Ngā Kete Mātauranga Pounamu is working to raise awareness around the safe disposal of used needles to help keep our community, properties, and public spaces safe.
As the Southern provider of the New Zealand Needle Exchange Programme (NEP), our focus is simple: reduce harm, protect health, and keep our whānau and environment safe. Through education, resources, and accessible disposal options, we’re making it easier for everyone to take part in keeping our communities safe.
Southern Needle Exchange Programme Service Manager (Invercargill) Kylie Munro says the team has noticed an increase in used needles being found in parks, alleyways, and even rental properties across the region.
“It can be really alarming for someone to find a needle where it shouldn’t be, but what’s important is knowing what to do next, and that there’s help available. We’re here to provide advice, resources, and safe disposal options to make the process simple and stigma-free.”
The Southern NEP team offers free SHARPS containers, safe disposal support, and non-judgemental information to anyone who needs it, whether you use injecting equipment or simply want to help keep your neighbourhood clean.
If You Ever Find a Needle:
• Don’t touch it directly.
• If possible, use tongs and gloves to pick it up carefully by the barrel (never the tip).
• Place it in a SHARPS container, or if you don’t have one, use a hard plastic container (like a milk bottle, coffee jar, or ice cream tub - something that can’t be pierced). You can also contact the Southern Needle Exchange.
• Never put needles in household rubbish or recycling bins. Never flush them down the toilet.
• Bring the container to your local Needle Exchange for free and safe disposal.
• “If you come across a needle in public, especially if it is near a playground, park, or other frequently used areas, it’s essential to report it to local authorities or your local council for safe removal and disposal.” Auckland Council Health and Safety Guidelines
• Sources: WorkSafe Health & Safety Guidelines and HealthInfo
Kylie says improperly discarded needles can lead to accidental injury or infection. Safe disposal protects our tamariki, whānau, and the wider community ensuring our public spaces stay clean, welcoming, and safe for everyone.
“Safe disposal isn’t just about harm reduction,” Kylie adds. “It’s about community care. Every SHARPS container dropped off, and every conversation we have, helps make our neighbourhoods safer and more connected.”
“Together, we can keep our community safe.”
For more information, contact the Southern Needle Exchange Service.
Visit: 88 Spey Street, Invercargill
Phone: (03) 214 5262
Email: NEPINV@nkmp.nz
Open Hours: Monday-Friday 1pm-6pm and Saturday 10am-2pm
OR
Visit: 39 McBride Street, South Dunedin
Phone: (03) 928 5681
Email: NEPDN@nkmp.nz
Open Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-6pm, and Saturday 10am-2pm
Ko Wai Mātou? | Who Are We?
The New Zealand Needle Exchange Programme (NEP) is a nationally funded health initiative launched in the late 1980s to prevent the spread of blood-borne illnesses such as HIV and Hepatitis C.
It was the first government-funded national needle exchange in the world, and remains one of Aotearoa’s most effective and respected public health successes.
At its heart, NEP is peer-led, non-judgemental, and human-rights-based. Our team includes people with lived experience, helping us to build trust, break down stigma, and ensure everyone can access the support they need — without fear or judgement.
Whakapapa | A Bit of History
The Needle Exchange Programme began with grassroots community action.
In the mid-1980s, a group of brave New Zealanders who used injecting drugs came together to advocate for legal access to clean equipment. Their efforts led to a world-first achievement: on 17 December 1987, Parliament passed legislation to create a government-funded needle exchange system.
That same spirit of courage, compassion, and peer support continues today — with services built by and for the people who use them.
He Aha Mātou? | Why Ngā Kete?
At Ngā Kete Mātauranga Pounamu, our kaupapa has always been about accessibility, aroha, and dignity.
For over 25 years, we’ve delivered health and social services across Murihiku Southland, breaking down barriers and ensuring everyone 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 values. We’re proud to support whānau, empower individuals, and promote harm reduction in a way that’s mana-enhancing and community-driven.
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:
Toro Atu | Mobile Outreach Services – Coming February 2026!
Starting in early 2026, we’ll be launching a fortnightly mobile Needle Exchange service in:
