Decriminalising overdoses w/ Executive Director of the NZ Drug Foundation, Sarah Helm: 30th April, 2026

Green Party MP Kahurangi Carter has put forward a bill to parliament that would remove any chance for prosecution of someone who needs medical assistance for a drug overdose.

The bill has passed through its first reading, with support from the Greens, Labour, ACT, and Te Pāti Māori. It is now set to go to select committee for consultation.

To discuss why the bill has come about and what kind of impacts it could have on drug safety in Aotearoa, News Director Castor spoke to executive director of the NZ Drug Foundation, Sarah Helm.