Alcohol Healthwatch > News & Events

16 Jul 2025: Media - New low-risk drinking guidelines challenge outdated advice

30 Jun 2025: E-News

Alcohol And Mental Health Symposium - M ā te Wai, Ka Ora Transforming Our Waters, Transforming Ourselves
Parliament Building, Wellington Held 5 May 2025 Presentation videos are now available to watch here

24 June 2025: Factsheet - Analyzing the myth of ‘vexatious’ alcohol objections

19 Jun 2025: Factsheet - Aucklanders praise new alcohol trading hours

11 Jun 2025: Media - No pregnancy warning labels on alcohol

11 Jun 2025: Factsheet - Lacking the label? An audit of pregnancy warning labels on alcohol products

9 Jun 2025: Factsheet - Alcohol education programs for sports clubs

29 Apr 2025: Media - Alcohol and mental health symposium at Parliament – 5 May 2025

28 Mar 2025: E-news

5 May 2025: Invitation - Alcohol and Mental Health Symposium 2025 (Flyer)

M ā te Wai, Ka Ora Transforming Our Waters, Transforming Ourselves
Parliament Building, Wellington 8.30am - 6.30pm

The symposium will be an opportunity to identify key action areas for prevention and early intervention in this important area. Hosted by Aotearoa New Zealand's first-ever Minister for Mental Health, Hon. Matt Doocey, the time to act has never been better. Click here for more information & registration

Note: Registration is essential to attend this event

30 Jan 2025: Submission - Crimes Legislation (Stalking and Harassment) Amendment Bill Submission from Alcohol Healthwatch

7 Jan 2025: Media - Licensing decision lauded for prohibiting buy now pay later schemes in bottle stores

20 Dec 2024: Mental Health Bill – Submission from Alcohol Healthwatch

9 Dec 2024: Media - New Health NZ campaign Nuture the Future Within welcomed by Alcohol Healthwatch

13 Dec 2024: E-news

1 Nov 2024: Submission - Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2025 – 2029 Consultation

29 Nov 2024: Media - Booze delivered quickly with few checks in Auckland

29 Nov 2024: Document - Alcohol Home Deliveries: age verification processes of online alcohol delivery companies in Auckland, New Zealand

29 Nov 2024: Infographic - Alcohol Home Deliveries: age verification processes of online alcohol delivery companies in Auckland, New Zealand

Presentation Videos: FASD Symposium 2024, Western springs garden community hall, Auckland 25-26 September 2024
FASD IS WHAT I HAVE, NOT WHO I AM
KO TE FASD KEI A HAU, EHARA I A HAU

Andrew Galloway, Alcohol Healthwatch - Opening remarks

Raawiri Ratu -Kaiaarahi of Kookiri ki Tāmakimakaurau Trust and WAI2624 Lead Claimant

Claire Gyde - Looking back to look forward

Dr Joanna Chu - FASD research priorities

Prof Sally Casswell - Quantifying alcohol harm to others, policy changes we need to see

Quickfire FASD research updated, Chaired by Dr Joanna Chu

Dr Felicity Ware, Hāpai Te Hauora - Developing Whakakothitanga Aotearoa FASD diagnostic guidelines

Hon Dr Shane Reti, Minister of Health - Address to the FASD symposium

Selah Hart, Hauora Māori Services, Health NZ

Dr Claire Achmad, Chief Children's Commissioner- Kia kuru pounamu te rongo: All mokopuna living their best lives

Sandar Duckworth, Litmus-Looking back and moving forward

Public Health Agency - panel discussion

Anna Gundesen, FASD-CAN Navigator for Tāmaki - Developing our voices: FAS-CAN individuals development programme

Leigh Henderson, FASD-CAN Chair - Reflections on the FASD Symposium

Andrew Galloway, Alcohol Healthwatch - Closing remarks

23 Oct 2024: Document - A Guide to Inform Local Alcohol Policy Development

17 Oct 2024: Media - New Factsheet a Reminder that Healthier Environments Reduce Cancer

10 Oct 2024: E-news

17 Sept 2024: The Cost of Alcohol-Related Harm in Aotearoa New Zealand ,2024: Understanding the NZIER Report

20 Jun 2024: E-news

19 Jun 2024: Media - NZIER cost of alcohol harms in New Zealand estimate a staggering $9.1 billion

2024: Tikanga Māori and alcohol licensing proceedings. Prepared for the Health Promotion Directorate of Health New Zealand /Te Whatu Ora and the Ministry of Justice by Kristen Maynard

18 Jun 2024: Factsheet - No and Low Alcohol Products

The Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Diagnostic Guidelines for Aotearoa New Zealand 2024

Alcohol Healthwatch have been a staunch advocate for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and we welcome the Minister of Health Hon Dr Shane Reti’s announcement at the Papakura Marae last month” says Andrew Galloway, executive director.

