The Big Picture
Needle Exchange in New Zealand is uniquely offered on the basis of user-pays. This means that, unlike other countries where the service is free, drug-users must buy new injection equipment. As of October 2004, the NZ NEP has introduced a voluntary free 1-4-1 [new for old] exchange distribution scheme. For further info [CLICK HERE]

Prices
Prices for injection equipment are set by the outlet concerned. Outlets may charge whatever they like for this service. Dedicated needle exchanges generally charge less and some nothing for equipment since this is their main activity. Whereas pharmacies may charge more.

This is no different to prices for groceries being higher in corner shops or a dairy than they are in supermarkets. Essentially users pay a higher price for the convenience of shopping locally. Prices for a single needle and syringe are generally around NZ$1.

Comments and complaints about the price of injection equipment should be addressed to The Minister of Health, Parliament Buildings, Wellington (No stamp required).

Discounts
Discounts off the price of new fits are offered by most outlets to encourage consumers to return used injection equipment, This discount is also set by the outlet concerned. generally outlets offer a discount of around 20c if used equipment is returned.

Outlet Types
There are currently more than 200 outlets in the Needle Exchange Programme, although there are several different types of outlet:

Needle Exchanges - offer a complete range of needles and syringes as well as more unusual items such as butterflies. They also stock a range of accessories such as filters, sterile water, swabs and safer sex supplies. There are currently 13 full time, 2 part time & one trial mobile service Needle Exchanges in New Zealand and most are run by users for users. Therefore they are able to offer more detailed advice about safer drug use and safer sex as well as referrals to other user friendly health services.

Level 2 Outlets - sell single fits, as well as packs. They also stock filters, sterile water and swabs. Level 2 outlets are also able to sell a wider range of equipment. they often stock 4 or 5 of the more popular types, although they may have to order stock especially for you if you require something unusual. Most Level 2 outlets are higher volume pharmacies with strong demand for Needle Exchange services.

Level 1 Outlets - sell ONLY packs of 10 , 26G 1/2" needles with 3ml syringes. THEY DO NOT SELL SINGLE FITS, please don't demand to be sold single fits in a level 1 outlet as confrontations can lead to outlets leaving the Programme.

Alternate Outlets - are used in some areas where pharmacy outlets are either opposed to Needle Exchange or few in number. Often these outlets are Public Health, sexual health or drug treatment services and usually they are only open for specific hours. Please phone your nearest Needle Exchange for details of opening hours and services available.

Prostitutes Collective - The New Zealand Prostitutes Collective (NZPC) offer full Needle Exchange services at all of their offices to complement their services for sex industry workers and their clients. These services are open to all, whether involved in the sex industry or not.

 Electronic Dispensers provide after hours access to injection equipment. They are however susceptible to vandalism. there are currently four Electronic Dispensers [ED's or more commonly known as vending machines] in operation at the following locations:

Sexual Health Centre at Auckland Hospital. This service is only available during office hours and only sells packs. Returns discounts are not available through this service.

ADIO Trust, 10 East St Auckland: This machine has a wide range of stock and operates from 10pm to 10am everyday, returns discounts are not available through the machine. The machine does not operate when the office is open. CLICK HERE For more details of this service.

The Rodger Wright Centre, 216 Lichfield St Christchurch: This machine has a wide range of stock and operates from 10pm to 9am everyday, returns discounts are not available through the machine. The machine does not operate when the office is open. CLICK HERE For more details of this service.

Drugs Project  Wellington, 233 Willis St, Wellington. This machine has a wide range of stock and operates from 10pm to 10am everyday, returns discounts are not avaiable through the machine. The machine does not operate when the office is open. CLICK HERE for more details of this service.

Timaru NEXT, 21 B Butler St, Timaru. Originally a 1st generation electronic dispenser located in Christchurch at RWC - kindly donated to the NEXT to improve temporal avaiability of injecting equipment in the South Canty region. CLICK HERE for more details of this service

More ED's are planned for other dedicated exchanges in NZ regions in the near future.

Equipment Available
CLICK HERE to go to a full list of injection equipment available under the Needle Exchange Programme.

Confidentiality
The Needle Exchange Programme is both confidential and anonymous. No names are used and the service is available to anyone who requests it at an outlet. The Programme is protected from Government and Police scrutiny by the Privacy Act and prevailing health confidentiality legislation.

Comments, Enquiries and Complaints
These should be made to the Programme's National Co-ordinator:
National Co-ordinator
Needle Exchange Programme
PO Box 22 176
Christchurch
Phone: (03) 366 9403
Fax: (03) 366 9405
Email: charles@needle.co.nz


READ MORE?
Harm Reduction - the rationale for Needle Exchange
The history, past and present of Needle Exchange in New Zealand - statistics etc