Media Release

"Recently released regional alcohol data from the NZ Health Survey demonstrates a sustained positive shift in our nation's drinking culture. Responsible drinking rates have improved across all 16 regional councils, with encouraging gains among younger New Zealanders," said NZABC Executive Director Virginia Nicholls. This regional data compares the earliest period 2016/17 – with the [...]

“Public debate about alcohol in New Zealand is sometimes dominated by outdated assumptions. The latest evidence shows a far more balanced and positive picture – one that deserves to be part of the conversation”, said NZABC Executive Director Virginia Nicholls. 1).  Alcohol consumption in New Zealand has been declining for decades [1]  New Zealanders [...]

We welcome the proposed changes to the Sale & Supply of Alcohol (Improving Alcohol Regulation) Amendment Bill (the Bill). “This is a common-sense approach to help improve our licensing system, although there is room to go further to simplify and streamline the process”, said NZABC Executive Director Virginia Nicholls. For license-holders todays announcement means [...]

According to just released Stats NZ data our beer, wine and spirits consumption per head of population [1] is at an all-time low declining in the last year by 8.4% to 7.6 litres of pure alcohol, and in the past 20 years by 23%. The total volume of beer, wine and spirits available for [...]

New attitudinal research from the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD) shows that almost nine in ten adults from a recent US and UK industry poll [1] (89% UK / 81% US), agree that moderation is a responsible way to enjoy alcohol, while most (78% UK / 71% US) see it as part of [...]

As the Christmas season is upon us we reflect on the eighth year of the independent annual Curia Market Research Poll [1] (Curia Poll) commissioned by the NZ Alcohol Beverages Council (NZABC) which highlights the way people are choosing to drink their beer, wine and spirits. “Consumers have an increasing interest in health, wellbeing [...]

The just released New Zealand annual Health Survey assessment of our health and wellbeing shows continued positive change in our drinking behaviour [1]. “We are seeing a growing shift towards moderate drinking and healthy lifestyles, as our hazardous drinking and alcohol consumption continues to decline”, said NZABC Executive Director Virginia Nicholls. Five out of [...]

A recent report showcases extensive efforts in New Zealand and around the globe to prevent harmful drinking. The report is titled Global Standards in Action [1] (GSA). The International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD) ‘Global Standards Coalition’ (GSC) put  the report together which includes innovative safeguards and digital tools to prevent underage drinking and [...]

The NZ Alcohol Beverages Council (NZABC) welcomes the release of the proposed changes to the Sale & Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 (SSAA) aimed at reforming alcohol regulations. “The proposed amendments signal a practical attempt to rebalance how local communities can have a voice during the licensing process while supporting responsible licence-holders’ right to [...]