The first page of the guidelines has some living experience voice quotes, such as:

“I think it is absolutely crucial that the families are supported in the system and that we are advocating and empowering them with whatever resources are there” and we couldn’t agree more.

Alcohol Healthwatch looks forward to working with the Public Health Agency on the refresh of the FASD action plan, seeing continued implementation of currently funded activity to maintain FASD and other alcohol harm reduction efforts and the seeing the scoping and development of new initiatives to build momentum in this important area.

26 Mar 2024: E-news

Funded PhD opportunity 2024
Marsden project - Dark nudges and sludge: big alcohol and dark advertising on social media

A funded Māori PhD opportunity is available! We are delighted to announce a PhD scholarship for Māori students within a new Marsden-funded project, and are seeking enquiries from potential candidates nationwide. For your PhD, you would develop your own project aligned to the Marsden project and you will be able to investigate an area that particularly interests you. Ideally you would have a background in social, as well as qualitative research skills such as kaupapa Māori research. You do not need to live in Auckland but may need to travel for some team meetings (travel costs will be covered).

For more information click here

The closing date for applications: 18th April 2024, 5pm. Please contact: Dr Taisia Huckle: t.huckle@massey.ac.nz or Dr Acushla Sciascia acushla@mapuna.co.nz.

March 2024: Presentation - Alcohol advertising near schools in Auckland By Sarah Sneyd Alcohol Healthwatch (video)

29 Feb 2024: Media - Drinkers harm more than themselves - new study reveals alarming magnitude

Deep South Alcohol and Drug Harm Reduction Hui
18th -19th March 2024 Dunedin

The 2024 Deep South Alcohol and Drug Harm Reduction Hui will be held on
Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th of March 2024 at the Dunedin Art Gallery.

This Hui is a free event open to everyone, and will feature a number of keynote speakers while also providing an opportunity to network and build relationships with others who are committed to alcohol and drug harm reduction in Otago and Southland. Places are limited to 100 attendees.

Click here for more information and to register

18 Dec 2023: E-news

12 Dec 2023: Infographics- A snapshot of the findings from a study on public awareness
of alcohol as a cancer risk factor and support for alcohol harm
prevention policies in Aotearoa New Zealand

7 Dec 2023: Infographics - Alcohol advertising near schools in Auckland
Read the Full Report Alcohol advertising exposure near schools in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

29 Sept 2023: E-news

8 Sept 2023: Media - "I Wish people knew…" Campaign amplifying the voices of those impacted by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

25 Aug 2023: Media - Empowering Communities to control alcohol in their neighbourhoods

Resources

July 2023: Factsheet - Alcohol advertising exposure near schools in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

July 2023: Factsheet - Alcohol sponsorship and marketing at music festivals in Aotearoa New Zealand

DEFINING OUR FUTURE – ALCOHOL POLICY AND PLANNING FORUM
HELD IN TAMAKI MAKAURAU/AUCKLAND ON 17TH AND 18TH JULY 2023

Alcohol Healthwatch celebrates two inspiring and unifying days at our Defining Our Future – Alcohol Policy and Planning Forum, held in Tamaki Makaurau/Auckland on 17th and 18th July 2023.

Speaker presentations

Kristen Maynard: Te Tiriti o Waitangi and alcohol law

Dr Jude Ball: Adolescent alcohol harm: research & policy implications

Caterina Giorgi: Alcohol in Australia

Kassie Hartendorp: Mobilising community & influencing policy

Nic Carah: Alcohol advertising on digital media platforms

Dr Rose Crossin: On-demand alcohol delivery

Ryan Gage: Generating political priority for alcohol policy reform

Prof. Sally Casswell: Aotearoa and global collaboration: benefits and mechanisms

Dr Tim Chambers: Bombarded by Booze: Children’s alcohol exposure in Aotearoa & how to stop it

Dr Tim Chambers: Interventions to reduce alcohol-related harms: a modelling study

Vacancy: Executive Director (CLOSED)

A national role focused on reducing alcohol-related harm & inequities in NZ
Work with a highly functional, dedicated and supportive team & Board
Permanent, full-time based in Newmarket, Auckland

For more information and to apply for the role click here

Applications close: 5pm, Sunday 20th August 2023

17-18 July 2023: Invitation to Defining Our Future - Alcohol Policy and Planning Forum in Auckland

