NZ Regional Property Risk Intelligence^©

Northland recorded the highest methamphetamine consumption per capita of any monitored district in New Zealand in Q2 2026, at 1,779 mg/day per 1,000 people — down from a four-quarter average of 1,909. Despite the decrease, Northland remains 47% above the national average of 1,214 mg/day and continues to lead the country. The property risk environment is shaped by significant social housing stock, rural communities with limited inspection infrastructure, and wastewater results that have consistently led the country.

The Central district — covering Manawatū, Taranaki, and Whanganui — recorded 1,482 mg/day per 1,000 people in Q2 2026, essentially unchanged from a four-quarter average of 1,491. This places Central well above the national average and in the high-consumption category. Palmerston North's large student population, social housing stock, and transient workforce accommodation contribute to a property environment where documentation is particularly relevant.

Tāmaki Makaurau recorded 1,412 mg/day per 1,000 people in Q2 2026 — up from a four-quarter average of 1,339, and 16% above the national average. As New Zealand's largest metropolitan region, Auckland's absolute drug consumption volumes are significantly higher than any other district. High population density, diverse tenancy patterns, and high-density housing stock shape a complex property risk environment.

Waikato recorded 1,485 mg/day per 1,000 people in Q2 2026 — down from its four-quarter average of 1,711, a 13% decrease. Despite the decline, Waikato remains 22% above the national tested-sites average of 1,214 and continues to record among the highest per-capita methamphetamine consumption in New Zealand. The property risk environment spans urban Hamilton, regional towns, and rural communities, each with distinct risk characteristics.

The Eastern district recorded 1,565 mg/day per 1,000 people in Q2 2026 — down from its four-quarter average of 1,696, and 29% above the national average. Covering Hawke's Bay, Gisborne, and the East Coast, this district has consistently recorded among New Zealand's highest per-capita methamphetamine consumption. Significant social housing concentration, high tenancy turnover, and seasonal horticultural worker accommodation shape the property risk environment.

Bay of Plenty recorded 1,303 mg/day per 1,000 people in Q2 2026 — down from a four-quarter average of 1,360, and 7% above the national average. The district spans coastal cities, regional towns, and rural communities, with a property risk profile shaped by sustained wastewater monitoring results, a diverse tenancy market, and seasonal occupancy patterns across coastal properties.

Wellington recorded 890 mg/day per 1,000 people in Q2 2026 — broadly consistent with its four-quarter average of 901. Wellington remains 27% below the national average of 1,214, though its results have been more volatile in recent quarters. High housing density, significant social housing concentration in Porirua and Lower Hutt, and diverse tenancy patterns shape the property risk environment.

The Tasman district — covering Nelson, Marlborough, and the top of the South Island — recorded 981 mg/day per 1,000 people in Q2 2026, up from a four-quarter average of 883, an 11% increase. While below the national average, Tasman's upward trend and the region's mix of seasonal tourism, horticultural workforce accommodation, and permanent rentals create a property risk environment where documentation remains relevant.

Canterbury recorded 631 mg/day per 1,000 people in Q2 2026 — down 13% from its four-quarter average of 721. Canterbury remains well below the national average at 48% under the 1,214 mg/day national figure. The region's large rental market, significant post-earthquake rebuild stock, and substantial student population shape the property environment.

The Southern district — covering Otago, Dunedin, and Invercargill — recorded 595 mg/day per 1,000 people in Q2 2026, the lowest methamphetamine consumption per capita of any monitored district nationally, but up 20% from its four-quarter average of 496. Dunedin's large student population creates one of New Zealand's highest concentrations of high-turnover rental properties.