Two months earlier, in September, it was about 1300mg, still above the national average of 1200mg at the time.
Previous spikes came in December 2024 and January 2025, with an estimated 2300mg of meth consumed - over 1000mg more than the national average.
In December last year, the national average for meth consumption was about 1400mg; Whanganui was at 1750mg.
The results continue the upward trend reported by the Chronicle in February last year.
NZ Drug Foundation executive director Sarah Helm said availability and a recent price reduction were two factors contributing to the high levels of meth consumption across New Zealand.
“That is predominantly the result of a big increase in supply coming into the country. As with anything people buy, lower prices usually mean increased access and consumption,” Helm said.
People used meth for various reasons, including to help work long hours or reduce feelings of hunger or cold, she said.
“We also know from research that many people who use illicit stimulants have untreated ADHD, with some studies suggesting as many as half of those taking substances like methamphetamine and cocaine meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD,” she said.
“We are keen to see some of those health and social issues addressed.”
Whanganui Police Area Commander Inspector Neil Forlong said illicit drugs caused serious harm to individuals and families and affected the community.
“We see these impacts on the wider community every day, and this is why police have a strong focus on targeting supply and organised crime groups that in many cases profit from this harm,” Forlong said.
“We work with our partner agencies which focuses 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,” he said.
Whanganui police were working to disrupt drug supply, prevent consumption and educate the community about drug harm.
Forlong said in Operation Round Up last July, 19 “significant players” in the Whanganui chapter of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club were arrested.
“[It] was a long-running operation which saw significant arrests for importing and supply of cocaine and methamphetamine,” he said.
“Making arrests at the top end ensures huge flow-on effects preventing social harm in the community.”
Testing results for cocaine and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) consumption in Whanganui were low.
NDIB manager Zoë Rawlings said despite the nationwide increase in cocaine consumption, only small increases were noted in Whanganui.
The latest testing results, from December last year, showed Whanganui’s cocaine consumption was less than 100mg per day per 1000 people.
Helm said the Government’s recent Action to Prevent and Reduce Substance Harm plan for 2026-29 was a positive step to reverse the upward trend of drug consumption.
It focused on providing early intervention and more peer-based support services.
“These are cost-effective, common-sense solutions that the addictions and harm reduction sector has long been calling for,” she said.
“The interventions in the plan will save lives and save the health system money.”
Helm said a “fundamental shift” in drug laws and more investment in addiction treatment and harm reduction were needed.
“At the moment, we spend the most on enforcement and comparatively little on offering people help, demand-reduction and early intervention. The record level of consumption of methamphetamine shows this isn’t working and we need to step up our health response to deal with increased harm,” Helm said.
“Given the increase in availability, we need to prepare for further increases in use and invest in harm reduction and health services, so people can access them early to talk openly about their substance use patterns and get support.”
Police encourage anyone with information about people possessing or dealing illicit drugs to contact them on 105, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Mental health and addiction support
- Alcohol and Drug Helpline: 0800 787 797
- Narcotics Anonymous: NZ 0800 628 632
- 1737 - free text/phone to speak with a trained counsellor
- Youthline: 0800 376 633
Fin Ocheduszko Brown is a multimedia journalist based in Whanganui.
