Written by Cameron Price, chapter leader of the Victoria University of Wellington SSDP chapter in New Zealand. New Zealand is a nation of just four and a half million people and 121 members of parliament (MPs). As a result of our small size and relatively high number of politicians, access to decision-makers is better than usual.
This is particularly true for the Victoria University of Wellington chapter of SSDP, which is situated in the capital. So far we have met with the Minister responsible for the drugs portfolio, Peter Dunne, opposition spokesperson for drug policy, David Clarke, and 3 other MPs. Our plan is to meet with the health spokesperson from each of the 7 different political parties in parliament. Here is what we’ve learnt from our meetings so far:
Politicians have generally been in the game for a long time, so they’ve seen how the system works. As students who are generally political novices, it’s important to get their advice on the best way to get results. They love giving advice – when we met with the opposition spokesperson he told us about a way that we can get a petition to force a select committee hearing on decriminalisation, and his office is helping us draft the wording. Another MP gave us some advice on how to approach campaigning. And the Drugs Minister put us in touch with the Ministry of Health, who gave us advice on a drug survey we are working on. Lawmakers are public servants there to serve the public, and should be used as resources. Also, offer to help them – they almost never take you up on the offer but it’s a nice gesture.

Victoria University of Wellington SSDP chapter leader Cameron Price (far left) with minister for drug strategies Peter Dunne
- Don’t underestimate the power of the simple introduction
- BUT, don’t overestimate it either
- Know what you’re talking about
- ASK QUESTIONS
- Ask for help

Labour Party MP David Clark speaks to student at Victoria University of Wellington during an SSDP event on campus.
- Invite them to events
- Accept that there’s only so much you can get a politician to do