NZ Drug Foundation calls for action following 169 accidental overdose deaths

Wednesday 21 October 2026 · 3 outlets · 4 reports · updated Wed 21 Oct, 10:02am

The NZ Drug Foundation reports 169 accidental drug overdose deaths occurred in New Zealand in 2025, averaging more than three deaths per week. In response to these figures, the foundation is calling for a comprehensive overdose programme and targeted support to address the issue.

How they headlined it

First reported by The Press, Wed 21 Oct, 12:00am · 4 reports from 3 outlets over 10 hours

The PressWed 21 Oct, 12:00am

Call for action as three New Zealanders die from accidental overdose every week (opens in new tab)
NZ HeraldWed 21 Oct, 5:00am

Drug Foundation calls for change after ‘heartbreaking’ accidental overdose deaths data released (opens in new tab)
1NewsWed 21 Oct, 10:02am

169 accidental overdose deaths in NZ in 2025 - NZ Drug Foundation (opens in new tab)
- Accidental overdoses killed 169 in NZ last year - NZ Drug Foundation (opens in new tab) Wed 21 Oct, 10:02am