February 27, 2026

#hauora: Rising Demand Highlights Pressure on Addiction Services

Matthew Tukaki Posted On February 27, 2026

An increase in the number of people accessing specialist addiction treatment is being welcomed by sector leaders, but advocates say the growth also underscores the urgent need for greater investment.

A new monitoring report released by Te Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission shows that more than 3,000 additional people accessed specialist addiction services in 2024/25 compared with the previous year.

The New Zealand Drug Foundation says the figures reflect both growing demand and the dedication of frontline providers who have been operating under funding constraints for many years. The organisation warns that without significant new investment, services will struggle to meet rising need, particularly in the face of increasing methamphetamine-related harm.

While the rise in treatment access is seen as positive, the report also indicates that the number of declined referrals to specialist addiction services is increasing. Sector leaders say this trend is concerning and highlights potential capacity pressures within the system. Understanding the reasons behind these declined referrals will be critical to ensuring people seeking help are not left without support.

The data also reveals a sharp increase in the number of New Zealanders accessing drug harm reduction information and support online. Over the past five years, online engagement has more than doubled, rising from an estimated 73,326 people in 2020/21 to 197,494 in 2024/25.

Of those accessing online resources in the most recent year, 174,818 people visited The Level, the Drug Foundation’s harm reduction platform. The growth in online engagement is seen as evidence that people who use drugs are actively seeking information on how to reduce harm and stay safer.

Advocates say early access to trustworthy information can prevent escalation of substance use issues, reduce pressure on specialist services, and lower long-term health system costs. They argue that when people and whānau have access to practical guidance and self-help tools, many issues can be addressed earlier and in less intensive settings.

The Drug Foundation says continued development of online self-help resources remains a priority, alongside calls for expanded funding for frontline addiction services. With methamphetamine harm and other substance use challenges continuing to affect communities across Aotearoa, sector leaders say a coordinated response combining early intervention, harm reduction and specialist treatment is essential.

The latest report paints a picture of a sector responding strongly to demand but operating under strain, reinforcing calls for a step change in investment to ensure addiction support is accessible, timely and effective for all who need it.