A New Zealander who injected a friend with heroin at a drug-fuelled Sydney stag night has pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

The possible health risks of long-term use of synthetic cannabis have begun to emerge - with the risk of suicide and self-harm in users alarming health professionals.

Robert Moore stopped smoking synthetic cannabis a year ago, but is still recovering from its effects and does not know when he will be "right" again.

A former Whangarei businessman on trial for drug dealing said he hid his addiction to methamphetamine from his family and friends out of embarrassment.

An increasing obsession with appearance and body shape has led to a spike in the use of steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs in gymnasiums.

The New Zealand Rugby League have become interested bystanders to the Australian Crime Commission's investigation into drugs in sport as they try to plan the Kiwis' World Cup defence.

The NRL says it is not yet in a position to notify what are believed to be six clubs that have been under investigation as part of the explosive probe into Australian sport.

Capri clinic in Auckland runs the country's only one-month intensive rehab programme, according to drug and alcohol counsellor Roger Brooking.

Increased efforts by the Government and law enforcement to tackle the country's methamphetamine problem have failed to dent the drug trade, according to a classified police report.

Organised crime is infiltrating Australian sport, cashing in on massive potential profits through drugs, match-fixing and betting, a year-long investigation has revealed.

A New Zealand woman described as a pharmacological nightmare will be deported from Australia after running over and killing two teenage boys while high on prescription medication.

Sir Paul Holmes was best known for his radio and TV work. But he was a great columnist for the Herald on Sunday. Here is one of his most moving pieces, written the year he was named best columnist at the print media awards.

Police say a young trio allegedly abducted a van driver and forced him to drive them to McDonald's for a feed.

Far be it for me to definitively diagnose Zac Guildford from afar, writes Chris Rattue, but a string of alcohol-related incidents indicate the young All Black has a serious problem with the firewater.

A booze and gambling-fuelled night ended with All Black Zac Guildford allegedly assaulting a partygoer at a Christchurch house 10 days ago.

A Hamilton casino worker has been sentenced to nine months' home detention for accepting financial gifts from patrons.

A gifted student risked a death sentence to smuggle $200,000 worth of heroin from Thailand to Australia after being pressured by her boyfriend.

Denzel Washington gave up booze to play an alcoholic in Flight over fears the role could prompt a drinking binge.

Royce Duncan claimed his success as a gambler - not a methamphetamine manufacturer - was the reason he could afford so many expensive toys, such as a 15.2m (50ft) launch.

A rubbish bag full of $500,000 buried in the backyard of a major drug manufacturer was dug up under the cover of darkness by an associate after the property was seized by police.