50 Years On: Petition Calls For Review Of NZ's Outdated Drug Laws
Campaign: Modernise Our Drugs Act
A new petition is calling on Parliament to launch an independent regulatory review of New Zealand's outdated Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 (MoDA) and its associated framework, including the Psychoactive Substances Act 2013. Launched under the banner Modernise Our Drugs Act, the campaign is non-partisan and focused on sound governance — not ideology.
The petition specifically calls for the review to be led by the Ministry for Regulation, to ensure an evidence-based, impartial assessment of whether these laws are effective, efficient, fair, and fit for purpose in 2025 and beyond.
'This is about public interest and modern regulation. These laws haven't had a full review in 50 years — it's time to assess whether they're working, not from a moral or political standpoint, but through the lens of good governance.'
Why Now?
Outdated framework: MoDA was passed in 1975 and reflects an era long past.
Fragmented laws: Ad hoc amendments have created inconsistency and confusion.
Equity concerns: Māori, Pasifika, and young people are disproportionately impacted.
Inefficiency: Current laws impose high costs on police, courts, and health services with limited results.
Global leadership: New Zealand has previously led the world on needle exchange, medicinal cannabis, and drug checking — it's time to lead again.
What This Petition Is Not Calling For
This campaign does not advocate for:
The legalisation or decriminalisation of any specific substance
Specific changes to health or justice policies
Any predetermined reform outcome
Instead, it simply calls for a regulatory review — a neutral, expert-led process to evaluate whether our current laws are achieving their intended goals and aligned with modern evidence.
The petition is live on OurActionStation and open for public signatures:
https://our.actionstation.org.nz/petitions/launch-an-independent-regulatory-review-of-the-misuse-of-drugs-act-1975
About the Campaign
Modernise Our Drugs Act is a grassroots, cross-partisan initiative seeking an evidence-informed, modern approach to drug law in Aotearoa. The campaign is focused on clarity, fairness, and regulatory fitness — not on promoting any specific policy outcome.
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