Managing methamphetamine contamination in our homes

A health-based approach

Like other landlords, Kāinga Ora is faced with the issue of methamphetamine (meth) contamination in some of our homes.  We take this very seriously.  We also realise that meth use is first and foremost a health and addiction issue and that it can impact all members of a household, including children.

For that reason, we have adopted a health-based approach to managing meth which places top priority on ensuring people and whānau are living well in our homes.   

If our tenant is concerned about the health and wellbeing of those in their household, and suspects possible methamphetamine contamination, we will arrange for testing of the property. We’ll also ensure the tenants remains in safe and secure housing as we work through a testing and decontamination process.

We do not permit meth manufacture or supply in the homes we manage, and Kāinga Ora will refer any evidence of manufacture or supply to Police.

We will also ensure that our tenants have information about how and where they can get support and access to drug addiction services.

Meth testing and decontamination

When we become aware of suspected meth contamination at a property, and have reasonable grounds to believe this to be true, we will follow a strict process to undertake testing, and decontamination if required. 

Where test results confirm meth contamination above 15 µg/100 cm2 for methamphetamine use, this will trigger the need for decontamination of affected areas at the property.

We work with experienced and skilled contractors who specialise in meth decontamination.

Meth thresholds

On 29 May 2018, the Prime Minister's then-Chief Science Advisor released a report titled ‘Methamphetamine contamination in residential properties: Exposures, risk levels and interpretation of standards’.

The report noted that “exposure to methamphetamine levels below 15 µg/100 cm2 (15 micrograms of methamphetamine per 100 square centimetres of surfaces sampled) would be highly unlikely to give rise to any adverse effects”.

Housing New Zealand (now Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities) incorporated the findings of this report, including these thresholds, into the approach to testing and decontaminating methamphetamine-affected properties.

Contact us

If you are living in a Kāinga Ora home and have concerns about possible meth contamination, please reach out to your Housing Support Manager or call us on 0800 801 601 to discuss arranging a test.