South Island Needle Exchange Programme Officially Opens to Expand Harm Reduction

Minister Matt Doocey says initiative strengthens early intervention efforts, reduces infection risks, and improves pathways into treatment and community support.

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey has officially opened the South Island Needle Exchange Programme, describing the initiative as a major step forward in New Zealand's efforts to reduce substance-related harm, strengthen early intervention, and improve access to addiction support services across the region.

The programme, delivered through a partnership of Māori and community health organisations, is designed to reduce the health risks associated with injecting drug use while connecting vulnerable individuals with broader health and social support services.

Speaking at the opening, Mr Doocey said the Government remains committed to tackling the devastating impacts of drug addiction on individuals, families, and communities through a combination of prevention, treatment, and harm reduction strategies.

"This Government is clear that drugs destroy lives and tear families apart," Mr Doocey said.

"That's why we have made investments across a range of areas that focus on preventing and reducing substance-related harm in the areas that matter most."

The Needle Exchange Programme is widely recognised as New Zealand's first harm reduction initiative and has become one of the country's most cost-effective public health interventions since its establishment.

Health officials estimate that for every dollar invested in the programme, approximately six dollars are saved in healthcare costs through the prevention of HIV and hepatitis C infections — two serious blood-borne diseases commonly associated with unsafe injecting practices.

Public health experts say the programme has played a crucial role in keeping HIV transmission through injecting drug use extremely rare in New Zealand, positioning the country as an international example of effective harm reduction policy.

The South Island service is being delivered by the Te Waipounamu Collective, a partnership involving Ngā Kete Mātauranga Pounamu Trust, He Waka Tapu, Poutini Waiora, and Te Piki Oranga.

The collaborative model is intended to ensure culturally responsive, community-based care while improving access to support services across diverse South Island communities.

Mr Doocey stressed that the programme goes beyond simply distributing sterile injecting equipment and instead provides a broader framework of healthcare engagement and support.

"Importantly, this service is about much more than equipment," he said.

"It includes health information, overdose prevention support, and referral pathways into health and social services. So, people have access to support, no matter what stage of addiction they are in."

The initiative forms part of the Government's wider mental health and addiction strategy, including the rollout of New Zealand's first-ever Action Plan to Prevent and Reduce Substance Harm.

That strategy includes increased annual investment in addiction prevention services, community support systems, and early intervention programmes designed to reduce the long-term impacts of substance abuse.

Mr Doocey said international and domestic evidence continues to support the effectiveness of needle exchange programmes as a public health measure.

"Evidence is clear that needle exchange programmes do not increase drug use," he said.

"Instead, they reduce harm, prevent the transmission of blood-borne infections, improve health outcomes, and support engagement with health services."

The Government has also expanded hospital-based intervention services aimed at identifying and supporting individuals experiencing substance-related harm earlier.

As part of that effort, Screening and Brief Intervention Practitioners are now operating across seven hospitals, helping identify people at risk and connecting them with addiction and mental health services.

In addition, the Government is establishing a new community-based peer follow-up service for individuals leaving emergency departments after substance-related presentations.

The service is intended to provide ongoing support once patients return to the community, helping reduce relapse risks and improve long-term recovery outcomes.

Mr Doocey said early indicators suggest progress is already being made within the addiction treatment sector.

According to Government figures, the mental health and addiction workforce has grown by more than 11 percent since the current administration took office.

At the same time, vacancy rates among drug and alcohol counsellors have fallen sharply — dropping from more than 14 percent in September 2023 to 5.5 percent by September 2025.

Health analysts say workforce expansion is critical to improving treatment access, reducing wait times, and ensuring continuity of care for people struggling with addiction and co-existing mental health conditions.

The opening of the South Island Needle Exchange Programme also reflects increasing recognition internationally that harm reduction services can play a vital role in connecting hard-to-reach populations with healthcare providers, addiction treatment, housing assistance, and social support networks.

Mr Doocey said he expects the programme to deliver long-term positive outcomes for South Island communities.

"I look forward to continuing to see the positive outcomes that will come from this service for the South Island," he said.