Free new for old [1-4-1] Needle/ Syringe Distribution Introduced

What is the Needle Exchange Programme?

The Needle Exchange Programme (NEP) consists of approximately 200 outlets around New Zealand that sell new needles and syringes to injecting drug users.  Outlets also receive and safely dispose of used needle and syringes.  Some NEP outlets provide information and advice about preventing the transmission of blood borne diseases. All offer educational material as part of the sale of clean injection equipment to IDU.  

What is the purpose of giving injecting drug users new needles and syringes?

Sharing of injecting equipment places injecting drug users at high risk of contracting blood borne viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis C.  The primary purpose of the NEP is to give injecting drug users the means to use a new needle and syringe every time they inject to reduce transmission of these blood borne viruses and infection rates for the community as a whole.  

Are needle exchange programmes effective at preventing the transmission of blood borne viruses?

A review conducted in 2001 by the Centre for Harm Reduction in Australia, concluded that New Zealand’s NEP has been effective in preventing HIV and Hepatitis C infections among injecting drug users.  It also found that a gradual but sustained decline in needle sharing had occurred since the late 1980s, which was likely to be at least partially as a result of NEP activities.  Furthermore, the review estimated that for every dollar spent on the NEP, $3.35 was saved in health care costs that would otherwise have accrued over the period of the investment.

Does providing clean needles and syringes through needle exchange programmes encourage people to inject drugs?

There is general agreement among social scientists that needle exchanges do not increase illicit drug use or encourage non-injectors to start injecting drug use.  The NEP is based on the philosophy of harm reduction, that is, to reduce the potential harm resulting from injecting drug use rather than attempting to curtail the activity itself.

How long has the Needle Exchange Programme been operating in New Zealand?

The Needle Exchange Programme (NEP) has been operating since 1987 when regulations legalising the programme were introduced. 

How many, and what kind of, needle exchange programme outlets are there in New Zealand?

As of 1 September 2011, there were 179 pharmacies, 20 dedicated needle exchanges and 10 alternative outlets and operating in New Zealand.

What is one-for-one exchange?

One-for-one exchange is when injecting drug users are given a new needle and syringe free in return for every used one they bring to an NEP outlet. 

Why is the Needle Exchange Programme changing to a one-for-one exchange model?

According to Ministry of Health estimates, NEP outlets in New Zealand are providing needles to cover only 10-11 percent of injecting incidents per year.  In contrast Australian needle exchange programmes, which do not charge for equipment, provide approximately 27 percent of the required needles and syringes.   One-for-one exchange should go some way to breaking down barriers for IDUs wishing to access NEP services.

In addition, the New Zealand NEP has low rate of needle and syringe return (52%) compared to NEPs in other countries.  Based on earlier pilot programmes, it is expected one-for-one exchange will provide a strong incentive for IDUs to return their used syringes to NEP outlets.  Return of needles and syringes means these items will be removed from circulation, reducing the likelihood of risky practices such as sharing and reusing equipment.  Encouraging IDUs to return used syringes to NEP outlets will also reduce the number of needles and syringes being disposed of unsafely and thereby minimise the possibility of needle stick injuries to the public. 

 Free 141 Exchange                                                                                                                This continues to be a huge success with close to 3 million units being distributed nationally as of 2009.

National Office on the move
The National Office, based in Christchurch, has moved premises to 136 St Asaph Street.

. PO Box, phone, fax and email details remain the same.

Contact [03] 366 9403 for any additional information.