Ian McLean Spokesperson for the Green Party

Wow! Portray the raw emotion and terrible consequences of drink-driving for all the 15 year olds of the Western Bay in an attempt to keep them safe on the roads. The Blue Light Expo at Classic Flyers achieved all of that and more.

Tamati Paul, an athlete heading off to represent New Zealand, and recently recruited to the police. He was struck down by a drunk driver and is now living with enormous physical and neurological challenges. It would take a great actor to capture his portrayal of the consequences.

He moved the entire room to tears.

Two men, forever connected by the death of the wife of one of them. A young woman, who walked the path of drugs, alcohol and prostitution, now clean and the mother to a gorgeous child. And, the science, showing just how alcohol impairs a young brain.

The stories were told with gritty realism.

Year 11 students are about to begin driving, and are also embarking on that journey of experimentation, exploration, and risk-taking that all young adults must endure, and hopefully survive.

As one of the organisers noted: 'If we save one life, then it was worth it”.

An enormous thank you from the parents of the Western Bay to the Te Aranui Youth Trust and the Police, for caring enough to want to keep their children safe.

Ian McLean is a spokesperson for the Greens. He can be called on 021 547556 or 07 5794670 or emailed at: ian.mclean@greens.org.nz