Abstract
In the first decade of the new millennium, New Zealand played host to an unusual phenomenon. Benzylpiperazine (BZP), a legal and potent stimulant, was freely sold in shops throughout the country. Benzylpiperazine containing ‘party pills’ became very popular; by 2006 one in five New Zeeland adults aged 18-45 had tried the drug. However, health concerns and public pressure led to the sale and possession of BZP becoming illegal in 2008.
The situation that arose in New Zealand was unique for two reasons, a) the government permitted the sale of party pills and created legislation to control, but not prohibit, such products, and b) the sale of such products was backed by a large well organized industry body as opposed to isolated individuals.
This thesis examines, in full, the story of BZP in New Zealand. A comprehensive academic review of the scientific and medical literature is accompanied by a quantitative analysis and discussion of the media coverage of the topic from 2000-2008 (this comprises the academic component of the thesis). In addition to this, an informally styled book relates the historical, commercial and political background of the BZP story - with specific reference to individuals who played key roles in the unfolding of events (this book comprises the creative component, and draws on some poetic licence).
In total this thesis combines a wide range of sources to provide an in-depth examination of subject that has previously only been examined superficially and usually in a narrow context (e.g. medical toxicology or legal process).