Resources | NZ Statistic

In June 2003 ALAC conducted a nationwide survey looking at New Zealanders' drinking patterns.

The data below is taken from this survey unless otherwise stated. The executive summary of the report The Way We Drink: The Current Attitudes & Behaviours of New Zealanders (aged 12 plus) Towards Drinking alcohol is available from our publications section.

A total sample of 626 young people aged between 12 and 17, and a total sample of 1,157 adults aged 18+ were surveyed.

We have examined the results for both young people and adults with similar surveys conducted in New Zealand. We are confident that both the youth and adult surveys are a consistent and accurate reflection of New Zealand's current attitudes and behaviours with respect to alcohol.

Below is an examination of the drinking culture that currently exists in NZ for youth and then for adults.

Youth

The following characterise the New Zealand drinking culture from the perspective of young people, 12 to 17 years of age:

Access to alcohol is not a problem for most young people -

70% reported that getting hold of alcohol is not a problem (supply correlates with age)
24% reported they can afford as much alcohol as they want (this also correlates with age)
One-in-three make no attempt to limit their drinking
One third (32%) of young people, reported they make no attempt to limit the amount of alcohol they drink (so they don't wake up with a hangover)
30% reported they make no attempt to try not to drink so much that they forget what they were doing or what happened.

Many claim that it is OK to get drunk -

59% reported that it is OK to get drunk as long as it's not every day
61% disagreed that it's never OK to get drunk

Regular and risky drinking is prevalent amongst this demographic -

42% reported they had a drink at least once every two weeks (25% at least once every one week)
58% had consumed five or more drinks on at least one occasion

Current Non-Drinkers

50% of the population of 12-17 year olds are current non-drinkers, this represents the largest youth drinking segment.

Key differences for Māori and Pacific youth

In comparison to youth in general, Māori youth are less regular drinkers, but young Māori drinkers have a profile that matches the profile of a risky drinker, in that when they do drink they drink heavily.

Pacific youth are polarised as either non or occasional drinkers, or heavy drinkers.

Adults

The following characterise the New Zealand drinking culture from the perspective of adult New Zealanders, 18 years plus:

Alcohol is recognised as a 'social lubricant' and a relaxant -

27% reported they felt more confident when they drink alcohol
24% also agreed that everything seems happier when they drink alcohol
39% agreed that when they drink alcohol it is easier to meet and get to know people
45% claimed they enjoyed the buzz they got when they drink alcohol
68% claimed that drinking alcohol helped them to wind down and relax

Almost 10% acknowledge that they drink to get drunk -

8% claimed they drink to get drunk
7% agreed they drink alcohol to escape from reality
23% disagreed that they limit the amount of alcohol they drink so that they don't wake up with a hangover
26% disagreed that they try not to drink so much that they forget what they were doing or what happened
14% disagreed that they limit the amount of alcohol they drink so that it doesn't affect their work
In contrast, only 3% disagreed that they limit the amount of alcohol they drink when they have to drive

Many agree that it is OK to get drunk -

Almost one-half (48%) disagreed that it was OK to get drunk
39% agreed that it was OK to get drunk as long as it was not every day

Significant proportions are not concerned about the long term effects of drinking

Significant proportions (of all segments, but especially those with more risky drinking behaviours) disagreed that they were concerned about the long-term effects of alcohol -

on their physical appearance (48%)
their physical well-being (38%)
their mental well-being (42%), and their internal organs (33%)

Many adults engage in risky drinking -

96%have tried alcohol at some stage or other and most of these (96%) have had a 'full' glass
88% of those who had ever had a 'full' glass define themselves as current drinkers, with 37% drinking at least two or three times a week or daily
74% report having ever drunk five or more drinks on one occasion and of these, 36% have one so in the last two weeks. (53% more than once)
This means that one-quarter (25%) of all adults (drinkers and non-drinkers) engage in risky drinking on a relatively frequent basis.

Current Non-Drinkers

19% of the population of 18+ are current non-drinkers, this represents the smallest adult drinking segment.

Key Differences for Māori and Pacific Adults

In comparison to adults in general, Māori adults are less regular drinkers, but adult Māori drinkers have a profile that matches the profile of a risky drinker.

Pacific adults are polarised as either 'non drinkers' and those who are relatively heavier drinkers.