March 20, 2026

#hauora: Drug Survey Reveals Falling MDMA Prices, Rise of Ketamine and Growth of Online Drug Markets

Matthew Tukaki Posted On March 20, 2026

New research into drug use across Aotearoa is highlighting significant shifts in the country’s recreational drug market, with falling prices for MDMA, the rise of ketamine, and increasing use of digital platforms to buy drugs.

The latest New Zealand Drug Trends Survey, completed by more than 8,800 people, provides a snapshot of how drug availability, pricing, and purchasing habits are changing nationwide.

One of the most notable findings is the sharp drop in the price of MDMA. Inflation-adjusted data shows the average price per gram has fallen by around 47 percent since 2017/18, sitting at about $159 in 2025.

Researchers say the decline is likely linked to increased global production and improved supply chains following disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The growth of digital marketplaces has also played a role in making the drug more accessible and competitive in price.

At the same time, ketamine is becoming more prominent within the so-called “party drug” scene. Once less common in Aotearoa, it is now emerging as a mainstream option, with a national average price of around $200 per gram and increasing availability across the country.

The survey indicates that ketamine use is more concentrated in regions with younger populations, including Wellington and Otago, and is often associated with student communities.

Another key shift is how drugs are being bought and sold. The findings show a continued rise in digital drug markets, with social media and darknet platforms increasingly used for transactions. Social media in particular is becoming a common channel for smaller, retail-level purchases, while darknet markets are typically used for larger-scale supply.

The data also points to broader changes in the drug landscape, with substances like cocaine and methamphetamine becoming more widely available, giving users a wider range of options than in previous years.

Despite the increased availability of MDMA, usage patterns suggest it is used less frequently than substances like methamphetamine, indicating differing levels of harm and dependency across drug types.

The survey highlights a rapidly evolving drug environment in Aotearoa, shaped by global supply trends, technology, and shifting consumer behaviour, raising ongoing questions for public health, law enforcement, and harm reduction efforts.