As we continue to monitor emerging drug trends in New Zealand, it is clear that the rise of nitazenes presents a significant public health concern. These synthetic opioids, many times more potent than fentanyl, are increasingly being detected in various forms across the country—often misrepresented as other, more familiar substances. This heightens the risk of […]
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Dilemmas of Medical Cannabis -Adam Mills V Glamorgan Spring Bay Council
The dilemma of medicinal cannabis in the workplace is a growing issue for both employers and employees, particularly when it comes to drug testing, workplace safety, and unfair dismissal claims under the Fair Work Act 2009. The case of Adam Mills v Glamorgan Spring Bay Council highlights some of these challenges, as it dealt with […]
Civil Aviation Amendment Act 2023
Aviation Workforce – No Place For Drugs or Alcohol Ensuring the safety of aviation operations is paramount, and a critical component of this is the regular drug and alcohol testing of all personnel involved in aviation activities. This includes pilots, crew members, ground staff, baggage handlers, and other workers within the aviation sector in New […]
Avoid Staff Cheating the Drug Test?
Traditionally, urine has been the most popular sample for drug testing, however, it’s open to adulteration, or ‘cheating’ by a determined test subject. Here’s some of the ways the urine sample could be corrupted: There are ways to prevent adulteration: check the subject isn’t carrying any containers or bags of liquid, ask the person to […]
Samoan Airlines Cancels Flight over drug and alcohol test result
Aviation safety is under scrutiny after Samoa Airways revealed that several staff tested positive for drugs, including a pilot on a prescription sleeping pill. The airline said recent drug testing, showed 10 percent of the tested staff returned positive results for illegal and prescriptive substances, as well as alcohol. This incident serves as a wake-up call, […]
Lessons from the landmark prosecution of former Ports of Auckland Chief Executive
Former Ports of Auckland Limited (POAL) chief executive, Tony Gibson, has been found guilty of failing to meet his due diligence obligations as an officer under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. The verdict comes six months after his high-profile trial. This case is particularly significant as it marks the first time since […]
Alcohol Restrictions in Auckland: A Step Toward Reducing Harm
From December 9, 2024, Auckland Council’s new local alcohol policy introduces stricter rules for the sale of alcohol. These changes aim to reduce alcohol-related harm and create safer communities across Tāmaki Makaurau. Key Changes Under the Policy These adjustments come after years of consultation, legal battles, and widespread support from Auckland communities, who have expressed […]
NZ Perspective: A Call to Strengthen Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Workplace
In a major international operation, Australian authorities recently intercepted the largest attempted cocaine importation in the nation’s history, uncovering 2.34 tonnes of the drug. The haul, with an estimated street value of NZ$837 million, highlights the scale and sophistication of modern drug trafficking networks. This amount could have resulted in over 11.7 million street-level transactions—a […]
Druglizer Demonstration
Business Development Manager
Advance Diagnostics is a leading provider of workplace health and safety solutions, dedicated to creating safer and healthier environments for New Zealand businesses. With our expertise in drug and alcohol risk management, we offer innovative solutions that help companies meet their compliance obligations and protect their workforce. Position Overview As a Business Development Manager at […]
Essential to have your policies in place
Feb 2016 – Employment Court case, a worker was unfairly dismissed after refusing a drug test following accusations from a co-worker. The employer had no existing drug testing policy at the time and hastily introduced one the day after the accusations. However, they failed to provide the worker with a copy to seek advice on […]
A record-breaking 725kg of the drug was found at Port of Tauranga in 2022, with an estimated value of $253.75 million. Three men charged this week.
Three people have been arrested and charged more than two years after the largest ever cocaine shipment was found on New Zealand shores. The trio have also been charged with importing 30kg of cocaine that arrived in Tauranga in December 2021, also from Panama. Police launched Operation Bask following the discovery, and on Monday said […]
New drug driving tests, and 200,000 extra breath tests, on the way
Transport Minister Simeon Brown wants police to conduct at least 200,000 breath tests, and has announced funding for a new roadside drug driving test.The transport minister’s target for alcohol and drug testing was announced as part of Road Policing Investment Programme, which confirmed $1.3 billion for road policing over the next three years. Click here […]
The closing date for submissions is 11.59pm on Thursday, 29 August 2024-Drug Driving Legislation
The Chairperson of the Transport and Infrastructure Committee is calling for public submissions on the Land Transport (Drug Driving) Amendment Bill. The bill would enable the rollout of random roadside oral fluid screening tests to better detect and deter drug-impaired drivers. The Land Transport (Drug Driving) Amendment Act 2022 introduced a random roadside oral fluid testing […]
Truck Driver blows 7 times road side limit in Auckland Rush Hour
Everyone metabolises differently and how does the number of standard drinks will affect one afterwards is not an easy answer. A truck driver who scraped the wall of Auckland’s Waterview Tunnel multiple times while transporting a car during peak hour was allegedly more than seven times the legal alcohol limit, police said. Click here for […]