UNGASS 2016 - as it happened
The biggest global conversation on drug policy in the last 15 years was run by the United Nations in New York City 19-20 April 2016. A delegation of NZ NGOs joined diplomats, politicians, UN agencies and civil society representatives at the UN General Assembly Special Session.
Be informed:
- Tweets, stories and links sent live from New York via our storify (see below)
- Agenda, background documents, how to stay in touch via International Drug Policy Consortium
- Recent coverage of debate on New Zealand's outdated drug laws
- Articles from our Matters of Substance magazine:
UNGASS 2016: What prospect for change? (February 2016)
Guest editorial - Some thoughts on human rights and the War on Drugs (February 2016)
Early days for UNGASS 2016 declaration (November 2015)
The UNGASS 2016 primer (August 2015)
During #UNGASS2016 Tuari Potiki, Drug Foundation chairperson, addressed the General Assembly Special Session, on Thursday 21 April. Text of speech with video.
Here's a record of what was shared.
Recent news
Overdose deaths remain unacceptably high as stimulant harms increase
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.
Report: Drug overdoses in Aotearoa 2026
Our annual report compiling coronial and hospitalisation data.
Election 2026: Where the parties stand on reducing drug harm
There is common ground among parties on reducing drug harms and supporting addiction treatment, suggesting progress can be made in the next term.