His former club, Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports Club, shared a tribute to Kaea on social media. 'Kaea was a proud Pirate, a key part of our junior club, and his presence left a lasting impression on all who knew him. 'His father, Ren, also wore the black jersey for our senior club — a true Pirates family. 'As a club, we are in mourning alongside Kaea's whānau and friends. 'Our heartfelt and sincere sympathy – our arohanui – goes out to all who grieve the loss of this precious young man.' Kaea was also a Hawke's Bay Unicorn rugby league age group representative. His former schools, Porritt Primary and Tamatea Intermediate, remembered him as having 'immense talent' and having a 'kindness and regard for others'. Kaea was also formerly a leading student of arts, music and culture at Tamatea Intermediate. A family member, Jennifer Hatton, posted a message on social media on behalf of the whānau. 'We wish to thank you all again for the outpouring of love shown for our son and brother Kaea Karauria. 'Our son, brother, moko, nephew, cousin and friend to many, will return home to us today [Tuesday].' A second injured teenager was also located on Cottrell Crescent, another nearby street, early on Sunday morning. That teen was taken to hospital but was discharged soon after. Anyone with information is asked to make a report online at 105, or by calling 105, and people are asked to quote the reference number 250511/1317.
BBC News
24-04-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Artificial intelligence to improve outcome for stroke patients
Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to help improve outcomes for stroke patients in project SAMueL-2, which stands for stroke audit machine learning, helps to identify which patients can receive a procedure called thrombolysis, which involves administering drugs to break down blood has analysed a quarter of a million medical records from more than 100 Martin James, a stroke specialist at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said AI and machine learning has provided an understanding of how thrombolysis treatment was used across the UK. Professor James said: "What you can do when you have got such a large data set is to show doctors and nurses exactly what it was like when a drug was used in other cases on similar patients."So, you can increase their understanding of that balance of risk and benefit in an individual case."Stroke patients have also been interviewed about their condition and treatment as part of the violin teacher, Leon Farmer, said he was delighted to be able to help others in future. "Even in a small way, if I have contributed to thousands of people having a better quality of life, I can't think of anything else I would rather do - it's just fantastic," he is an initiative involving The Royal Devon University NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Exeter.