To register click here CLOSED

30 June 2023: E-news

8 Jun 2023: Media -Long awaited relief for communities in alcohol law changes

5 May 2023: Media - A win for local democracy

31 Mar 2023: E-News

20 Mar 2023: Media - Alcohol advertising on social media platforms

14 Mar 2023: Media - Delay of alcohol law reform false economy

23 Feb 2023: Webinar 4 – Understanding and addressing alcohol harm in Pasifika adolescents
Watch the recording here.

23 Feb 2023: Fact Sheet - Understanding and addressing alcohol harm among Pasifika secondary school students

23 Feb 2023: Addressing Alcohol Harm in Adolescents Technical Report 4: Pasifika analysis. Methods and data tables

Webinar Series: Understanding & addressing adolescent alcohol harm

This free webinar series, hosted by Alcohol Healthwatch and the Adolescent Health Research Group, will present new findings from the Youth2000 adolescent health survey. Leading experts will discuss what the findings mean for policy and community action to reduce alcohol harm among young people. We warmly invite policy makers, community leaders, youth workers and anyone with an interest in this important kaupapa to attend.

Registration for the webinars is here: https://events.otago.ac.nz/aaah-webinar-2022/registration

If you are unable to attend, a recording will be made available at https://www.youth19.ac.nz/

Webinar #4 – Understanding and addressing adolescent alcohol harm among Pasifika youth

Thursday 23 February 2022, 12pm–1pm For more information click here

Vacancies

Executive Director CLOSED

Health Promotion Advisor CLOSED

Webinars

This webinar series has been made possible with funding from the nib foundation and Te Hiringa Hauora / The Health Promotion Agency. Registration for all the webinars is here:
https://events.otago.ac.nz/aaah-webinar-2022/registration

Webinar 1 – Understanding and addressing adolescent alcohol harm: Overview

Watch the recording here. (27 Sept 2022)

Webinar #2 - Understanding & addressing alcohol harm among rangatahi Māori

Watch the recording here. (15 Nov 2022)

Webinar 3 – Understanding and addressing alcohol harm in Rainbow adolescents

Watch the recording here. (13 Dec 2022)

Webinar 4 – Understanding and addressing alcohol harm in Pasifika adolescents

Date: Thursday 23 February 2023
Time: 12pm–1pm

Watch the recording here. (23 Feb 2023)

16 Dec 2022: E-news

13 Dec 2022: Document - Addressing Alcohol Harm in Adolescents Technical Report 3: Rainbow analysis. Methods and data tables

13 Dec 2022: Factsheet - Youth 2000 UNDERSTANDING AND ADDRESSING ALCOHOL HARM among Rainbow youth at secondary school

13 Dec 2022: Action needed to address high levels of alcohol harm among Rainbow students

7 Dec 2022: ‘Community Participation’ Bill will enable a fairer alcohol licensing process

24 Nov 2022: Celebrations as Auckland moves to clean up alcohol product advertising

10 Nov 2022: FANNZ Update

Factsheet on youth drinking from the NZ Youth 2000 surveys (see more below):

Nov 2022: Factsheet- UNDERSTANDING AND ADDRESSING ALCOHOL HARM among rangatahi Māori at secondary school

Addressing Alcohol Harm in Adolescents Technical Report 2: Māori analysis. Methods and data tables November 2022

11 Oct 2022: E-news

Download the first four factsheets on youth drinking from the NZ Youth 2000 surveys.

Youth 2000 - SOURCES OF ALCOHOL AND HARM among secondary school students

Youth 2000 - ALCOHOL HARM among secondary school students

Youth 2000 - DRINKING PATTERNS among secondary school students

Youth 2000 - RISK AND PROTECTIVE FACTORS FOR ALCOHOL USE among secondary school student

Addressing Alcohol Harm in Adolescents Technical Report 1: Methods and overview of findings 27 Oct 2022

27 Sept 2022: Webinar #1: Overview of adolescent alcohol use and harm

This free four-part webinar series, hosted by Alcohol Healthwatch and the Adolescent Health Research Group, will present new findings from the Youth2000 adolescent health survey. Leading experts will discuss what the findings mean for policy and community action to reduce alcohol harm among young people. We warmly invite policy makers, community leaders, youth workers and anyone with an interest in this important kaupapa to attend.

Click here to read more.

9 Sept 2022: Media- FASD Awareness Day: faster progress needed to prevent and support

9 Sept 2022: Invitation: FASD in Aotearoa - Where we are now

Alcohol Healthwatch and FASD-CAN are also hosting a FASD webinar, “FASD in Aotearoa: Where We Are Now”. Join us at 9am on the 9^th September on Zoom. We’ll come together online in solidarity of FASD Awareness Day in Aotearoa New Zealand. We'll turn a spotlight on some of the mahi from the year behind us and on the challenges ahead.

Speakers include: FASD-CAN Chair Leigh Henderson, Harsh Vardhan from Te Whatu Ora, educator Tania Henderson, Janell Dymus of Hāpai te Hauora, journalist Paula Penfold (tbc) and Nicki Jackson of Alcohol Healthwatch.

