New Zealand Drug Trends Survey Reveals Surge in Ketamine Use Among Young People and Cheaper Party Drugs

Insights from the New Zealand Drug Trends Survey 2025

The New Zealand Drug Trends Survey (NZDTS), an annual anonymous online questionnaire managed by Massey University's SHORE & Whariki Research Centre, offers a vital snapshot of evolving drug markets across the country. Conducted from May to October 2025, the 2025 edition drew responses from 8,883 participants, providing robust data on usage patterns, availability, prices, and emerging trends. 62 63 With a median respondent age of 34—skewing younger than the national average of 38—this convenience sample captures insights particularly relevant to younger demographics, including university students who report higher engagement with certain substances.

Funded by the Health Research Council and led by experts like Dr. Robin van der Sanden and Professor Chris Wilkins, the survey highlights how global supply chains and local digital innovations are reshaping access to recreational drugs. While not nationally representative, its large scale and regional coverage make it indispensable for understanding shifts in New Zealand's illicit drug landscape.

Ketamine Emerges as a Mainstream Party Drug

Ketamine, a dissociative anaesthetic (full name: ketamine hydrochloride, often abbreviated as K), has seen a notable rise in recreational popularity, particularly within party settings. Three-quarters of past-six-month ketamine users in 2025 described it as "easy" or "very easy" to obtain, marking its transition from niche to more established status alongside MDMA and cocaine. 108 National average pricing stabilized at $200 per gram, positioning it as one of the more affordable options in the party drug category—cheaper than MDMA at $210 per gram.

Past-six-month use has held steady since 2022/23, but regional spikes signal growing entrenchment. Usage is highest in Otago, Wellington, Auckland, and Canterbury, areas with vibrant student populations that may amplify the trend through social networks and events. 63 Only 8% of purchasers reported weekly or more frequent buying, suggesting episodic rather than dependent use for most.

Cheaper MDMA and Diversifying Party Drug Options

MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, commonly known as ecstasy or molly) prices have plummeted 30% nominally (nearly 47% inflation-adjusted) since 2017/18, from $301 to $210 per gram, driven by post-pandemic supply recovery from European hubs and new production in Southeast Asia. 106 Availability surged, with 72% of users finding it "easy" or "very easy" to source in 2025, up from 55% in 2017/18.

This affordability enables a "pick and choose" culture, where users mix ketamine, cocaine (23% past-six-month use, up from 11% in 2017/18), LSD/psychedelics (22%), and MDMA (35%). Cocaine purchasing via social media doubled since 2020, reflecting broader market maturation. 84 Lower prices correlate with infrequent use, potentially mitigating some harms compared to methamphetamine, where 57% of users buy weekly.

Regional Patterns: Student Hubs Lead the Way

Higher ketamine prevalence in Otago and Wellington aligns with their status as university strongholds—University of Otago in Dunedin and Victoria University of Wellington. These areas boast dense student communities, where social events and festivals facilitate drug experimentation. Snapchat, popular among youth, shows elevated use in Otago for digital deals. 107

Bay of Plenty, Gisborne/Hawke's Bay, and Canterbury report the lowest ketamine prices, possibly due to local supply dynamics. Such geographic variances underscore the need for targeted interventions in educational settings, where young adults aged 16-24 dominate the sample's drug-active subset.

Young People and Students: A Vulnerable Demographic

The NZDTS skews towards younger respondents (previous years median 26), with ketamine users exhibiting even lower median ages and higher student proportions. Globally, recreational ketamine appeals to youth seeking dissociative highs, often at festivals or parties—a pattern echoed in New Zealand's student-heavy regions. 63 While exact student stats aren't broken out, concentrations suggest universities as key contexts.

Alcohol use dipped to 81% past-six-months (from 94% in 2018/19), possibly substituted by these alternatives, raising questions about shifting preferences among Gen Z and millennials in higher education.

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

Digital Markets Fuel Accessibility

Social media has revolutionized retail drug sales: methamphetamine purchases via platforms rose from 9% in 2020 to 21% in 2025; cocaine from 4% to 14%. Facebook/Messenger dominates (half of buyers), Snapchat a third—especially in Otago. 107 Dubbed "Uber Eats for drugs," these channels lower barriers for young buyers, contributing to price drops and wider reach.

Darknet handles bulk imports (e.g., LSD, MDMA), with markets like Onion replacing shuttered ones. For universities, this means easier access via phones, bypassing traditional street risks but introducing online predation concerns. Visit the NZDTS site for full bulletins. 95

Health Implications and Risks of Ketamine Use

Ketamine induces dissociation (the "K-hole"), euphoria, and analgesia but carries risks like urinary tract damage (ketamine cystitis or "K-bladder"), especially with chronic use—irreversible in severe cases among young users. 87 Mixing with alcohol or depressants heightens overdose danger, respiratory depression, and psychosis. Long-term cognitive impairments, mood disorders, and dependency are documented globally.

In student contexts, episodic heavy use at parties amplifies bladder strain and mental health vulnerabilities. New Zealand sees rising cases, prompting warnings from experts.

Broader Party Drug Landscape and Meth Contrast

Beyond ketamine, LSD/psychedelics (22% use) and cocaine thrive, with meth showing sharp rises: daily/weekly use among users jumped to 57%. Cannabis frequency up post-legalization discussions. Party drugs' low dependency (5% weekly MDMA buys) contrasts meth's grip, but diversification increases polydrug risks.

Universities Step Up: Support and Harm Reduction

New Zealand universities like Otago and Victoria Wellington, facing hotspots, emphasize harm reduction. Otago expresses concern over student MDMA/ketamine prevalence, promoting testing services and counseling. 83 Massey' s research informs policy; student health centers offer confidential advice, drug checking at events, and mental health integration.

Actionable insights: educate on risks, support digital literacy against dealer scams, and foster peer programs. Links to resources via NZ Drug Foundation.

Expert Views and Policy Pathways

Dr. van der Sanden notes: "Ketamine is carving out a niche... people can pick and choose." Professor Wilkins highlights digital shifts. Solutions include enhanced monitoring, youth-focused prevention, and therapeutic ketamine research (e.g., Otago's depression trials). 63

Stakeholders urge balanced views: decriminalization pilots, education over punishment, uni-led interventions.

Photo by Artyom Korshunov on Unsplash

Looking Ahead: Monitoring and Mitigation

With global ketamine seizures at record highs and NZ trends mirroring this, ongoing NZDTS vigilance is crucial. Universities must prioritize student safety amid cheaper, easier access—through research, support, and policy. Positive note: most users report no negatives, but proactive steps safeguard youth. 62