The findings show that the proportion of respondents reporting cocaine use increased from 11 per cent in 2017/2018 to 31 per cent in October 2026.
Professor Chris Wilkins from the NZ Drug Research Team at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s SHORE & Whāriki Research Centre, says the findings indicate that cocaine is becoming a more established part of New Zealand’s illegal drug market.
“Cocaine use in New Zealand is becoming more common and widespread, while at the same time the price has fallen substantially once inflation is taken into account. Greater availability, increasing social acceptance and lower prices are all contributing to people using more cocaine. Cocaine use in NZ is in the ‘honeymoon’ phase where use looks glamorous and consequence-free, people are yet to experience the serious addiction and social harm that is well-known in mature cocaine markets like North America and Europe.”
The reported price of a gram of cocaine declined from $368 in 2017/18 to $247 in 2026 once inflation over the 10-year period was considered, representing a fall of 32 per cent. This reflects continued increases in cocaine availability due to new supply routes via the Pacific and a glut in coca production in Central America in recent years
While the frequency of cocaine use is increasing, most people who reported past-six-month use continued to use it monthly or less often. However, the data indicates weekly and monthly consumption is likely growing over time.
Professor Wilkins says the reasons people gave for changing their cocaine use provide further insight into the changing market.