PARKS SAFE FROM NEEDLES

Dunedin's public parks and playgrounds appear to be relatively safe from
discarded needles and syringes, but the same may not be true for
Invercargill.

Dunedin Intravenous Organisation chairman Stephen Farquhar said last week
Dunedin drug users had a 94% return rate of used needles and syringes in
June, compared to just 50% mid-way through last year.

Invercargill, which does not have an exchange, has a 5% return rate.

Mr Farquhar was not aware of any Dunedin children being jabbed by used
needles in circumstances similar to a recent Auckland scare.

Four Auckland children are being tested for HIV and hepatitis after playing
with up to 300 bloodied syringes and needles dumped in a playground rubbish
tin.

Mr Farquhar said Dunedin drug users had a high return rate because his group
offered a discount on new gear when used gear was returned.

"This means that used syringes and needles are being disposed of safely and
without further risk.

"When you compare this to a return rate in Invercargill . . . of less than
5%, you can understand my concern at the Auckland finding," Mr Farquhar
said.

The Auckland case highlighted the need for sustained funding for the
national needle exchange programme, he said.

Dunedin exchange data suggested some users still incinerated used needles
and syringes at home for fear of being arrested for possession of injecting
equipment.

Possession of needles and syringes is illegal, but they can be purchased
legally.

"This anomaly needs to be addressed urgently if drug users are to feel
completely safe when buying or returning at an authorised needle exchange,"
Mr Farquhar said.