Referrals to health services for people caught in possession of methamphetamine have risen rapidly as a result of a law change.
In April, nobody was referred to a health service when caught with methamphetamine or drug utensils, but six months later, 18 people were sent to see a counsellor or other support worker.
That was only after an alteration to the Misuse of Drugs Act making possession a health issue, not a criminal one.
Health Minister David Clark told RNZ reporter Ben Strang he is pleased with the early numbers.
