Have your say
Make a submission to Parliament
The Drug Overdose (Assistance Protection) Legislation Bill is being considered by Parliament's Health Committee. The Bill would legally protect people who call for help in the event of an overdose or bad reaction to drugs.
It's important the Committee hears from New Zealanders with real experience of overdose — people who've been through it themselves, friends and whānau who have lost someone, and people who've had to call for help.
Use this tool to help you write a submission in your own words and submit it on the Parliament website. It takes about 10 minutes. Submissions close on Tuesday, 16 June 2026.
It's important the Committee hears from New Zealanders with real experience of overdose — people who've been through it themselves, friends and whānau who have lost someone, and people who've had to call for help.
Use this tool to help you write a submission in your own words and submit it on the Parliament website. It takes about 10 minutes. Submissions close on Tuesday, 16 June 2026.
Submissions are public - but you can ask to submit anonymously.
Parliament publishes all submissions on its website under the submitter's name, however the Health Committee has said they will accept anonymous submissions on this Bill.
If you'd like to make an anonymous submission, follow the instructions in this tool and ensure you don't include identifying information in your submission. Your email address will be required in order to make a written submission but it is never published.
Parliament publishes all submissions on its website under the submitter's name, however the Health Committee has said they will accept anonymous submissions on this Bill.
If you'd like to make an anonymous submission, follow the instructions in this tool and ensure you don't include identifying information in your submission. Your email address will be required in order to make a written submission but it is never published.
Writing about personal experiences of overdose can be difficult.
Take your time, and only share what you're comfortable with. If you need support, phone the Alcohol Drug Helpline for free on: 0800 787 797.
Take your time, and only share what you're comfortable with. If you need support, phone the Alcohol Drug Helpline for free on: 0800 787 797.
The answers you provide in this submission builder are not stored or transmitted by NZ Drug Foundation.
Step 1 of 5
A little about you
This helps the Committee understand who is submitting. Keep it as brief or as detailed as you like.
How would you describe yourself? e.g. 'I am a mum from Christchurch.'
Don't include identifying information if making an anonymous submission.
Don't include identifying information if making an anonymous submission.
Step 2 of 5
Your experience or story
Do you have an experience or story to share? Tell the Committee what happened in your own words. You don't need to share more than you're comfortable with. Even a few sentences is powerful.
This is the most important part of your submission. Committees hear from experts and officials every day. They rarely hear from people with lived experience. Your story matters exactly as it is.
Describe what happened, when it happened, and how it has affected you or your whānau. If relevant, include details of whether people called for help.
0 words
Step 3 of 5
Your view on the Bill
This Bill would give legal protection to people who call for help during an overdose, so fear of prosecution is no longer a reason to wait.
You can read more about the Bill on the NZ Drug Foundation website.
Think about how this law might have changed your situation, or what difference it would make for others
0 words
Step 4 of 5
Anything else?
Step 5 of 5 — you're ready
Your submission is ready to send
Follow these steps to make your submission to Parliament.
1
Check your submission and edit if necessary
2
Copy your submission
(Opens in a new tab)
4
Select 'As an individual'
5
Select whether you would like to make an oral submission (in person or via video call)
6
Click Next
7
Enter your name and contact details
8
Click Next
9
Under 'I/We wish to make the following comments', paste your submission
10
Click Next
11
Confirm you have read the privacy statement and click Submit