More Workers Testing Positive For Meth
Press Release – Industrial Safety News
New national data shows methamphetamine is growing and making up a disproportionate share of non-negative workplace drug test results. The proportion of meth detections has jumped since the start of the year:
January: 13.7%
February: 18.2%
March: 24.9%
Our data is showing us that more people are turning to meth when it comes to the range of drugs available, such as cannabis. When access to supply is this easy, increased consumption often follows.
With meth now accounting for over a fifth of drug-related workplace testing results, and nearly 25% in March alone, employers and regulators alike may need to reassess risk exposure and response.
The top 10 locations showing high instances of methamphetamine detection are:
Central North – 30.6%
Taranaki – 27.9%
Auckland East – 25.8%
Taupo/Rotorua – 25%
North Harbour – 23.6%
Auckland West – 23.2%
Northland – 21.7%
Canterbury – 20%
Southland – 13.7%
Otago – 10.5%
Our frontline data tells a confronting story, meth use is more than a big-city issue. We're seeing higher proportions of meth detections in smaller regions like the Central North, The Lakes and Taranaki.
This is about safety as well as businesses and communities under pressure. Employers must stay alert, have clear workplace substance policies, and be ready to act on suspicions compliantly and quickly.
If you suspect meth use at work
1. Follow your drug and alcohol policy: Initiate the appropriate procedures as outlined in your policy, which may include a reasonable cause drug test.
2. Observe and record: Note physical signs like sweating, agitation, and rapid speech. Avoid confrontation and document your observations.
3. If required, remove them from safety-sensitive tasks immediately: Meth can cause impulsive, erratic, and unpredictable behaviour. Prioritise safety and take them off tools, machinery, or driving duties without delay.
Methodology
Testing data from 1 January 2025 and 31 March 2025 is aggregated from 27 clinic and 60 mobile clinic operations throughout New Zealand. Data from preemployment, post incident, regular and random testing has been combined. All amphetamine type substances (ATS) are accounted for in testing results. Testing methods included urine and oral fluid screening. Data is reported into the TDDA Imperans platform, anonymised, and represents a snapshot of drug trends across New Zealand workplaces and industries.
Data is taken from TDDA's Imperans reporting platform. Samples were taken between 1 Jan and 31 March. They are representative of meth detections versus other test results, and encompass a broad set of industries across the nation.
About The Drug Detection Agency
The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA) undertakes workplace substance testing with more than 300 staff, 90 mobile health clinics, 65 locations throughout Australasia, and processes more than 250,000 tests annually. TDDA was established in 2005 to provide New Zealand and Australian businesses with end-to-end workplace substance testing, education and policy services. TDDA holds ISO17025 accreditation for workplace substance testing in both AU and NZ. Refer to the IANZ and NATA websites for TDDA's full accreditation details. Learn more about TDDA at https://tdda.com/.
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