The New Zealand Herald's obtained two years of wastewater test results that police have used to monitor consumption of illegal drugs around the country since late 2018.
Analysis shows small towns with high levels of deprivation - including Kaitaia, Opotiki and Wairoa - have been saturated - recording weekly per capita consumption more than double the national average.
Herald reporter Jared Savage says police are using the data to provide funding for community groups tackling the issue.
"For example, provide extra social workers or other support and funding for resources that they can have this wrap-around holistic approach to families that might be struggling."
Savage says rehab centres, counselling services and other resources across the country are already very low, but almost non-existent in smaller towns.
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