New Zealand Tackles Surging Methamphetamine Crisis with Multi-pronged Approach
New Zealand is confronting a dramatic rise in methamphetamine use, with Justice minister Paul Goldsmith labeling the drug a “scourge on our society.” Recent data reveals a concerning trend: wastewater testing indicates meth consumption doubled between 2023 and 2024, jumping from 732kg to 1434kg. Simultaneously, authorities have observed a 266% increase in meth seizures both within New Zealand and internationally over the past five years. The estimated social cost of methamphetamine in New Zealand reached $1.5 billion in 2024.
In response, the government has announced a comprehensive plan to combat the escalating crisis, focusing on disrupting supply, strengthening enforcement, and reducing demand. This includes bolstering existing initiatives like investment in Customs, reviewing maritime security, increased police recruitment, and the implementation of the Ministerial Advisory Group on Organised Crime and Border Security Bill amendments.
Key components of the new strategy include a four-year, publicly-funded media campaign designed to raise awareness about the harms associated with methamphetamine. Furthermore, $30 million will be allocated over the next four years to expand services for communities disproportionately affected by meth use, drawing from the ‘Vote Health’ mental health and addiction budget.
Efforts will also target the international supply chain. A series of maritime operations will be launched to disrupt organised crime networks operating in the Pacific Ocean, and police powers will be enhanced to intercept communications and search electronic evidence. Authorities will also work to reclaim assets obtained through illegal activities. Consultations with the maritime sector are planned to fortify border security and prevent criminal organizations from exploiting New Zealand’s ports.
The government is also investing an additional $23.1 million to establish offshore liaison positions, create a dedicated money-laundering team, and extend funding for the Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities work programme through december 2026.
The proclamation has been welcomed by the New Zealand Drug Foundation. Executive Director Sarah Helm praised the emphasis on health-focused approaches, stating, “It’s clear to everyone that we can’t arrest our way out of this issue.” Helm highlighted the critical need for increased funding for support services, noting the surge in methamphetamine use has placed significant strain on an already under-resourced sector.
She emphasized that addressing substance use disorder through treatment and harm reduction is a more effective long-term strategy than criminalization, ultimately reducing costs to the health, justice, and social systems. Helm also stressed the importance of a destigmatizing media campaign that encourages individuals to seek help,grounded in the lived experiences of communities most impacted by methamphetamine. “People shouldn’t have to wait until they are experiencing the worst harms before they can access support,” she said.
