Approaches to preventing alcohol-related problems: the experience of New Zealand and Australia

New Zealand and Australia have experienced similarities in their drinking cultures and patterns since colonization. This paper briefly reviews those experiences and looks at the approaches both countries have taken in dealing with alcohol-related problems. Over 10 years ago Australia developed a national strategy embracing a harm reduction approach and more recently New Zealand embarked upon a similar process. As well as examining the development of these, other initiatives are examined. These include approaches to licensing of alcohol sales, taxation, alcohol promotion, control of drinking on licensed premises, drinking and driving intervention, community action, initiatives by Maori and Aboriginal people and efforts to educate the individual drinker.