Sex, drugs and alcohol: two peer-led approaches in Tamaki Makaurau/Auckland, Aotearoa/New Zealand

This article discusses two adolescent peer-led interventions in Auckland, New Zealand designed to offer support to young people as they deal with important issues in their lives—sex, drugs and alcohol. New Zealand adolescents are a major risk group for HIV and AIDS, and teenage pregnancy is second only to that of the United States. Alcohol and other drug-related motor vehicle accidents amongst New Zealand youth are unacceptably high. The relevance of the unique cultural environment of New Zealand is discussed, and a description of the two peer-led interventions is provided. Challenges are offered and suggestions for possible future directions are given.