Mad on Meth: How New Zealand got hooked on P

by Benedict Collins

Why cook at home when you can order in?


Only 50 years ago, pure methamphetamine was legally prescribed in New Zealand to anyone looking for a boost. But it wasn't long before P was rebranded as the most dangerous and destructive drug in the world - and New Zealanders cemented as among its biggest users.

With dry wit and biting insight, journalist Benedict Collins takes us inside the evolution of meth in New Zealand. From ram raids for pseudoephedrine to our own cooks and gangs 'breaking bad', a visit to the Golden Triangle of meth production in South-East Asia, multimillion-dollar busts, and a moral panic that seeded a meth-testing scandal. All set the stage for unthinkable crimes and drug-fuelled mania, but also serviced a hidden world of white-collar users - and cemented New Zealand's reputation as among the biggest meth consumers in the world.

How did tough on crime become dumb on drugs? And what does a solution to Pure addiction look like?

*

'A terrific, gripping read that challenges us to think differently about one of New Zealand's biggest problems.'

Jarrod Gilbert, bestselling author of The History of Gangs in New Zealand

'Engrossing and written with flair, Benedict Collins tells the story of how demonising drugs and drug users causes more harm than good. The upside there is a better way.'

Professor Michael Baker, co-author of 'Minimising the Harms from Methamphetamine' (NZ Drug Foundation/Helen Clark Foundation)

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2023

Reviews

[Umbar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really love when journalists write books! This is perhaps a bit too accessible/entry-level for what I was hoping for, which is not the book's fault (I am maybe not the target audience), but it was really great to read this after being redirected to the Gangsters Paradise Auckland Writers Fest session. I did learn quite a bit about NZ in the 00s which was nice because lots of the big stories in this book happened when I was too young to be reading the news.

[amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastically written, humorous, thoughtful, and empathetic deep dive into methamphetamine use in Aotearoa.

[Olivia Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book explores methamphetamine in Aotearoa and beyond, ultimately coming to the conclusion (like many others) that the war on drugs has failed. The author summarises numerous drug harm reduction strategies, including the 2010 review of MODA by the Law Commission. While Aotearoa has led drug harm reduction policy internationally with the introduction of the Needle Exchange Program and legalised Drug Checking, it is evident we are now falling behind. Thought provoking and informative.

[Sophie Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very easy read that provides a good overview of meth and the war on drugs. Not sure I learnt anything new but to someone new to the topic this book is a good starting place.

[Daniele Alemagna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This well-crafted narrative skillfully blends humour with a thoughtful and empathetic exploration of methamphetamine use. However, my reading experience left me wanting more focus on the New Zealand context, as the narrative leaned heavily towards the international war on drugs.

While the book effectively challenges the narrative that methamphetamine use is overwhelmingly problematic, I couldn't help but feel a lack of emphasis on the profound misery it inflicts on users and their families. Particularly concerning are the adverse effects on children subjected to neglect and violence, including sexual abuse, tied to this potent stimulant.

The author's critique of the failed war on drugs initiated by President Nixon and the narrow perspective of today's leaders is compelling. However, attributing all problems to this campaign feels oversimplified. Methamphetamine use is a personal choice, and the book could benefit from acknowledging the responsibilities of individuals who engage in it.

I agree with the author's viewpoint that addressing drug consumption as a public health concern rather than a criminal issue is essential. The call to shift from imprisoning drug addicts to aiding them in overcoming addiction resonates, urging a nuanced and compassionate approach to a complex societal issue.

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. It was an enjoyable, quick read but IMO focused more on the international war on drugs than the Aotearoa context. As someone who studied illicit drugs at postgraduate level, the vast majority of the content was familiar to me, but I would recommend it to anyone who is new to the topic and wants an accessible read. I also thought that the editing could have been better in places - for example, referring to the Ngakuru cousins interchangeably as Ngakura (I was reading on Kindle and this may not apply to the print version).

[Alex Rogers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Competent, entertaining, written by a competent journalist (which I love) and with novelistic flair and pace. Its really an indictment of the "war on drugs" generally, but with a strong and personal NZ flavour which I found interesting. Not a lot new here for someone who has read extensively on drug laws and culture, but entertaining and I did learn quite a bit about the NZ specifics. Might be a real eye opener to anyone who takes a more traditional "just say no" approach to drug issues, or who feels that Meth is qualitatively more dangerous that other recreational drugs.

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like most journalists' books, this is clear, and factual while also written in a form that makes the information accessible to any reader. I finished wondering quite how we ended up with laws that do not accomplish anything worthwhile. My heart breaks for the children and families who have had their lives destroyed by a parent or sibling who uses. Benedict Collins clearly explains how a better result for everyone could be had with a change of laws. Gangs are profiting from bad lawmaking.

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

It felt like I learnt a lot from this book. I liked that it approached in different aspects such as the history of how meth was created, how it affected and was used during different decades, what it has involved into and some of the more harrowing violence that has become of it. I felt like I was able to understand how meth became so popular in Aotearoa and how it is imported across boarders. It gave a great history that didn't feel boring or a nightmare to read. I really enjoyed this book.

[Philippa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great account of the madness of meth in NZ. Most of the harm comes from the stigma and the criminal law, not the drug itself. A zippy read with lots of colour that is based on solid and extensive research.

[Madeline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Benedict’s style is very easy to read, gees learned a lot (!)

[Aydan Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book into new zealands meth history.

[Joe Ready · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy to read insightful look at the meth scene in New Zealand. Great mix of anecdotes, case studies and expert opinion put together in a way with the use of language that made it captivating.

[Alani Sherrard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took me three days to read
Absolutely would recommend this book
Learnt a lot
Although it did kinda make me more inclined to trying meth
But i wont 👍
10/10

[Mawrc Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fantastic read. The topic of decriminalising meth is an interesting one - it sounds mental on paper, but it could be a way to help those who are hooked on it

[Tracy Hollen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[River Jayden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m in recovery but spent 15 years of my life as a drug addict. I thought I knew things about meth but I was wrong. This is such a well written informative book that I believe everyone needs to read.