Drug testing could be a feature of New Zealand's music festivals next year, Police Minister Stuart Nash says.
The news comes after pesticides and other harmful substances were found in batches of an ecstasy-like drug destined for Rhythm and Vines (R&V) over the weekend.
Rhythm and Vines organisers stop bad drugs entering festival
A man in Australia also died after taking a deadly pill at a festival in New South Wales.
Mr Nash said there could be independent tents where the drugs would be tested for harmful substances.
"I think they're a fantastic idea and should be installed at all our festivals," he told Stuff.
"But I need to see how it works and better understand the implications of it first."
He said the 'war on drugs' approach "hasn't worked" and wants to change to "a more compassionate and restorative approach".
Mr Nash told Stuff the tents would be independent of police officers, but testers would work closely with the New Zealand Drug Foundation, which welcomed the move.
Newshub.
