Police Minister Stuart Nash wants drug testing kits at all music festivals by next summer

At some festivals in Australia drug hospitalisations dropped by 95 per cent after drug testing was implemented
New Zealand Herald (New Zealand)
Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Police Minister Stuart Nash wants to see all New Zealand music festivals kitted out with drug testing kits by next summer. This has been welcomed by the New Zealand Drug Foundation, who said this was "fantastic news". But the foundation's executive director Ross Bell has warned the Minister that a law change would be needed before drug testing stations become the norm at the bigger festivals. Nash's comments come after illicit drugs, which contained traces of pesticide, were obtained by police in Gisborne at the Rhythm and Vine music festival earlier this week. (See also: Drug testing uncovers more laced pills at music festival)