We can't feel our faces: The recent increase in NZ's cocaine use is out the gate

New data shows New Zealand’s cocaine use has hit record levels - and for the first time ever, it’s overtaken MDMA.

Wastewater testing results released by NZ Police reveal Kiwis were consuming an average of 9.4kg of cocaine every week in the final quarter of last year. That’s a massive 98% jump compared to the 2024 average.

The data comes from regular wastewater testing, which tracks drug consumption by analysing what shows up in sewage systems across the country.

And it’s not just numbers on a page - it comes with a hefty price tag. Police estimate the surge in cocaine use is causing around $3.5 million in social harm every week and $124 million a year.

According to the latest annual report, cocaine use appears to be largely recreational, with spikes over weekends and during major events like music festivals - the same goes for MDMA use.

MDMA use has remained relatively steady, with around 362kg consumed in 2025, and an estimated weekly social harm cost of $1.4 million and $76 million a year.

Meanwhile, meth is still the country's biggest concern overall. In 2025, an estimated 1,751kg was consumed across all testing sites - roughly 34.7kg per week, costing around $36.4 million in weekly harm and $1.8 billion annually.

Around the country, cocaine use was highest in the Bay of Plenty, meth saw highest usage in Northland, and MDMA use peaked in the Southern district.

The New Zealand Drug Foundation says the spike is a clear sign the country’s current approach isn’t cutting it.

“Consumption is at record levels, drug use is diversifying, prices are down, harm is increasing, and new potent drugs are arriving. Every indicator is screaming at us to change our approach,” says Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm.

If we could wave a magic wand, we would do two things: vastly increase the spending on addiction treatment and harm reduction, and change our drug laws.

Helm adds: “While these things won’t remove all problems, the evidence is clear that it would reduce the worst harms and provide us with more tools to tackle the increase in harm. But if we continue doing more of the same, things will continue to get worse.”

The Government says it’s aware of the issue and is working through a long-term plan to reduce harm, particularly around meth - but it won't happen overnight.