A Path to Better Drug Laws for Aotearoa
About the project
The Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 (MoDA) will reach its 50th anniversary in 2025. A Law Commission review 14 years ago assessed MoDA as unfit for purpose, yet its core framework has largely remained unchanged — continuing to create challenges in improving the health and social justice outcomes of New Zealanders.
This project, led by Te Puna Whakaiti Pāmamae Kai Whakapiri | NZ Drug Foundation, aims to support the development of modern, health-based drug legislation that reduces drug-related harm, particularly for Māori and other communities disproportionately affected by prohibitionist approaches.
Drawing on a robust international evidence base and learnings from jurisdictions that have undertaken drug law reform, the project will critically appraise MoDA, review the existing literature, and engage with communities affected by current drug laws. It will develop an evidence-based proposal for a just, effective, and health-focused framework for drug control in Aotearoa.
Through this work, the project seeks to contribute to a regulatory system that better aligns with the Borrin Foundation’s vision of a just, inclusive, tolerant, and free society.
Grant amount
$100,157 for work in 2025
About the NZ Drug Foundation
For more than 30 years, Te Puna Whakaiti Pāmamae Kai Whakapiri | NZ Drug Foundation has been working towards improving how Aotearoa responds to illicit drug harms and supporting people who use them to make healthier choices.
Te Puna Whakaiti Pāmamae Kai Whakapiri | NZ Drug Foundation believes that evidence is critical in achieving real and lasting improvement in the way Aotearoa responds to illicit drug harms. We are experts in providing the government and the wider community with evidence-based facts around drug harms and the wider societal impacts of our current drug laws.
Contact
Dr Jacek Kolodziej, Policy Director, Te Puna Whakaiti Pāmamae Kai Whakapiri | NZ Drug Foundation
https://drugfoundation.org.nz/about-us/contact-us