Having or using it is illegal
Up to 3 months in prison and/or a $500 fine. For a small amount, police often choose a warning or a health referral.
Manukau · South Auckland · Aotearoa
Manukau Weed Telegram Group
Secure 420 Community
The Telegram group for South Auckland's adult cannabis community, from Manukau and Papatoetoe to Ōtara, Manurewa and Māngere. The law explained straight, harm reduction and respect for your whānau. No sales, ever.
- 18+ adults only
- 0 sales tolerated
- 420 South Auckland community
Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 · 2026
Six things to know about the law
Manukau follows the same law as the rest of New Zealand. Cannabis is illegal, but since 2019 police have to think about health before charging someone for personal use.
28 g or 100 joints: presumed dealer
From that amount, the law assumes you are dealing and you must prove otherwise. Dealing: up to 8 years.
Sharing is supplying
Passing a joint to an adult mate is punished like possession. To anyone under 18, it is dealing: up to 8 years.
Growing is a serious crime
Even one plant is cultivation. Seeds, pipes and bongs are offences too, with up to 1 year in prison.
Drive high, lose the road
Random saliva tests nationwide since July 2026: a 12-hour driving ban, then $200 to $400 and 50 to 75 demerit points if the lab confirms.
Medicinal cannabis is legal
With a prescription under the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme, CBD included. Ask your GP.
The 2020 referendum on legalisation was lost, with 50.7% voting no. There are no coffee shops and no legal clubs anywhere in New Zealand.
Quick tool
Pick your situation
Choose the case closest to yours to see what the law says. It is a guide, not legal advice.
Illegal
3 months / $500
Illegal, often a warning
Up to 3 months in prison and/or a $500 fine. Police must consider a warning or a health referral first.
Look after yourself and your whānau
Free support, any time
0800 787 799Pasifika LinePart of the Alcohol Drug Helpline, for Pasifika people and families. Free and confidential.
0800 787 798Māori LinePart of the Alcohol Drug Helpline, for Māori and whānau. Free and confidential.
0800 787 797Alcohol Drug HelplineFree for everyone, 24/7. You can also text 8681.
1737Need to talk?Free call or text with a trained counsellor.
111EmergencyIf someone feels very unwell, call straight away.
- Keep it away from tamariki and teens: giving to anyone under 18 is dealing.
- Never drive after a smoke: saliva tests pick up recent use.
- Stay away from synthetic cannabinoids ("synnies"): they have caused many deaths in New Zealand.
- Avoid mixing with alcohol, and go slow with edibles.
Frequently asked questions
Is weed legal in Manukau?
No. Manukau is part of Auckland and follows New Zealand law: cannabis is a Class C drug. Possession can bring up to 3 months in prison and/or a $500 fine, but police often give a warning or a health referral for a small amount.
Is passing a joint to a friend a crime?
Yes, it is supply. With an adult it is punished like possession. With anyone under 18 it is dealing, with up to 8 years in prison.
What happens at a roadside drug test?
Police can test any driver's saliva at random. Two positive tests mean no driving for 12 hours. If the lab confirms, you get a $200 to $400 fine and 50 to 75 demerit points.
Can I grow weed at home?
No. Growing is cultivation, punished by up to 7 years in prison, even for a single plant.
Where can I get help in South Auckland?
Call the Pasifika Line on 0800 787 799, the Māori Line on 0800 787 798 or the Alcohol Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797. All are free and confidential. In an emergency, call 111.
How do I join the Manukau Weed Telegram Group?
Tap the Telegram button in the Community section. Adults only (18+), and no sales or offers are tolerated.
420 Community
Join the Manukau Weed Telegram Group
Law news, harm reduction and real talk between adults across South Auckland: Manukau, Papatoetoe, Ōtara, Manurewa, Māngere, Papakura and beyond. Pick your app.
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Group rules: adults only (18+) · no sales, no offers, no swaps · respect New Zealand law. Any breach means immediate removal.