THREE KEY FACTS Alcohol consumption in New Zealand has declined more than 25% since the late 1970s early 80s, according to data released by Stats NZ A New Zealand annual health survey showed the lowest rate of hazardous drinking since the survey began, sitting at 16% of the adult population (down from 18.7% in 2022) Studies and research are showing that alcohol increases your risk of developing cancer, heart disease and poor mental health Rob Temple is a journalist, author and founder of the @SoVeryBritish X account, which now has more than five million followers OPINION Three years ago, I gave up drinking . Alcohol was behind a lot of the moments that make up my life, both the good and the bad ones, and, latterly, the very bad ones, so giving it up was a huge moment for me.
Now and then, I can’t help but talk about the decision to abstain, while trying my best not to be a bore about it (a sober bore is nearly as bad as a drunk bore, after all). When I do mention it, I tend to receive the same responses, so here are my replies in one handy lump..
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