Guest host Ali Mau and a high-calibre panel discuss ideas in New Zealand and abroad to reshape drug laws in an edible event on Tuesday April 26.

We at Spinoff Enterprises are excited to be joining Laila Harré’s Ika restaurant to present Table Talk, the monthly event combining intelligent conversation with food and drink.

Drugs are in the news everywhere at the moment, whether it’s Helen Kelly’s powerful and personal campaign for legal medical marijuana, the special session at the UN on the drug problem, which is widely regarded as marking the end of the global war on drugs, or the cannabis shortage sweeping New Zealand.

Even Don Brash has been getting in on the argument.

Broadcaster Ali Mau will be joined by an expert panel on Tuesday night to tease out the arguments:

Russell Brown is the editor of Public Address and drug policy expert, who will be freshly returned from the UN special session in New York.

Kevin Hague is a Green Party MP, health spokesperson and public health professional.

Dr Hirini Kaa is a historian and public issues commentator.

Dr Chris Wilkins is a senior researcher and leader of the illegal drug research team at SHORE, Massey University.

They’ll be discussing the alternatives to the status quo in drug policy, and why it is such a political no-fly-zone. There will be plenty of time for audience questions.

Ika will be offering a full menu of tapas, fish & other seafood; free range meats and vegetarian fare will also be available.

Book here for dinner to secure your place. If you wish to come for a drink, snack and discussion only there are some bar places available on a first-in-first-served basis. Doors open 5.30 pm, dinner served throughout evening. The discussion will begin at 7.30 pm.

The Spinoff will record the event, slice it, dice it, and put it online in the days following.