Making the announcement in Napier, the prime minister said district health boards had worked together to determine where the money could best be spent.

There will be extra beds at the Springhill Residential Addiction Centre in Napier, new withdrawal help options in Tairāwhiti and a co-ordinated network of withdrawal services throughout the South Island.

The funding also aims to bring in more support in Rotorua and Taupō for people before and after entering residential care, as well as increasing the capacity of specialist services in Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Taranaki DHBs.

Jacinda Ardern said more specialist staff would support those trying to break their addiction.

"Alcohol and drug addiction recovery services around the country have been under pressure, fragmented, and lacking consistency for a long time," Ardern said.

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