History

NZ Needle Exchange Programme DISC Trust was established in 1995, taking over delivery of needle exchange services after the disestablishment of Christchurch Intravenous Drug User Resource Group (CIVDURG) the peer organisation that initially delivered needle exchange services in Christchurch.

A number of legacy trusts have progressively joined together to become DISC Trust.  These include Southland Harm Reduction Programme, Dunedin Intravenous Organisation, Timaru Needle Exchange Trust, and Nelson Injecting Community Health Enterprise.

In January 2009 Aotearoa’s first dedicated hepatitis C clinic and at the time the only service of its kind internationally focused solely on the treatment of hepatitis C, was established by DISC. From the outset, the clinic has prioritised a holistic approach to blood-borne virus testing, integrating routine testing for HIV alongside hepatitis C screening. This ensured that tangata whaiora receive comprehensive care, particularly those at higher risk due to injecting drug use. As the clinic has evolved, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) testing has become a core part of our wider harm reduction and health services, reinforcing our reputation as national leaders in hepatitis C and blood-borne virus care. Over the past 15 years, DISC Trust has developed deep expertise in blood-borne virus management, working closely with priority populations.

The clinic is collocated with our Rodger Wright Centre in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Rodger Wright Centre -Ōtautahi Christchurch

The Rodger Wright Centre is named in honour of Rodger Wright (above), a pioneer in the harm reduction community in New Zealand. Wright was a passionate advocate for the rights and health of people who use drugs and was instrumental in establishing harm reduction services in the country. At a time when it took exceptional courage to do so he declared himself to be HIV positive, an injecting drug user and gay. Rodger died in 1993.

The Rodger Wright Centre became a cornerstone of these efforts in Christchurch, offering not only needle exchange services but also support, education, and advocacy for people who use drugs. Over the years, the centre has expanded its services to include hepatitis C screening and treatment, overdose prevention, drug checking and referrals to other health and social services.

Through its ongoing work, the Rodger Wright Centre honours the memory of Rodger Wright and his commitment to harm reduction, ensuring that his vision for a more compassionate and supportive society lives on.