Cocaine Consumption Nearly Doubles in Latest Wastewater Data
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The latest National Drugs in Wastewater Testing Programme results, released by New Zealand Police, show a rise in illicit drug use in the fourth quarter of 2025, with both methamphetamine and cocaine consumption increasing significantly.
Testing, which covers approximately 77% of the national population, focused on methamphetamine, MDMA, and cocaine, the three most commonly detected substances in New Zealand wastewater. Together, these drugs are responsible for an estimated $41.3 million in social harm every week, according to the report.
Methamphetamine: Still New Zealand’s Most Harmful Drug
Methamphetamine continues to pose the greatest risk to communities and workplaces across the country. The report found an average of 34.7 kilograms consumed per week between October and December 2025, an 8% increase from the average across the previous four quarters.
Most districts recorded methamphetamine use at or above their historical averages, highlighting the widespread nature of its use. At a national level, per capita consumption increased to 1,310 mg per day per 1,000 people, up from 1,197 mg across the previous four quarters.
The estimated weekly social harm cost of methamphetamine alone sits at $36.4 million.
MDMA: Stable Use, but Regional Increase
The report shows that MDMA consumption remained relatively stable, with an estimated 6.5 kilograms consumed weekly, consistent with the previous four-quarter average.
Only Bay of Plenty recorded a notable increase compared to its previous consumption levels. Per capita use in the region rose to 408 mg per day per 1,000 people, well above its historical average of 253 mg.
Nationally, MDMA consumption sat at 245 mg per day per 1,000 people, slightly below the previous average of 255 mg.
Even so, MDMA continues to represent a concern, with a weekly social harm cost of $1.4 million.
Cocaine: Rapid Growth Across the Country
Cocaine use has risen sharply, with the report showing 9.4 kilograms consumed per week, a 98% increase compared to the previous four-quarter average.
All districts recorded above-average cocaine consumption, indicating a nationwide increase rather than isolated growth. At a national level, per capita consumption nearly doubled to 355 mg per day per 1,000 people, up from 179 mg.
This surge comes with an estimated weekly social harm cost of $3.5 million, highlighting cocaine as an emerging and increasingly significant risk.
Regional Insights: Localised Challenges Across the Country
Per capita analysis shows that methamphetamine use remains high across several regions, including Northland (1,962 mg/day/1000 people) and Auckland (1,550 mg/day/1000 people).
Bay of Plenty stands out for MDMA, while cocaine consumption has surged across all regions.
The highest per capita cocaine use was recorded in:
- Bay of Plenty: 516 mg/day/1000 people
- Auckland: 471 mg/day/1000 people
- Southern: 348 mg/day/1000 people
The report also shows that larger metropolitan areas continue to account for higher overall drug consumption, reflecting population size and access.
The Workplace Connection
According to Resultz, the wastewater findings reinforce that drug use remains an issue that can impact any workplace. Rising consumption levels, particularly for methamphetamine and cocaine, increase the likelihood of impairment risks, safety incidents, and productivity challenges across a range of industries.
The sharp increase in cocaine use, alongside consistently high methamphetamine levels, signals a shift that employers cannot afford to overlook. These substances can impair judgement, reaction time, and decision-making, all of which are critical in safety-sensitive environments such as construction, transport, and manufacturing.
As drug use patterns evolve, businesses are being encouraged to take a proactive approach. This includes workplace drug testing, clear communication of expectations, and ensuring support systems are in place for employees who may need help.
Taking a preventative approach can help reduce risk before incidents occur, supporting safer and more productive workplaces.