Police Minister commissions advice on overdose amnesty law

Police Minister Mark Mitchell has asked officials to examine whether New Zealand should enact a Good Samaritan law protecting people from prosecution when calling 111 during a drug overdose. The move signals formal ministerial attention to a harm reduction mechanism already adopted across Australia, the US, and Canada — though no timeline or policy commitment has been set. Mitchell's request puts the issue on the agenda; what officials recommend and whether the government acts remain open.