Click on this link to zoom to join on 9/9/2022 @9am

25 Aug 2022: FANNZ Update

11 Aug 2022: Report: Exposure to alcohol-related branding at community-level rugby and rugby league games across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland June 2022

30 Jun 2022: Factsheet - Alcohol sponsorship of sport in Aotearoa New Zealand

30 Jun 2022: E-news

1 Jun 2022: Reflections on Budget 2022 tackling alcohol-related harm

27 May 2022: E-news

7 Mar 2022: Documentary- Disordered: how we’re failing Kiwis with FASD

15 Feb 2022: Factsheet - Are you concerned about alcohol advertising and signs at local alcohol outlets?

Dec 2021: Factsheet: Alcohol Taxes and Levies

Dec 2021: Factsheet: Minimum Unit Pricing

20 Dec 2021: E-news

15 Nov 2021: PROOF | Documentary about NZ's drinking culture | RNZ - Two years ago Guyon Espiner stopped drinking. Now, the award-winning journalist and podcast-maker has made a documentary about New Zealand's drinking culture and the alcohol industry.

15 Nov 2021: FANNZ Update

4 Nov 2021: Media - Study shows alcohol sold at pocket money prices
Document - Cheap drinks: An exploratory audit of alcohol prices at off -licences across Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland. July 2021

27 Oct 2021: Submission - Consultation on alcohol signs and advertising at liquor stores in Auckland

5 Oct 2021: FANNZ Update

CLOSED
Aucklanders – we need your help.

Auckland Council is currently asking for public feedback on signs and advertising at liquor stores. Consultation closes October 27. Please take two minutes to have your say on this important issue.

We know that liquor stores can be an eyesore in the environment, with their huge posters and numerous signs. This can impact the way that communities feel about where they live, reducing community wellbeing.

We also know that liquor stores often feature images of alcohol brands, products and drinking occasions. Children, young people and persons with alcohol use disorders are vulnerable to these forms of advertising, increasing alcohol-related harm.

Restricting signs and advertising at liquor stores is a win-win. We can create healthier, fairer environments that support Aucklanders to drink less and reap the amazing benefits.

Please go to https://www.protectourfuture.org.nz/ to have your say. Thank you for your support.

29 Sept 2021: Media - Commissioners show leadership on FASD by invoking statutory mandate

28 Sept 2021 - Report of the Disability Rights Commissioner and Children’s Commissioner to the Prime Minister Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: A Call to Action

27 Sept 2021: Media - DHBs call for stronger action on alcohol will improve health and equity

21 Sept 2021: FANNZ Update

9 Sept 2021: Webinar - Watch the video: FASD AWARENESS DAY 2021 AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND

9 Sept 2021: Factsheet - Prenatal alcohol exposure and lifelong impact of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

9 Sept 2021: Media- Global message to prevent harm from drinking during pregnancy

FASD AWARENESS DAY: ONLINE EVENT Thursday 9 September, 8.50am – 9:50am
via ZOOM

Kia ora koutou,

Due to COVID-19, we have had to cancel the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Day hui at the University of Auckland Waipapa Marae.

However, we are pleased to announce that, together with the University of Auckland, we will mark FASD Awareness Day with a short online event via zoom. This Thursday, 9th September, from 8:50am to 9:50am.

We are honoured to have the following guest speakers for the event:

Children's Commissioner Judge Andrew Becroft
Disability Rights Commissioner Paula Tesoriero
FASD-CAN (Care Action Network)

We apologise for the short notice but hope you can join us to hear from our guest speakers and take a moment of reflection at 9:09am - the ninth minute, of the ninth hour, of the ninth day, of the ninth month - to symbolise the nine months of pregnancy in which to grow a healthy baby - and to reflect on those who are already living with FASD and need our support.

The zoom link is https://auckland.zoom.us/j/91757149485

Feel free to wear your red shoes to acknowledge the day. Upload a photo of your shoes and read more information about how you can support FASD Day and Awareness Month at https://www.actionpoint.org.nz/fasd.

1 Sept 2021: Factsheet - Taking action on alcohol outlet signage: improving amenity and preventing harm

FANNZ Update 8.9.21

FANNZ Update 27.8.21

POSTPONED: 3 Aug 2021: Invitation - FASD Action Plan 2016-2019. Where to from here?
Thursday 9 September, 8.30am – 4.30pm Waipapa Marae, University of Auckland 16 Wynyard Street, Auckland

FANNZ Update 13.7.21

Jun 2021: E-news

21 Apr 2021: FANNZ Update Call for Whānau research participants (Pdf)

22 Mar 2021: FANNZ Update