This year, Ngā Kete Mātauranga Pounamu Charitable Trust proudly took on the delivery of the Needle Exchange Programme across the Southern region, as part of the Te Waipounamu Collective. Together with He Waka Tapu, Poutini Waiora, and Te Piki Oranga, we’re ensuring people across Te Waipounamu have access to safe, stigma-free harm reduction tools - no matter where they are.
Whether you’re walking into one of our locations, ordering online, or visiting a mobile site (coming 2026!) it’s all about access - Easy, confidential and non-judgemental, and always focused on your health and wellbeing.
Ko Wai Mātou? | Who Are We?
The New Zealand Needle Exchange Programme (NEP) is a nationally funded health initiative first launched in the late 1980s to combat the spread of blood-borne illnesses such as HIV and Hepatitis C. It was the first state-sponsored national needle exchange in the world, and it remains one of Aotearoa’s most successful public health efforts.
At its core, NEP is peer-led and grounded in harm reduction and human rights. Our team includes people with lived experience, which helps build trust, break down stigma, and connect people with what they need, without judgement.
Whakapapa | A Bit of History
The Needle Exchange Programme exists because of courageous community action. In the mid-1980s, New Zealanders who injected drugs organised and advocated for the legal right to access clean injecting equipment. Their push resulted in a world-first: On 17 December 1987, Parliament passed legislation that made a government-funded needle exchange possible.
Today, that same spirit of peer support and harm reduction continues with services built by and for the people who use them.
He Aha Mātou? | Why Ngā Kete?
At Ngā Kete Mātauranga Pounamu, we believe healthcare should be accessible, stigma-free, and grounded in aroha. For over 25 years, we’ve been delivering health and social services throughout Murihiku Southland always working to remove barriers and make sure people can access the care they need, when they need it.
Becoming a lead provider for the Needle Exchange Programme in the south is a natural fit with our kaupapa. We’re here to support whānau, empower individuals, and promote harm reduction with dignity and respect.
Utauta | What We Offer
Our Needle Exchange services include:
Whāinga | Harm Reduction Goals
Harm reduction is about meeting people where they’re at, not where we think they should be. We focus on:
Tauwhiro Hapori | Order Online – Delivered to Your Door
Need supplies but want to stay private? Soon you will be able to order directly from our website - Fast, free, and confidential.
The website will be live from 01 October 2025: www.nkmp.nz/NEP
Toro Atu | Mobile Outreach Services – Coming February 2026!
Starting in early 2026, we’ll be launching a fortnightly mobile Needle Exchange in:
Our vans will be set up at easy-to-find community locations, with schedules updated every three months on our website (via an interactive map).
Wāhi | Contact Us
Invercargill
📍 88 Spey Street
📧 NEPINV@nkmp.nz
📞 03 214 5262
Open Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 1pm-6pm
Friday: 1pm-7pm
Saturday: 10am-2pm
Dunedin
📍 39 McBride Street, South Dunedin
📧 NEPDN@nkmp.nz
📞 03 928 5681
Open Hours:
Monday-Friday: 9am-6pm
Saturday: 10am-2pm
