Ihi Research is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of individuals and communities through evidence-based research. As part of our commitment to addressing critical social issues, we are conducting a comprehensive evaluation into the impacts of drug and substance-checking legislation in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Focus of the Research
The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness, challenges, and opportunities presented by current drug-checking legislation. This legislation is designed to reduce harm and improve public health outcomes, enable authorised services to analyse substances and provide safety information to users without the fear of legal repercussions.

Objectives
Our research seeks to:

1. Understand Community Impact: Assess how drug-checking services influence individuals, whānau, and broader communities.

2. Evaluate Service Accessibility: Identify barriers and facilitators to accessing drug-checking services at festivals, clinics, and other settings.

3. Analyse Legislative Frameworks: Explore the alignment between legislation and the practical realities faced by service providers.

4. Incorporate Diverse Perspectives: Gather insights from people with lived experiences of substance use, festival organizers, law enforcement, health practitioners, and policymakers.

Why This Research Matters
Drug and substance-checking services have proven to be an effective harm reduction tool globally. In New Zealand, they offer a unique opportunity to engage with at-risk populations, enhance education around substance use, and prevent adverse health outcomes. However, gaps in the current legislative framework, such as ambiguities around mobile services and data collection limitations, present challenges that require attention.

Next Steps
Ihi Research is gathering data through interviews, surveys, and stakeholder hui. The findings will inform recommendations for refining drug-checking legislation and improving service delivery, with a focus on upholding manaakitanga, equity, and public safety.

How to Get Involved
If you have experiences with drug-checking services or the surrounding legislation, we welcome your voice. Contact us or fill out our participation form to participate in an interview.

Koha - Ihi Research values your time and contribution. As a token of appreciation, a koha will be offered to those who participate in interviews as part of our drug and substance-checking legislation research.