The Drug Foundation says the health system doesn't appear to be equipped to cope with gang members who want to kick their addictions.

The leader of the Hastings Mongrel Mob chapter has lodged a Treaty of Waitangi claim against what he describes as a 'racist' health system.

Rex Timu says Mob members find it extremely difficult to access services for P addiction, because they're turned away for how they look, and who they are. He says the Government isn't doing enough to help.

Drug Foundation executive director Ross Bell told Rachel Smalley the organisation has been working with a couple of gangs who are frustrated.

He said when there's an individual who's at the point of wanting help, they can find it very difficult to access that.

Mr Bell said other New Zealanders find the services difficult to access too.

"We've under-invested in drug treatment in this country for many, many years and we need to be addressing that more widely," he said.

He said if you can provide a treatment, you not only address the person's addiction, you begin to address some wider issues.

LISTEN ABOVE AS THE DRUG FOUNDATION'S ROSS BELL SPEAKS WITH RACHEL SMALLEY