A woman who set up a methamphetamine support group in Feilding has helped save dozens of lives over her 25-year stint to help addicts.
Robyn Duncan began her meth addicts support group in August and has spent time throughout her life looking after those that society has given up on.
"One thing I've learnt in my life is that everyone loves to be loved. I know that, I've been hurt in my life and I've come through my life not feeling loved. That's why I love to be able to help others," she says.
For her, the job isn't a regular 9 to 5. She's taken people into her home to ensure they're well-cared for.
"I made my partner sell our house so I couldn't take anyone else, then we bought a f***ing caravan and I was going to get them living in there," she says.
"We got rid of the caravan, we got another house, and now I'm taking them home again. I'm addicted [to helping people], I can't help myself."
It's just one example of one woman in one town doing something practical to rid the community of meth addiction.
"I look at all these people and I think 'wow'. If I can keep them on the straight and narrow that's exactly what I'll do. To see them now is worth a million dollars."
People in her support group say Duncan has helped save their lives.
"I know for a fact that I wouldn't be alive today," one says.
"I wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for Robyn and this group," another says.
To see the positive results of those in her support group is why she does it, because she knows the cost meth has on the community.
"It's a huge cost involved, and yet we've got these people making millions of dollars out of it. And yet groups like this can't get a few bucks to run. How bloody ridiculous is that?" Duncan says.
She believes groups similar to hers should be government-funded in every town and city in New Zealand, because they deliver results.
"We would achieve seeing some really good results, but it would also slow down the meth dealers. Because the more people we get in here and get clean, the less people that are going to buy it," she says.
"We'll never get rid of it, but for everyone in the group, it's one less buying it."
