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 a balanced lifestyle.

This aligns with the most recent data from the Ministry of Health, in NZ in the past year, nearly three quarters of 18-24 year olds [2] (73%) are drinking in a responsible way.  This has improved by 19.8% over the past 8 years.

Although moderation is evident across all age groups, it is more evident among younger cohorts.

Gen Z are more likely than the over 60s to say alcohol makes social occasions more enjoyable (85% / 70%) respectively and 60% of the younger generation say drinking alcohol is part of their culture and tradition compared to just 45% of the over 60s.

“Gen Z are reflecting on how, when and if they drink.  They decide carefully on each occasion,  what drink they choose to have, how much they have, or if they have a drink at all,” said NZABC Executive Director Virginia Nicholls.

“Evidence suggests Gen Z drink less frequently overall, but more selectively and intentionally.  Many integrate low and no-alcohol options, take occasional breaks and focus on context, connection and experience rather than volume,” said Virginia.

Here in New Zealand the Ministry of Health low risk drinking guidelines [3] are two standard drinks a day for women, and three standard drinks a day for men, with at least two alcohol-free days each week.  The advice is not to drink alcohol if a woman is trying to get pregnant, could be pregnant or is pregnant.

More adults than ever are choosing to drink in moderation.  Five out of six New Zealanders (83.4%) drink beer, wine and spirits responsibly [4], and there has been an across-the-board decline in different measures of riskier drinking as compared to 2016/17.

 As is the case in the adult population, more people in 18-24 year age group are choosing not to drink.  Since 2012 we have seen a 7.6% reduction in those who choose to drink, (85% in 2012 and 78.5% in 2025).

The Stats NZ alcohol consumption per capita has also declined by more than 30% since 1986 [5].

Scientific research supports the distinction between moderate and harmful drinking [6], and we do not recommend that anyone drink alcohol for health reasons.

Decades of research confirm a distinction between moderate and harmful drinking.  For most adults, moderate drinking sits within low risk levels.  Some large population studies show moderate drinkers live as long as – or longer than – abstainers and heavy drinkers.  Importantly, for some individuals, not drinking at all is the best choice [7].

“When consumed in moderation beer, wine and spirits can play an important, positive role in society contributing to both social connection and cultural life,” said Virginia.

“Bringing people together supports community wellbeing.  This includes hospitality venues that serve beer, wine and spirits, or drinking at home with friends and family,” said Virginia.

About IARD

The International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to reducing harmful drinking and promoting understanding of responsible drinking. We are supported by the leading global beer, wine, and spirits producers, who have come together for a common purpose: to be part of the solution in combating harmful drinking. To advance this shared mission, IARD works and partners with public sector, civil society, and private stakeholders. www.iard.org

References:

[1] International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD). Online survey conducted from 11 to 16 October 2025 among 2,010 adults in the UK and the US. All respondents were of legal drinking age in the UK (18+) and the US (21+). The survey included 1,007 respondents in the UK and 1,004 in the US.  NZABC is a member of IARD

[2] The annual NZ Health survey provides information on New Zealander’s health and wellbeing.  s New Zealand Health Survey | Ministry of Health NZ, accessed 19 November 2025

[3] Alcohol.org.nz — Standard drinks and legal limits, accessed 27 January 2026.

[4] The annual NZ Health survey provides information on New Zealander’s health and wellbeing. New Zealand Health Survey | Ministry of Health NZ, accessed 19 November 2025

[5] Stats NZ: Total NZ population 18 years and over alcohol available for consumption (per head of population).  Year end 1986 (12.242 litres), year end September 2025 (7.857 litres): Alcohol available for consumption: September 2025 quarter | Stats NZ, accessed 25 November 2025.

[6] National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, Medicine (NASEM). (2025). Review of evidence on alcohol and health (doi:doi:10.17226/28582). Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.

[7] IARD, 2025b. Table: Meta-analyses on alcohol consumption and all-cause mortality 2000-2025. https://www.iard.org/science resources/detail/Table-MAs-All Cause-Mortality