We have covered meth testing previously here and here. However, since the release of the Gluckman report, it looks as though the threshold for meth testing in properties will be lowered.   

The Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor, Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, released a report in May 2018 on Methamphetamine contamination in residential properties in New Zealand, risk levels, and interpretation of standards.

The report highlights a distinction between the use and the manufacture of the drug, and the differing levels of contamination of each. New Zealand legislation currently targets meth use with the current regulation in New Zealand being a clean-up level of 1.5 µg/100 cm², whereas a meth lab will generally have a reading of 30 µg/100 cm² or more. The report suggests the precautionary approach would be to use a much higher testing level to identify areas contaminated from very high levels of [meth] smoking, which might justify cleaning for reassurance purposes. This would still ensure public safety and reduce a significant burden on property owners.

As a result of Sir Peter's report, the government intends to review the current legislation around meth contamination and testing requirements later this year. The report calls for change in the current testing regime threshold to 15 µg/100 cm² which the report suggests is highly unlikely to cause adverse effects where people are exposed to residual meth.

If you would like to know how the report may affect your property, please don't hesitate to be in touch.