Northland wastewater shows meth down, but experts urge caution

Multimedia Journalist·Northern Advocate·24 Sep, 2026 05:00 PM4 mins to read‌A sense of despair, alongside poverty and poor access to mental health services, can be a fundamental driver of methamphetamine use, one expert says. Photo / 123rfMethamphetamine consumption in Northland has fallen, but experts say there’s no evidence yet the region’s battle with the drug is easing. Newly released wastewater testing shows use fell by about 22% compared with the January-March quarter, but Northland still has the highest per-capita consumption in the country. The