Otago is leading the country in ketamine use as new data reveals the region is a particular hotbed for the increasingly popular party drug. The latest New Zealand Drugs Trends Survey (NZDTS) showed ketamine had become a popular ‘‘party drug’’ option, and had been carving a ‘‘niche’’ for itself in the affordable drug market. That meant people were spoiled for choice — 25% of people from Otago who took part in the survey reported using ketamine within the past six months. Many people who took part in the survey who said they took ketamine also reported they were students, and tended to be of a younger age. Ketamine is a class C controlled drug in New Zealand and has a legitimate medical use as an anaesthetic.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 19, 2026 16:54 UTC