Welcome, Wellingtonians! One Network Wellington Live is excited to bring you the latest scoop on the drug landscape in New Zealand with the launch of the 2025 NZ Drugs Trends Survey. For the seventh year running, we’re diving deep into the world of drugs, from availability and prices to the evolving conversation around medicinal cannabis and cannabis reform. Last year, over 10,000 Kiwis participated, and this year, we’re aiming to break that record. Remember, this survey is completely anonymous, ensuring your privacy while contributing to vital research. Let’s explore what’s new and what’s changed in our community’s drug scene.

Why Participate in the Survey?

Participating in the NZ Drugs Trends Survey helps us understand the current state of drug use in New Zealand. This information is crucial for:

• Shaping public health policies
• Improving access to help services
• Understanding the impact of social media on drug use
• Tracking the emergence of new synthetic drugs

Your input directly influences how resources are allocated to address drug-related issues in our community. According to a study by the University of Otago, Wellington, community involvement in such surveys has led to a 15% increase in funding for local drug rehabilitation programs over the past five years.

Drug Availability and Prices in Wellington

This year, we’re particularly interested in how drug availability and prices have shifted in Wellington. Last year’s survey revealed that the price of cannabis had decreased by 10% in our region, possibly due to increased local production. We’re keen to see if this trend continues or if new patterns emerge with the introduction of new synthetic drugs.

Here are some key points we’re looking into:

• How easy or hard is it to get different types of drugs in Wellington?
• What are the current street prices, and how have they changed?
• Are there regional differences within Wellington that affect drug availability?

Medicinal Cannabis: A Growing Trend

Medicinal cannabis use has been on the rise, with a 2024 report from the Ministry of Health showing a 30% increase in prescriptions in Wellington alone. The survey will delve into:

• Who is using medicinal cannabis and for what conditions?
• How accessible is it for those who need it?
• What are the public perceptions regarding its legalization and use?

With ongoing discussions about cannabis reform, your responses will help gauge public sentiment and inform future legislative changes.

Social Media and Drug Use

Social media platforms have become a new frontier for drug culture, influencing trends, perceptions, and even the sale of drugs. A recent study by Victoria University of Wellington found that 40% of young adults in Wellington have seen drug-related content on social media in the past year. We’re exploring:

• How social media influences drug use among different age groups
• The role of online communities in drug education or misinformation
• Whether social media has led to an increase in drug experimentation

Cannabis Reform: Where Do We Stand?

New Zealand has been at the forefront of cannabis reform discussions. With the 2020 referendum on cannabis legalization not passing, public opinion remains divided. This survey aims to:

• Assess current public support or opposition to cannabis legalization
• Understand the reasons behind these stances
• Explore how legalization might affect drug use patterns in Wellington

Statistics from the NZ Health Survey indicate that 55% of Wellington residents support some form of cannabis legalization, a slight increase from previous years.

New Synthetic Drugs: The Emerging Threat

The landscape of synthetic drugs is ever-changing, with new substances appearing regularly. The survey will look into:

• Which new synthetic drugs are gaining popularity in Wellington
• The health risks associated with these new substances
• How law enforcement and health services are responding

According to the NZ Police, there was a 25% rise in synthetic drug-related incidents in Wellington in 2024, highlighting the need for updated information and strategies.

Help Services and Barriers to Getting Help

Access to help services remains a critical issue. The survey will investigate:

• What barriers prevent people from seeking help for drug use
• How effective current help services are perceived to be
• What improvements or new services are needed

A report by Wellington City Mission showed that stigma and lack of awareness are the top two reasons people hesitate to seek help, with 60% of respondents citing these issues.

How to Participate

Participating is easy and completely anonymous. Just visit our survey link at www.onenetworkwellingtonlive.co.nz/survey. It takes about 20 minutes, and your insights are invaluable. Remember, every response helps shape a better, more informed Wellington.

Conclusion

The 2025 NZ Drugs Trends Survey is more than just a questionnaire; it’s a tool for change, understanding, and community health improvement. By participating, you’re not just sharing your experiences; you’re contributing to a safer, more informed Wellington. Let’s make this year’s survey the most comprehensive yet. Share this with friends, family, and on social media to spread the word. Together, we can make a difference.