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The new national prevention campaign F. Meth launched today as part of the government’s plan to combat methamphetamine harm in New Zealand, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says.
“Meth causes enormous harm to individuals, families and communities, and we know we need to do more to reduce demand by stopping people from starting in the first place,” he says.
Last year, the government announced a $30.6 million health-led package to expand prevention, early intervention, treatment and recovery.
An additional $1.584 million will fund the six-month long F. Meth campaign from the Proceeds of Crime Fund, but the campaign will see further evaluation before it is rolled out, Doocey says.
“The campaign will run nationally across social media, online video, digital screens, posters, radio, digital audio, and community channels, with an expected reach of more than 2.5 million New Zealanders.”
A 2026 survey showed that over one-third of respondents personally know someone who has used meth, Doocey says.
“F. Meth is direct about the harm meth causes, it is designed to build confidence, strength and help people to refuse meth.”
Launching in Porirua with the Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities programme, Doocey says the area will demonstrate how the national initiative can be adjusted to support local prevention efforts.
“This campaign is not the whole response to meth harm, it is one prevention tool within a much wider health response,” he says. “This includes new and expanded services rolling out in communities hardest hit by meth.”
Alongside encouraging communities to access support services such as Pou Whānau Navigators, the government is strengthening other help amenities.
“We are growing the frontline workforce, expanding peer and family support, screening and early intervention, and drug prevention programmes.”
