Drug Overdose (Assistance Protection) Legislation Bill

About this Bill

Right now, we have an opportunity to support our communities and keep our whānau safe.

The Health Committee is calling for submissions on the Drug Overdose (Assistance Protection) Legislation Bill. They need to hear from our communities to ensure this law works effectively on the ground.

What the Bill Does

This law creates a practical “safety net” during a medical emergency so people can focus entirely on saving a life. If passed, it will:

Protect People Present: It legally protects the person overdosing, the person who calls 111, and any bystanders from low-level drug prosecution.

Support People on Bail or Parole: It ensures that experiencing a health crisis or helping a friend won’t count as a breach of release conditions.

Prevent Unnecessary Searches: It strictly stops police from using an emergency 111 health call as a reason to search a home.

Why This Matters

3 Lives a Week: In Aotearoa, an average of nearly three people die each week from accidental drug overdoses ^[1].

The Barrier to Help: Many at risk of drug harm hesitate to call 111 out of fear of police involvement or a criminal record.

Health First: No one should have to fear criminal consequences when trying to save a life.

This Bill changes the equation. It makes a simple but massive shift: focusing entirely on health, safety, and saving lives instead of punishment during a medical emergency.

Good to know: This isn’t about changing everyday drug legislation. Regular laws still apply outside of emergencies. It is simply a safety switch to save lives.

When our communities speak up together, we make sure new laws actually fit our lives. You don’t need to be a legal expert to write a submission — the committee just needs to know that your community supports this change. Every voice counts.

Need a hand with what to say?

Your submission doesn’t have to be long or formal. You can just share a few sentences about why this matters to you. Feel free to use or adapt these quick prompts:

If you want to keep it simple:

“I support this Bill because health and safety should always come first in a medical emergency.”

If you are a community worker:

“In my work, I see how fear of police involvement keeps people from calling 111. This law would give our community the confidence to call for help and save lives.”

If you are focusing on whānau:

“Our whānau deserve to feel safe calling 111 during a crisis without worrying about a search or a criminal record.”

Let’s make sure our voices are part of building a safer, more compassionate pathway for our whānau.

References

1. New Zealand Drug Foundation. (2025). Drug overdoses in Aotearoa 2025. https://drugfoundation.org.nz/news-and-reports/report-drug-overdoses-in-aotearoa-2025