National's beneficiary drug testing policy receives mixed reactions

Monday 12 October 2026 · 4 outlets · 3 reports · updated Tue 13 Oct, 2:51pm

In this story National Party

National's proposal to randomly drug test people on Jobseeker Support has gained 60% support in a Vote Compass poll. However, a former National health minister has criticised the plan, describing the policy as punitive and likely to stigmatise those in need.

How they headlined it

10h24h

Mon 5am2:30pmTue 2:51pm

1. NZ HeraldMon 12 Oct, 5:00am

   Little to be gained from national partys beneficiary drug test plan editorial (opens in new tab)Premium

2. 1NewsMon 12 Oct, 2:30pm

   National's plan to drug test jobseekers gets wide backing from public (opens in new tab)

3. Otago Daily TimesTue 13 Oct, 2:51pm

   Former National health minister slams party's 'punitive' beneficiary drug testing policy (opens in new tab)

   Also on RNZ (opens in new tab)