They Know Your Stuff

Know Your Stuff NZ can be easily identified by its yellow smiley face logo. Source: Olivia Welsh. 

It's been a stressful week, and the plan is to get rowdy at a festival, or house party, but you’re a little anxious… are the drugs you’re wanting to take actually what you think they are? 

There is absolutely no shame in admitting that you want to be extra prepared and informed. It makes sense. A good time is what you seek, not the fear of consuming an unknown substance that can potentially hurt you. 

The stigma around drug-checking has made it difficult for people to seek out information and guidance around substance use due to fear of judgement and legal repercussions. But staying in the dark does more harm than good, and removing that outdated stigma has been a mission for many in the community. Just ask Know Your Stuff NZ. 

Operating as a community organisation fronted by volunteers, Know Your Stuff is a legal drug checking programme that takes the strain out of individuals having to worry about their drugs, instead providing them with support and prevention tactics. Their programme also includes Needle Exchange, which supports people who inject drugs by making clean needles and syringes easily accessible for them. 

I spoke with Know Your Stuff Regional Co-Lead Nick Shanks, and volunteers Asher Etherington and Claire Hinchy, about the process behind this fully-funded initiative, and how students can engage with Know Your Stuff. 

Drug-checking is an important process in youth and student culture. Know Your Stuff helps students with the basic experience, informing them on the legitimacy of their drugs. 

There is a focus on tertiary education in particular, mainly because of the high uptake in a majority of universities throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. With the University of Canterbury Students’ Association (UCSA) promoting funding and easier access for students, there is some societal change: an acceptance that people are using substances, and there are ways to aid them. 

The younger population can be inexperienced, and perhaps trying something new for the first time, or obtaining their drugs from those they’re not well-acquainted with. This can be an issue, with synthetic cathinones being mistaken for MDMA in the summer of 2021-2022. 

Naturally, there is a lot of concern about overdosing on certain drugs, such as a recent fear of fentanyl entering drug supplies. A common trend has been people asking what the chances are that there is fentanyl in their product, and what to do if that is the case. This makes the presence of Know Your Stuff more crucial, with them operating to help everyone, at every level, to ensure their safety no matter what. 

During events such as O-Week and Electric Avenue, there is a boost in engagement. Students tend to become curious about the laws, and how to bring their drugs to and from places, with as many as 15-20 people waiting at once for the checking process. 

Shanks commented on how during these events, some people arrive via word of mouth, or because they recognise the yellow smiley face. However, much of the student body are unaware of who Know Your Stuff are, and what they do. 

Know Your Stuff NZ flag outside Haere-roa. Source: Olivia Welsh. 

In order for students to feel comfortable coming to speak with Know Your Stuff, staff members and volunteers are selected for their upbeat attitudes and their knowledge on the overall process. It’s discreet, with no identifying information taken; instead, it’s a service that focuses purely on the drug-checking and the resources available. 

The process involves a brief chat about what drugs the client have, if they’ve done it before, and what presumed effects can occur. In an environment that is closed-off and personal, like on campus, testing is conducted in front of the client. 

However, at a festival, some people have to wait upwards of 40 minutes, so a sample card is provided. This card tracks the drug sample throughout the process. Afterwards, people are given any remaining drug back, as well as harm reduction results and information. Data is collected on whether they are still going to take the substance, and potentially the reason why. 

Depending on the result, further testing may take place, and an option for the drugs to be destroyed or given back to the client. 

Know Your Stuff NZ resources. Source: Olivia Welsh. 

UCSA backs Know Your Stuff through encouraging students to have discussions about their drugs. UC purchased a mass spectrometer in December 2023, which is currently on loan to UCSA for Know Your Stuff to use. This device, worth around $50,000, assesses drug purity. A media statement was released a number of weeks ago on the continuing partnership that first began in 2020. 

“The UCSA does not condone drug use of any kind, but we are aware of the realities that exist. Because of this, we feel harm prevention methods are necessary. Although we have little control over the intent of use, Know Your Stuff provide a service which helps to provide education and information to reach the same objective,” commented the UCSA in regards to the service. 

On-site testing has resulted in positive responses, with lots of student engagement. Since each university in Aotearoa New Zealand have different objectives and goals, there are multiple ways for substance use to be tackled. 

UCSA noted, “It really comes down to what works for them and their students… the most important thing for us was to make the service more accessible.” 

The purchase of the mass spectrometer is one of many harm minimisation strategies that UCSA have been focusing on. Angel Shots, the presence of Hato Hone St John at orientation events, safe walks home, and Red Frogs – a supportive programme to serve and safeguard young people – are included among them. 

The aim of drug-checking is not to condone or promote the use of substances, but to ensure that people are not hurting themselves or others by taking fake or dangerous drugs when that is not their intention. 

Accidental death should not be a consequence for engaging in substance use, and preventing harm is, above all else, what Know Your Stuff intends to do. The Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 (MoDA) protects students getting their drugs checked, and allows Know Your Stuff to operate legally. 

Know Your Stuff is focused on embedding themselves in other areas. According to Hinchy, “it is really important for people to get their drugs checked even if they don’t think they could be dodgy. Better to be safe, and more information is power.” 

“Better to be safe,” said volunteer Claire Hinchy. Source: Olivia Welsh. 

The drug-checking service workers are also available to have open, informative conversations with. “We try to be fun and relatable,” said Shanks. 

Many individuals who utilise this service appear extremely appreciative to have that extra level of reassurance that their substance isn’t going to be harmful to them. During semester time at UC, Know Your Stuff are on campus once a week in Bentley’s every Wednesday, to talk to anyone about drugs, their effects, and possible interventions. 

Know Your Stuff have harm reduction tactics that help make substance use more safe, and they provide these tactics judgement-free. 

“There is this potentially life-saving opportunity that students have on campus that they ought to take advantage of, if they’re in need. Students should take control of their wellbeing, and their fate, and check their drugs. It’s incredibly easy, and available,” Etherington said. 

For more information on the process or getting in touch, check out knowyourstuff.nz.