NZ's cocaine use has nearly tripled since 2017

08 Oct 2026

Now You Know, season two, episode 60

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Robbie Nicol explains why New Zealand's reported cocaine use has increased by 182% in the past nine years.

The latest NZ Drug Trends Survey has shown a huge increase in New Zealanders' reported cocaine use. 31% of survey respondents said they used cocaine. In the 2017/2018 survey, that number was only 11%.

In a public statement, Professor Chris Wilkins from the NZ Drug Research Team at Massey University explained why usage had increased so significantly: "Greater availability, increasing social acceptance and lower prices are all contributing to people using more cocaine.

"Cocaine use in NZ is in the ‘honeymoon’ phase where use looks glamorous and consequence-free, people are yet to experience the serious addiction and social harm that is well-known in mature cocaine markets like North America and Europe.”

Directed, filmed and edited by Isaiah Tour.
Written and presented by Robbie Nicol.
Made with the support of NZ On Air.

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