Drug checks at Auckland stadiums

Drug checking services will be available for the first time at Auckland stadiums from today, following a change in the law last year. Nearly 295,000 people will attend spring events at Auckland stadiums over the next few months, according to Auckland Unlimited’s stadiums director James Parkinson. ‘‘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,’’ he said. A KnowYourStuff report found that 68% of people who used its drug testing service in 2020/21 said they would not take a substance after drug checking found it was not what they thought it was.