As a Queenstown local that deals with Tourists from all over the world and in particular Citizens from countries in which the consumption of marijuana is fully legal and/or decriminalised it has come to my attention of the growing number of disgruntled tourists who can not access or even supply their own medication, which i might add has been investigated and passed as safe in leading democratic countries.

In terms of modern rule and up to date practices we seem to have fallen behind by many years in comparison to these world leading countries.

As a country that thrives on tourism and Queenstown being our national hot spot for tourists from these countries i feel that a by-law should be considered for the following reasons

-The well being of our much valued democratic tourists who rely on their usual medication.

-The overall enjoyment of our tourist hotspot for the growing number of marijuana consumers in todays modern world.

-The money factor from studies of persons apprehended by the Queenstown police shows that 2 grams of marijuana sells for $50(NZD) making it literally worth its weight in gold but is grown at a fraction of the cost which will, in effect, rise the capital gain of Queenstown tremendously, as everyone knows the pace in which the Town is growing is immense and money is being frequently piled in and debt is rising.

-From studies carried out in the state of Colorado,USA it shows crime rates dropping by well over half in its first year of legality, a figure which we desperately need to uphold our 'safe' image of Queenstown due to its recent spike in crime.

More positive attributes could be added if the Petition was to be put under serious consideration and of course safety measures would be ensued.

New Age Party