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September 03, 2025
Drug Foundation and Greens Push for Overdose Law Reform
Atereano Mateariki
Posted On September 3, 2025
Download AudioA new report from the New Zealand Drug Foundation is sounding the alarm over rising drug-related overdoses, especially from stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine.
Executive Director Sarah Helm says Māori are five times more likely to die from stimulant overdose than non-Māori, and urgent reforms are needed.
“We’re calling for a range of measures, one of which is just a comprehensive plan. There is no plan for New Zealand to prevent overdose. We’re also calling for a good Samaritan provision. We know people don’t call for help because they’re scared they’re going to be prosecuted. We’d really like to see a provision in the law that makes people confident that they’re not going to be prosecuted in these situations,” says Helm.
Helm says nearly 1,300 people have died from overdoses in the past five years, twice the number of drownings and half the road toll.
Green MP Kahurangi Carter launched on Monday a Member’s Bill to protect people from prosecution when seeking emergency help during a drug overdose, aiming to save lives by prioritising healthcare over punishment.
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