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 agreed that moderation is a responsible way to enjoy alcohol, while most see it as part of a balanced lifestyle.
This aligned with recent data from the Ministry of Health in New Zealand, in the past year, nearly three-quarters of 18-24 year olds (73 percent) are drinking in a responsible way. This has improved by 19.8 percent 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, and 60 percent of the younger generation say drinking alcohol is part of their culture and tradition, compared to just 45 percent 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.”
Here in New Zealand, the Ministry of Health's low-risk drinking guidelines 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 percent) drink beer, wine and spirits responsibly, 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 the 18-24 year age group are choosing not to drink. Since 2012, we have seen a 7.6 percent reduction in those who choose to drink (85 percent in 2012 and 78.5 percent in 2025).
The Stats NZ alcohol consumption per capita has also declined by more than 30 percent since 1986.
Scientific research supports the distinction between moderate and harmful drinking, 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.
“When consumed in moderation, beer, wine and spirits can play an important, positive role in society, contributing to both social connection and cultural life,” added Nicholls.
“Bringing people together supports community wellbeing. This includes hospitality venues that serve beer, wine and spirits, or drinking at home with friends and family.”
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