Robin van der Sanden – The Conversation

Karl Gehring/Getty Images

March 24, 2026

The price of meth has been plunging in NZ. Are Mexican cartels driving the drop?

Chris Wilkins, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University; Marta Rychert, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University, and Robin van der Sanden, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University

Wholesale and street prices for meth have dropped sharply over seven years, but it’s as potent as ever. Are new global supply routes to blame?

Sai Aung/Getty Images

November 20, 2025

A new index challenges common beliefs about drug use and harm in NZ

Chris Wilkins, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University; Jose S. Romeo, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University; Marta Rychert, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University, and Robin van der Sanden, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University

Fifty years after its major drug law was introduced, NZ still lacks a clear picture of the harm drugs do. Asking drug users themselves offers surprising insights.

Marco Piunti/Getty Images

May 22, 2024

‘Facebook probably knows I sell drugs’ – how young people’s digital footprints can threaten their future prospects

Robin van der Sanden, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University; Chris Wilkins, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University; Marta Rychert, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University, and Monica Barratt, RMIT University

The global trade in data means minor drug dealing by 16-year-olds on social media could hurt their ability to get a job, house or insurance in their 30s.

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