Random workplace drug testing in the Bay of Plenty is increasing, with 8 per cent of all drug screening tests proving positive for traces of drugs.
Workplace drug testing nationwide has more than doubled over the past two years as employers become more aware of the impact drugs and alcohol have on health and safety.
Last year, there were 6784 workplace drug screening tests in the Bay of Plenty region, compared with 4458 in 2011, with 7 per cent of all pre-employment tests and 8 per cent of all random tests positive for drugs.
In total, 78 per cent of all the positive tests last year tested positive for cannabis use, compared with the national average of 71 per cent, according to NZ Drug Detection Agency statistics. That's almost 10 per cent up on the previous year's result of 67 per cent.
Positive tests for opiates also increased slightly by 1 per cent to 11 per cent, but methamphetamine positive tests almost halved.