National Drug Policy New Zealand

The overarching goal of the National Drug Policy 2007-2012 is to prevent and reduce the health, social and economic harms that are linked to tobacco, alcohol, illegal and other drug use.

News and Updates

29 Dec: Temporary Class Drug Notice December (www.health.govt.nz)

14 Oct: Temporary Class Drug Notice October (www.health.govt.nz)

16 Aug: Temporary Class Drug Notice August (www.health.govt.nz)

4 May: Tackling Methamphetamine: Indicators and Progress Report - April 2011

4 May: Controlling and Regulating Drugs: A review of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 (www.lawcom.govt.nz)
This is the final report of the New Zealand Law Commission's review, following consultation on its previous issues paper. The report was released on 3 May 2011 and makes recommendations to Government about how New Zealand's drug laws can be updated.

6 Apr: EACD minutes for November now available

6 Apr: Preliminary advice to the EACD on JWH Substances and Advice to the EACD on Synthetic Cannbinomimetic Substances

6 Dec: Alcohol in New Zealand Factsheets
These alcohol factsheets outline New Zealand's drinking patterns and alcohol-related health, crime and violence, and drink driving.

17 Nov: National Opioid Substitution Treatment Providers Training Programme (www.moh.govt.nz)

12 Nov: New Zealand Clinical Guidelines for the Use of Buprenorphine (with or without Nalaxone) in the Treatment of Opioid Dependence 2010 (www.moh.govt.nz)

9 Nov: Alcohol Reform Bill (2010) (www.legislation.govt.nz)
The Alcohol Reform Bill implements the Government’s decisions on the reform of alcohol legislation. These decisions were made in response to the Law Commission’s 2010 report, Alcohol in Our Lives: Curbing the Harm. The Bill was introduced early this afternoon and the introduction version of the Bill is available on the Government legislation website above. Submissions are due by 18 February 2011. Guidance on making a submission (www.parliament.nz)

1 Nov: Tapentadol Consultation Document
The Ministry of Health seeks feedback from interested stakeholders on the proposed classification of tapentadol as a Schedule 2, Part 3 Controlled drug in the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975. Submissions are due by 26 November 2010

19 Oct: Norephedrine Consultation Document
The Ministry of Health seeks feedback from interested stakeholders on the proposed classification of norephedrine as a Schedule 2, Part 2 Controlled drug and a Schedule 4 Precursor substance in the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975. Submissions are due by 19 November 2010.

27 Sep: Framework for preventing and reducing alcohol-related offending and victimisation 2010 - 2014 (www.police.govt.nz)
This framework outlines Police's principles and focus around alcohol issues for the next five years. The framework also reconfirms the growing emphasis on pro-active and preventative measures by Police to reduce alcohol-related harm, reduce the number of victims and provide value for money initiatives

17 Sep: DrugHelp and MethHelp
http://www.drughelp.org.nz & http://methhelp.org.nz

The Ministry of Health has funded two new connected websites to provide reliable information and help for people worried about their own or someone else’s drug use. DrugHelp and MethHelp have been developed by the New Zealand Drug Foundation and an advisory group of alcohol and other drug sector agencies.

In addition to practical tools for addressing drug use and for seeking help, the websites feature video stories of New Zealanders who have overcome drug addiction. A booklet and DVD targeted at methamphetamine users are available through MethHelp and the Alcohol and Drug Helpline - http://methhelp.org.nz/help-yourself/guide-for-change.

View older news and updates.

Page last updated: 4 January 2012