Wellington Property Risk Intelligence™
A regional awareness profile for Wellington — informed by wastewater monitoring data, contamination observations, and field experience.
Risk Intelligence Rating — Wellington
~440,000 • Source: PHF Science / NZ Police Q2 2026
Q2 2026 (Apr–Jun)
890
mg/day per 1,000 people
4-Quarter Average
901
mg/day per 1,000 people
National Average Q2 2026
1,214
mg/day per 1,000 people
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.
Local Risk Advisory — Wellington
Recommended: Baseline Screening — particularly important given the upward trend. Wellington is below the national average but warrants monitoring. A pre-tenancy Baseline Screening is recommended as best practice. The region's trajectory means that documentation established now will be more valuable over time.
Wastewater Monitoring Trends
Based on publicly available ESR national wastewater monitoring data.
- Wellington recorded 890 mg/day per 1,000 people in Q2 2026.
- Broadly stable against the four-quarter average of 901 mg/day.
- 27% below the national average of 1,214 mg/day per 1,000 people.
- Wellington's absolute weekly consumption was 2,838 grams — reflecting a large population base.
Property Risk Factors
Indicators and patterns observed across this region's property market.
- Below-average but volatile per-capita consumption trend across recent quarters
- Dense inner-city housing stock with complex tenancy and ownership histories
- Significant social housing concentration in Porirua and parts of Lower Hutt
- High rental market turnover in student and transient population areas
- Multi-unit dwellings where contamination history can be difficult to establish
Landlord Considerations
Awareness information for property owners in this region.
- Wellington's below-average but historically volatile result makes ongoing documentation practices worthwhile.
- Porirua and Lower Hutt properties warrant particular awareness of regional risk patterns.
- Multi-unit properties present specific challenges around contamination containment and documentation.
- Insurance requirements around contamination disclosure are relevant considerations for Wellington landlords.
Property Manager Considerations
Awareness information for property managers operating in this region.
- Wellington's recent quarter-to-quarter volatility warrants ongoing attention to documentation practices.
- Social housing properties in the region warrant systematic documentation.
- Awareness of the district's trend history supports proactive inspection scheduling.
- Inspection records are particularly valuable in properties with significant tenant turnover.
Prevention-Focused Strategies
Information management and documentation approaches relevant to this region.
- Pre-tenancy documentation remains relevant given Wellington's quarter-to-quarter volatility.
- Consistent inspection schedules support ongoing awareness of property condition.
- Documentation of any modifications or unusual observations creates a verifiable record.
- Awareness of Wellington's trajectory in national data supports informed decision making.
Other Regions
Data source: New Zealand Police / PHF Science – New Zealand Drugs in Wastewater Programme, Quarter Two: April–June 2026. Methamphetamine consumption reported as mg/day per 1,000 people for monitored wastewater catchments. Figures represent the sites tested and must not be extrapolated to nearby untested communities. Ratings are not official Police classifications.
This regional profile is an awareness resource only. Risk Intelligence Ratings are informed by wastewater monitoring trends, contamination pattern data, and field observations. They are not contamination claims about any individual property or person, and should not be relied upon as advice, evidence, or a professional assessment. Individual property conditions vary significantly regardless of regional profile.
From Regional Data to Property Assessment
Trace the path from national wastewater monitoring data to professional, property-specific meth testing. Regional data is an awareness signal — only testing confirms contamination at your property.