In New Zealand, there is a growing generational shift towards moderate drinking and healthy lifestyles, as overall beer, wine and spirits consumption changes.
The most recent NZ Health Survey 2024 shows that five out of six New Zealanders (83.4 percent) drink responsibly, and there has been an across-the-board decline in different measures of riskier drinking as compared to 2016/17, when the data started.
Three-quarters of Kiwis currently drink alcohol (76 percent) and fewer under-18s are drinking alcohol and those who do are drinking less hazardously.
In the Statistics NZ data in the year to March 2025, we had the lowest amount of alcohol available for consumption, per capita, falling by more than 30 percent since 1986.
This cultural shift includes being mindful of consumption, and part of that is an understanding of low-risk alcohol guidelines and knowing when to say no.
The Southern Cross Healthy Futures Report 2024 also highlights shifting alcohol consumption patterns, with more people embracing low or no-alcohol options.
One quarter of people reduced their previous intake for health reasons in the six months to March 2024. Four in ten abstain, and average consumption remains below Ministry of Health guidelines.
The NZ Ministry of Health guidelines for low-risk drinking are no more than 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 NZABC Curia market research 2024 shows us that 55 percent of Kiwis said they had tried a low or no alcohol product in the past year.
The real question we are asking ourselves is why this has been happening. We know that there has not been any significant legislative change, and yet we are seeing a significant cultural change in the way that we are drinking.
There are some answers in the Australian NIQ 2025 consumer interviews: 62 percent of consumers are moderating their alcohol consumption in some way to be more mindful, and some are actively drinking less as well.
Across the total population, NIQ looked at the main motivations for moderation, 37 percent of consumers said to save money, 32 percent to improve health and well-being, and 22 percent due to lifestyle changes.
Motivations also vary by age group, with 18-34-year-olds motivated by being a better version of themselves and to improve their sleep quality. The 35-54 year old age group are moderating to avoid hangovers and to maintain better control over their actions, while the 55+ age group are doing this to save money and to improve health and well-being.
When we compare our drinking with other countries in the OECD, Kiwis are drinking less than the OECD average. This includes less than the US, UK, Australia, Germany, France and Ireland.
Kiwis are embracing mindful drinking, choosing to drink less often and consuming fewer standard drinks on each occasion. Equally important is socialising responsibly with friends and family, which not only strengthens connections but also delivers significant benefits for overall health and wellbeing.
