PARTY: STOP SCAPEGOATING TANCZOS

CHRISTCHURCH - Green Party MP and drug law reform spokesman Nandor Tanczos is being unfairly scapegoated as a drug pusher, his party says.

Green Party co-leader Rod Donald said the party was extremely concerned at media coverage implying that Mr Tanczos was promoting the use of cannabis to students.

"I accept that he has influence with young people, but to accuse him of increasing drug use is unfair and unreasonable," he said.

"We have a significant problem of cannabis and other drugs in schools, and the problem has been getting worse for years, but all of a sudden everyone has a scapegoat, and that is Nandor."

Burnside High School principal Graham Stoop said Mr Tanczos had become personally identified with the use of cannabis, and he would not have him in his school.

"He sets a harmful example to students," Dr Stoop said.

Riccarton High School principal Gary Coburn agreed.

"I would not be keen on Nandor coming to the school, because whatever the message he has been giving, the message that comes through is that he is pro-marijuana."

Mr Donald has sent a letter to principals and boards of trustees spelling out the party's policy, which calls for the decriminalisation of cannabis use by people over 18.  The party is considering making a complaint about a newspaper report that Mr Tanczos was targeting children and planning to visit schools to talk about the cannabis issue.

Shirley Boys High School principal John Laurenson said he would welcome Mr Tanczos into his school in the interests of more open debate about the drug.

However, any moves to decriminalise its use would be "insane."

"It is weak-kneed liberalism and schools will bear the brunt of it," Mr Laurenson said.

"I have taught in schools around the country and seen the damage that this drug can do.

"Only a fool would support its decriminalisation."