Horowhenua StarHorowhenua is in the midst of a meth crisis as testing suggests more than double the amount of the highly-addictive drug is being consumed locally compared with the national average.
Wastewater testing results for last year already show a 96 percent increase in methamphetamine use in New Zealand. Alarmingly, Levin usage samples show a rise more than double that figure again for the same period.
The Manawatū police area commander, Inspector Ross Grantham, says it’s impossible to determine whether the increase is caused by more people using drugs or the same number of people consuming more drugs. An increase in drug consumption, however, is due to an increase in supply, demonstrated by massive international and domestic seizures, he says.
“We work hard to disrupt the supply of methamphetamine and other drugs as we see first-hand what impact it has on our communities every day.”
The latest wastewater statistics have Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden concerned.
“It’s staggering. It’s disturbing. It’s sad,” he says. “An obvious conversation has to be had with police, health agencies and educators to try and understand what is going on. Is it price driven? Is supply the issue? I’d be interested to understand what the drivers are.
“It’s a snapshot, so it will also be interesting to see the data from the next quarter.”
Bernie says meth use is a nationwide issue.
“I think every community in the country is struggling to come to terms with this. It’s a trend across the country. The impact it has on families and being able to provide . . . it’s very sad.”
The National Drug Intelligence Bureau conducts wastewater testing at 61 sites across the country to gauge the amount of methamphetamine, MDMA, cocaine, heroin and fentanyl being consumed. The latest results show New Zealand has gone from consuming 15-20kg of methamphetamine a week in 2023 to 30-40kg a week for most of last year.
Samples are taken every day for a week, once a month, and analysed by the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR). The sites tested account for 76 percent of the population.
Locations with high methamphetamine use per capita were largely regional North Island towns, which also have high rates of socioeconomic deprivation, like Horowhenua.
All districts recorded above-average methamphetamine use when compared with their respective average consumption rates over the previous four quarters.
Testing shows that last year at least 1434kg of methamphetamine, 367kg of MDMA and 215kg of cocaine was consumed nationwide, equating to an estimated annual social harm cost of $1.66 billion.
While the price of meth is falling in New Zealand, it’s still far more expensive here than in other parts of the world, making it a lucrative commodity for gangs.
It is commonly sold by the “point” (0.1 gram), or even smaller amounts. The average price of a point is about $80 now, and it is cheaper by the gram at $360.
Organised crime groups profit from the harm being inflicted on the users of methamphetamine, targeting vulnerable members of the community. Police have a strong focus on their operations as disrupting supply takes money out of the hands of criminal groups, while it’s also important to support those struggling with addiction to get the help they need.
“We work with a number of agencies, including Te Whatu Ora, iwi, and other addiction services in the community, to address the root problems of addiction, and to get people in our community the support they need,” Inspector Grantham says.
Police work with partner agencies that focus on preventing and responding to organised crime by working with those at risk from engaging in, or being victims of organised crime; people impacted by methamphetamine and its associated harms; and youth on the pathway into organised crime and their families.
“For our efforts to be most effective, we need the support of the public, which is why we ask people to contact us to report illegal activity online or by calling 105,” Inspector Grantham says. “You can also provide information anonymously via Crime Stoppers on
0800 555 111.
“Methamphetamine causes serious impacts and harm for individuals and their families, and often has a ripple effect across the community.
“Addiction is a health issue that affects a lot of New Zealanders, and it can be hard to accept that you need help. This is why we work with our partner agencies and try to ensure that people have the support they need, when they need it.”
Methamphetamine is usually smoked in a pipe, though can also be swallowed, snorted, shelved and injected. It’s a central nervous system stimulant, speeding up
messages to and from the brain.
It causes:
• dry mouth and dehydration, enlarged pupils, hyperactivity, and talkativeness
• itching, picking, scratching at skin
• irregular heartbeat, palpitations
• inability to sleep, anxiety/ irritability, panic attacks
• shortness of breath, irregular breathing
• increased confidence, alertness and energy, and a sense of well-being or euphoria
• less inhibition
• decreased appetite or desire for food
• increased sex drive.
Testing shows cocaine consumption almost doubled nationally when compared with 2023, too, although it is far more prevalent in the metropolitan areas than regions with high rates of socioeconomic deprivation. Although cocaine use in Levin has increased, less than half the amount is used per person compared with the national average, according to the wastewater test results.
And while the amount of MDMA consumed has also increased locally, results show the amount consumed in Levin to be just two-thirds of the amount of MDMA per person consumed
nationwide.
People can get support by calling free and confidential services, such as:
• Alcohol and Drug Helpline: 0800 787 797
• Narcotics Anonymous: 0800 628 632
• 1737: free text/phone to speak with a trained counsellor
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
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