Lessons from the implementation of residential methamphetamine contamination policies in New Zealand.

Introduction: Methamphetamine contamination of housing has been discussed as a significant issue in New Zealand. However, scientific evidence to determine a threshold level at which health harms occur is inconclusive, resulting in conflicting and changing guidance. The initial strong precautionary policy, with significant unintended impacts on vulnerable public housing tenants, dramatically changed following a scientific review.

Outcomes from the New Zealand Tenancy Tribunal after a review of policy on residential housing methamphetamine contamination.

The New Zealand policy response to methamphetamine contamination of housing has resulted in reduction of public housing stock, award of significant remediation costs and evictions. The New Zealand Tenancy Tribunal (NZTT) has adjudicated methamphetamine contamination disputes between tenants and landlords without specific guidance in legislation. A 2018 scientific review by the Chief Science Advisor prompted a significant increase in the contamination threshold.

Exploring the Adjudication of Methamphetamine-related Housing Contamination Cases in New Zealand.

Residential methamphetamine contamination in New Zealand has resulted in substantial clean-up costs and evictions. Disputes between tenants and landlords have been adjudicated by the New Zealand Tenancy Tribunal (NZTT). However, the adjudication processes applied are not covered in specific legislation, and scientific advice and related regulatory standards have evolved over time, leading to uncertainty about the consistency of decisions.

Investigating the New Zealand policy response to methamphetamine-contaminated houses.

The contamination of houses from clandestine methamphetamine manufacture emerged as an issue in New Zealand in the early 2000s. This perspective reviews and discusses the series of policies developed to address methamphetamine contamination in New Zealand houses over a 15-year period, ending with the reversal of the established policy approach in 2018. The policies addressing methamphetamine contamination of New Zealand properties were influenced by a range of sources including overseas scientific guidelines, local scientific reviews, public housing agency policies, and the local methamphetamine testing industry.