TE WAIPOUNAMU COLLECTIVE
no judgement,
no questions,
no barriers.
The Needle Exchange program is here to make sure people who inject drugs have easy, confidential access to the equipment they need to stay safe and reduce harm.
Whether you're walking into one of our sites or ordering online, or visiting the outreach mobile service options, our focus is on you, your health, and your right to care and support.
Providing safe stigma free spaces
Our services are peer-led and peer-based, grounded in harm reduction, and health and human rights focused.
People who use our services can access free, sterile injecting equipment, advice on safer use, and confidential disposal options for used items.
The New Zealand Needle Exchange Programme (NEP) is a nationally funded health initiative, established in the late 1980s to reduce the spread of blood-borne viruses like HIV and Hepatitis C. It remains one of the country’s most effective public health programmes.
Toni Tinirau
Interim CEO He Waka Tapu
"We believe in the programme and are committed to providing continuity of support to people who currently access the service.
We are in a transition phase and are looking forward to the launch in October. In time we look forward to improving access to those who may benefit from the service."
Minimise the risk of infection
Prevent the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C
Provide safer injecting equipment
Ensure access to support and education
Offer a safe space free from stigma and discrimination
Te Waipounamu Collective Service Providers
Te Waipounamu Collective has four providers, with Te Piki Oranga in the Upper South Island, Poutini Waiora on the West Coast, Ngā Kete Matauranga Pounamu in Southland and Otago.
Together the Collective covers Te Wai Pounamu including Rakiura Stewart Island and Rēkohu / Wharekauri Chatham Islands. The kaupapa Māori organisations have a combined staff of over 400 provide health and social service supports to all who seek them, upholding privacy and dignity of all.
Our approach will be phased, with implementation informed by current and potential users of the service. Further details will be made available online and in print.
Te Piki Oranga
Te Piki Oranga was established in July 2014 as the Māori health services provider in Te Tauihu o Te Waka-a-Māui (Nelson/ Tasman/ Marlborough). Te Piki Oranga has community health hubs in Whakatū (Nelson), Wairau (Blenheim) and Motueka, and provide in-home, mobile and community outreach services.
He Waka Tapu
He Waka Tapu is a kaupapa Māori health care and support organisation based in Ōtautahi (Christchurch), Hakatere (Ashburton), and Rēkohu / Wharekauri (Chatham Islands). Working closely with the community, other service providers, and government agencies to meet the needs of whānau and communities.
Ngā Kete Matauranga Pounamu
Established with a vision to support the aspirations tied to thier whakapapa connection to Ōraka-Aparima Rūnaka, Ngā Kete is a not-for-profit charitable trust that has proudly served the Southern community for 25 years.
Poutini Waiora
A Māori Health and Social Service provider that delivers holistic care to whānau across Te Tai o Poutini. Established 21 years ago, the service is primarily mobile with kaimahi visiting whānau in their homes or other appropriate settings across the West Coast.
HWT Needle Exchange
Ōtautahi / Chirstchurch
HWT Needle Exchange
Hakatere / Ashburton
HWT Needle Exchange
Timaru
161 Pages RoadWainoni,
Christchurch 8061
OPENING HOURS:
Monday to Friday 10:00am - 7pm
Saturdays 10.00am - 5.00pm
Sundays 10:00am - 2:00pm
Services:
Needle Exchange
44 Cass Street,
Ashburton 7700
OPENING HOURS:
Tuesdays & Fridays
11.30am - 4.30pm
Services:
Needle Exchange
10 Bank Street,
Timaru 7910
OPENING HOURS:
Monday to Friday 9.30am - 6pm
Saturdays 10.30am - 12.30pm
Services:
Needle Exchange
Alternate Provider | Burnett Foundation Aotearoa.
Burnett Foundation Aotearoa (formerly New Zealand AIDS Foundation & Ending HIV NZ) has been at the forefront of the community response to HIV in Aotearoa for nearly 40 years.
Thier community-led behaviour-change marketing encourages prevention and testing by providing information, motivation, and support to overcome barriers.
ENGAGE WITH US
Accessing our various needle exhanges, partnered pharmacies, alternative providers and mobile services across Te Waipounamu, is confidential, free and available in many towns and cities.
Please head over to the needle exchange outlet finder to find an outlet near you.
As we move into rolling out new outlets, mobile outreach and alternative outlets we will make these known via both social media, website, and print in the corresponding areas of service.
