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A free methamphetamine harm reduction programme is being rolled out to the eastern Bay of Plenty, starting in Murupara.
Te Ara Oranga was piloted in Northland, bringing together police, mental health and addiction services, community groups, and iwi service providers.
Health Minister Andrew Little says $3.5 million from Budget 2022 will enable the expansion of the from Whakatāne to Rotorua, including Ōpōtiki, Kawerau and Murupara.
He says the region has higher than average offences for methamphetamine use or possession as well as a high proportion of people seeking help to get on top of drug addictions.
Te Ara Oranga gives methamphetamine users the opportunity to get culturally-appropriate therapeutic help with an approach tailored for their community.
Mr Little says it has been shown to reduce drug-related harm and support better community health, improved social wellbeing including re-engagement with whānau and employment, and better justice outcomes including reduced family violence and crime.
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