Looking forward to return of concerts Auckland Stadiums advise of new approach to recreational drugs

September 29, 2022

With Auckland Stadiums’ venues set to host a range of major events with an exciting line up of concerts, sport and festivals, the Auckland Council agency will be adopting new measures in relation to recreational drugs checking with KnowYourStuffNZ.

Commencing with major dance music festival Listen In at Mt Smart Stadium tomorrow (Friday 30th September), the same venue will host Justin Bieber in December followed other global acts the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Elton John and Harry Styles.

In November, Western Springs will host the popular ZM Friday Jams followed in December by Jack Johnson.

Lorde and My Chemical Romance will wrap up the summer at Western Springs in March 2023.

Predicting that nearly 295,000 fans will attend these events, Auckland Stadiums Director, James Parkinson stated “we can’t wait to welcome people back to experience these amazing events, concerts and festivals. We want everyone that comes to our venues to leave with great memories, have a great time and feel safe.

“As we know, with huge attendances come potential challenges. While most patrons enjoy themselves responsibly, there are always some who take it a little too far, putting them and their mates at risk.”

Recreational Drugs
While Auckland Stadiums’ stance on the abuse of alcohol and bringing prohibited substances into venues hasn’t changed, recreational drug checking volunteers from KnowYourStuffNZ will be onsite at Mt Smart Stadium for the first time, starting tomorrow.

KnowYourStuffNZ provides drug related harm reduction services at events around New Zealand, including drug checking.

Parkinson says this approach follows a change in New Zealand Government legislation to legally enable this safety measure, commenting “we all know recreational drugs can cause issues at major events and acknowledge the harm these illegal substances cause so we will be doing everything in our power to prevent them coming into our venues in the first instance.”

Amnesty bins will be located prior to gate entry and KnowYourStuffNZ will be inside the venue.

KnowYourStuffNZ spokesperson Dr Jez Weston says the service is confidential and enables recreational drug users to make informed choices, declaring "it’s always better for people to find out what they have before they take it. Our service is free, legal, and non-judgemental - we’re here to provide people with good information and we’re grateful to Auckland Stadiums for the chance to do this."

Collaboration with New Zealand Police and St John
At all major eventsmajor events, New Zealand Police and St John provide an invaluable service to help keep patrons safe.

To encourage people to use the KnowYourStuffNZ service, New Zealand Police will not target drug possession for personal use within the immediate vicinity of the drug checking service.

Parkinson added “during tomorrow’s event we want our patrons to know that you can come to us for help if you or your friends need it, without fear of getting in trouble at any time.

“We will have chill out zones, Crowd Care facilities, and St John medical services all on site. We ask all patrons requiring help or information to be honest with medical staff and Crowd Care teams about what you have consumed so the support teams know how best to help you.”

For more information on KnowYourStuffNZ go to www.knowyourstuff.nz

Image: Concert at Mt Smart Stadium. Credit: Jana Turtelboom.

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