Cocaine use has been surging in New Zealand over the past decade, and one expert has unpacked the factors behind the demand.

The Drug Trends Survey shows respondents reporting cocaine use increased from 11 percent in 2018,  to 31 percent this month.

The frequency of use is also increasing - with most people who reported using it in the past six months using it at least monthly.

Massey University Professor Chris Wilkins says there's no cultural memory of cocaine-related issues in New Zealand.

"I think we're coming into this with this Hollywood, glamourised perception of cocaine as a recreational drug that's convenient and has no consequences."

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