Drug overdose deaths have almost doubled in less than a decade and at the same time, the number of people accessing specialist help is trending downward.  

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission found 188 people died from an overdose in 2023. 

That's more than half the road toll, and more than twice the number of drowning deaths. 

Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm told Ryan Bridge we lose three New Zealanders every week to accidental and preventable drug overdose.  

She says at the same time there's been a decline in access to addiction services. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

Drug overdose deaths have almost doubled in less than a decade and at the same time, the number of people accessing specialist help is trending downward. &nbsp;
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission found 188 people died from an overdose in 2023.&nbsp;
That's more than half the road toll, and more than twice the number of drowning deaths.&nbsp;
Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm told Ryan Bridge we lose three New Zealanders every week to accidental and preventable drug overdose. &nbsp;
She says at the same time there's been a decline in access to addiction services.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Sarah Helm: Drug Foundation Executive Director on the number of drug overdose deaths nearly doubling

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/b165e7d9-f81d-4bb1-be7a-b2f8014e0f93/transcript

Hopes that whoever takes the reins at Fonterra can continue the current CEO's good work.  

Miles Hurrell will leave the company in six months to ensure a smooth transition.  

Federated Farmers Dairy Chair Karl Dean says the next CEO should continue Hurrell's approach to honest communication.  

He told Ryan Bridge farmers have been told that a spade’s a spade, and that’s what needs to continue.  

LISTEN ABOVE 

Hopes that whoever takes the reins at Fonterra can continue the current CEO's good work. &nbsp;
Miles Hurrell will leave the company in six months to ensure a smooth transition. &nbsp;
Federated Farmers Dairy Chair Karl Dean says the next CEO should continue Hurrell's approach to honest communication. &nbsp;
He told Ryan Bridge farmers have been told that a spade’s a spade, and that’s what needs to continue. &nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Karl Dean: Federated Farmers Dairy Chair on Miles Hurrell resigning as Fonterra CEO

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/5bd5682d-1624-4fbb-a3be-b40f017a53a4/transcript

A view the Government's proposed changes to alcohol laws is a needed re-balance for licence-holders. 

The Bill would only let people object to a premise's licence application, if they live or work in the same council area or live within one kilometre.  

It also gives applicants a right of reply to objections.   

Hospitality New Zealand Head of Advocacy told Ryan Bridge the current licensing process has led to some vexatious objections from those outside of the area.  

He says applications aren’t often declined because of objections, but it does add unnecessary time and cost to the process.  

LISTEN ABOVE 

A view the Government's proposed changes to alcohol laws is a needed re-balance for licence-holders.&nbsp;
The Bill would only let people object to a premise's licence application, if they live or work in the same council area or live within one kilometre. &nbsp;
It also gives applicants a right of reply to objections. &nbsp;&nbsp;
Hospitality New Zealand Head of Advocacy told Ryan Bridge the current licensing process has led to some vexatious objections from those outside of the area. &nbsp;
He says applications aren’t often declined because of objections, but it does add unnecessary time and cost to the process. &nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Sam MacKinnon: Hospitality NZ Head of Advocacy on the proposed changes to alcohol laws

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/e8158fbe-b740-44d6-a05b-b40f01675ce4/transcript

Treasury has released numbers on the potential fallout for the New Zealand economy from the Iran war.

It estimates that under a worst‑case scenario — a conflict lasting until the end of the year with elevated oil prices — inflation would rise from 3.1 percent to 3.7 percent.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis says that number is too high - but is lower than Australia's current inflation - which is sitting at 3.8 percent. 

ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley told Ryan Bridge forecasting in this climate is difficult. 

He says other spikes in oil prices have led to higher inflation - but this will all depend on how long the conflict lasts. 

LISTEN ABOVE

Treasury has released numbers on the potential fallout for the New Zealand economy from the Iran war.
It estimates that under a worst‑case scenario — a conflict lasting until the end of the year with elevated oil prices — inflation would rise from 3.1 percent to 3.7 percent.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis says that number is too high - but is lower than Australia's current inflation - which is sitting at 3.8 percent.&nbsp;
ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley told Ryan Bridge forecasting in this climate is difficult.&nbsp;
He says other spikes in oil prices have led to higher inflation - but this will all depend on how long the conflict lasts.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Nick Tuffley: ASB Chief Economist on worst case scenario for NZ economy from Iran War

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/db58740d-c661-4573-a990-b40f011cd67c/transcript

Sarah Helm: Drug Foundation Executive Director on the number of drug overdose deaths nearly doubling

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