Sobriety gaining momentum
More New Zealanders are saying goodbye to alcohol, so we’re giving you some tips to up your alcohol free game.
Our 2024 Healthy Futures research has shown alcohol consumption is on the decline, with a growing number of New Zealanders reducing their intake or choosing to live life booze-free. According to the latest research a quarter of those surveyed reduced their alcohol intake over the last six months and over 41% consumed no alcohol at all.
Encouragingly, the current average of 4.12 units of alcohol consumed per week in New Zealand is well below the Ministry of Health’s recommendations for alcohol consumption; up to 10 standard drinks per week for women and 15 for men.
The way New Zealanders view alcohol varies widely, but when looking at different groups’ consumption patterns, some interesting trends have emerged.
No alcohol
- Alcohol consumption is on the decline, in 2020 36% of respondents said they consumed no alcohol, this number increased to 38% in 2022 and again in 2024 to 41%
- Those living with a disability or illness are the least likely to drink alcohol – 52% of people in this group said they consume no alcohol in an average week
- People who are unemployed are also more inclined to not consume alcohol – 51% of people who are not in the workforce don’t drink alcohol
- Women are less likely to drink alcohol than men – 48% of female New Zealanders said they consume no alcohol vs. 35% of males.
Drinking patterns at life stages
- While alcohol consumption levels were lower across the board from previous years, there were differences in the amount consumed when looking at different life stages
- Parents living with young kids consumed more alcohol than those at other life stages. The mean units of alcohol consumed per week was 4.27 for this group
- University students drunk the least, consuming a mean of just 3.13 standard drinks per week
- The mean alcohol consumption per week for people at other life stages were:
- SINKS/DINKS - 3.8 units
- Living with older kids – 3.2 units
- Retired – 4.14 units.
The ‘sober curious’ movement is a trend that has gained momentum in recent years as more people are choosing to drink less alcohol, particularly among younger people. In 2019 34% of New Zealanders were alcohol free, and that figure has steadily increased to 41% in 2024.
For more insights about New Zealanders’ changing health and wellbeing attitudes and behaviours, see our 2024 Healthy Futures Report.
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