‘A lack of political courage’: New Zealand’s drug reform efforts flounder
From the outside, the country seems like a likely candidate for progressive drug laws but internally, change is proving hard to bring
Monday, April 12, 2021
After New Zealand’s referendum to legalise cannabis failed, social service agencies 
are seeking a new path to decriminalisation of drug use, but obstacles are plenty. A coalition of social service, advocacy and health organisations released an open letter calling on prime minister Jacinda Ardern to repeal and replace the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 “to ensure drug use is treated as a health and social issue”. Signatories include the New Zealand Medical Association, Public Health Association, Auckland and Wellington City Missions, Mental Health Foundation, and the Māori Law Society, along with 20 others. “Our laws prevent people accessing help when they need it, and they leave thousands every year with a conviction that impacts livelihoods, mental health, relationships, travel, housing and education,” the letter says.
