New Zealanders struggling with alcohol or drugs will have better access to the help they need with the launch of new specialist services and better support for existing programme.

The new support will see increased capacity specialist services in Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Taranaki DHBs, along with peer support in Rotorua and Taupō before and after residential care.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says alcohol and drug addiction recovery services around the country have been under pressure, fragmented, and lacking consistency for a long time.

'I'm very pleased to announce $32 million in new contracts for services over the next four years to help New Zealanders quit drugs and to support them in their continuing recovery.

'DHBs have worked together across regions to determine where the funding would make the biggest difference.

'The new services being funded include additional funding for four beds at Napier's Springhill Residential Addiction Centre, managed withdrawal services for Tairāwhiti, Lakes and all five South Island DHBs, and peer support in Rotorua, Taupō and Gisborne.

'This investment means more specialist staff will be available support New Zealanders seeking to break the chains of addiction.”

Health Minister Chris Hipkins also confirmed additional funding for DHBs to strengthen existing alcohol and drug specialist services including residential care providers across the country.

'This additional investment will help alleviate pressure on services and provide a more co-ordinated approach across regions.

'More people will be able to get help each year and for many people, help will be available closer to home, making services more accessible, improving family and whānau support.

'Together, this is going to make a real difference in people's lives and is a crucial step towards longer-term transformation of alcohol and other drug services across the country.”