Alcohol use in New Zealand
According to the most recent New Zealand Health Survey (2024/25), alcohol consumption remains common in New Zealand, though recent trends show a decline. Three out of four adults (74.9%) drank alcohol in the 12 months prior to the 2024/25 survey, down from 81.6% in 2019/20.
One in six adults (16.6%) were classified as hazardous drinkers in 2024/25, the same as the previous year but down from 21.3% in 2019/20. In addition, one in 12 adults (8.2%) reported drinking six or more drinks on one occasion at least weekly, a decrease from 12.0% in 2019/20.
Hazardous drinking refers to a score of 8 or more on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), which suggests hazardous or harmful alcohol consumption.
What is alcohol harm?
Alcohol is a leading cause of preventable death, injury, and ill health in New Zealand. It contributes to a wide range of serious health conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, type 2 diabetes, dementia, stroke, personal injuries, mental health and addiction issues, and increased suicide risk. Exposure during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), resulting in lifelong impacts.
Alcohol-related harm refers to the negative health, social, and economic impacts of alcohol use to New Zealanders, their families, and communities. Some of these harms include:
- family, domestic, and sexual violence
- unsafe communities
- motor vehicle deaths and injuries
- financial, food, and housing insecurity.
These harms can occur in the short-term such as injuries, violence, and crashes, or develop over the long-term such as chronic diseases, addiction, and mental health issues.
How much does alcohol harm cost New Zealand?
NZIER’s 2024 analysis estimates the cost of alcohol-related harm in New Zealand at approximately $9.1 billion for 2024. This figure incorporates health and ACC expenses, lost productivity, justice system impacts, and increased demand on social services.
Our approach to alcohol harm reduction
The Government Policy Statement on Health 2024–2027, recognises the need to reduce alcohol harm. Alcohol is identified as one of five modifiable behaviors linked to major non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease that cause most deaths in New Zealand. Reducing alcohol consumption is therefore a key public health priority.
Our principles for alcohol harm reduction
- Relationship-centered – We work collaboratively with people and organisations to build trust and achieve shared goals.
- Strengths-based – We draw on skills and solutions across the health system and communities to create collective action.
- Community-driven – We value the voices of families, whānau, and communities, and support their meaningful participation in policy making.
- Evidence-led – We base decisions on research and lessons learned and continuously monitor and adjust our approaches for better outcomes.
Aiming to create an environment where collaboration thrives, efforts are coordinated, and health outcomes improve.
