A lot can happen in 40 years. The changes we’ve witnessed in Kiwi society are profound. As the spot the difference images below show, this extends to the place of drugs in daily life. Yet the Misuse of Drugs Act (1975) is essentially the same as the day it was passed. Some of the costs of the legislation not keeping up are shared in this special anniversary feature.
This special anniversary report was prepared by Andrew Zielinski, Cameron Price, Nathan Frost and Stephen Blyth.
Lots has changed in the last 40 years. Our drug law hasn't.
New Zealand is losing three people a week to preventable overdose, while hospitalisations from stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine are increasing alongside a recent surge in consumption.
Our annual report compiling coronial and hospitalisation data.
There is common ground among parties on reducing drug harms and supporting addiction treatment, suggesting progress can be made in the next term.