To help every New Zealander get to where they want to go in life, we urgently need to reduce alcohol harm. One of the best ways to reduce harm is to increase the price of alcohol. Less alcohol being drunk, less harm to the drinker and to others. Please show your support by signing the Price Charter, which includes a number of recommendations that are shown in research to reduce alcohol harm. You can sign up as an individual or as an organisation.

  Click to read the Price Charter.

Imagine our country with less alcohol harm – how would it look better? Tell us your story either through a video or a photo.

We all share the desire for safe, happy, healthy communities. A place where every person has the opportunity to reach their full potential. It is a win-win – we all gain when life is fairer, brighter and safer.

We would love to hear from you on this! Alcohol harm impacts every generation, now and into the future. If we reduced the harm from alcohol in our country, what would look better? You could think about it at the level of a person (e.g. better physical, mental health), family (e.g. less family violence, healthier relationships), community (e.g. safer roads and streets, less noise), or society (e.g. more money for Government to spend on cancer services, etc.).

Tell us your vision, by sending a video or a photo. Watch the other videos we have already uploaded to get an idea. We also have some guiding questions for you. Find out more or upload your resources by clicking the following buttons.

UPLOAD A PHOTO

ADD A WRITTEN STORY

RECORD A VIDEO

Share your post or video on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Use one of these hashtags -  #uncapourpotential, #morelifelessdrinklessharm, #leavealegacy

Uncap our potential by reducing alcohol harm

Join our campaign by signing up for email updates. We will keep you informed with news, progress, milestones, and actions that you can take to contribute to a brighter and fairer future with less alcohol harm. Together, we can make a difference.  

“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about”

(Margaret J. Wheatley)

Together we are stronger. In this section we help you to inspire others to share your vision for a country with less alcohol harm. A place where each person can uncap their true potential.

Share the campaign resources on social media

Share any news or campaign updates with your friends, family or wider network. It is always helpful to put a hashtag alongside your post, e.g. #uncapourpotential, #morelifelessdrinklessharm, #leavealegacy.

You can also share the media tiles and/or infographics on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or other social media platform.

@UncapNZ

uncapourpotential

Share the stories – New Zealanders sharing their dreams

Watch the videos and hear how New Zealanders working at the forefront of dealing with alcohol harm share their vision of a future with less harm. Please also share your vision on how your world would look better with less alcohol harm in your community.

SHARE OTHER STORIES

SHARE YOUR STORIES

Get your friend(s) on board

To start, understand the key factors in our environment that increase drinking and harm

Check out the explore section to enhance your understanding of how our drinking environment shapes alcohol harm.

Low alcohol prices play a major role in heavy drinking and harm. In the explore section, you will learn about measures we can put in place to address the low price of alcohol. You will also learn about all of the short-term and long-term benefits from raising alcohol prices. We can change our drinking culture together - you can be part of leaving behind an amazing legacy of creating a healthier, safer and fairer society.

EXPLORE

Think about alcohol harms that you are really concerned about

• Identify one or two alcohol harms that really concern you (e.g. family violence, poor mental health and suicide, child maltreatment, drink driving, etc.)
• What would be the positive changes for these if alcohol harms were reduced? How would you feel about this? How would these changes enable New Zealanders to uncap their potential?

Communicate your values

It is likely that you have come to this website as it appeals to your values. Our values drive our behaviour, decisions and support for action.

Taking action on alcohol often aligns with the values of many New Zealanders. Reducing alcohol harm is often about compassion for others, fairness, a moral responsibility to protect children, concern for the collective, contribution to society, etc.

It is important that when you communicate with others about alcohol harm and prevention, you relate your interest to your values. Your message will be more convincing when it articulates your inner values.

For example, market research shows that people are more supportive of actions to increase alcohol prices if they know someone who has lived experience of alcohol harm. This may include knowing a staff member who works in the weekend at a busy emergency department or a family with lived experience of family violence or addiction.

• Tips: Shared values help you to connect with others. Consider how your values play a role in wanting to reduce alcohol harm - e.g. You may want genuine connection between people in our society, and alcohol use can hinder that. You may be concerned for the safety of Police, ambulance officers or ED staff who are often involved in alcohol-related assaults. You may want to protect children from being directly harmed, or harmed through their own drinking.
• Check out some key talking points for the campaign - endless possibilities
  

CLICK TO FIND OUT MORE

Keep the conversation positive, focusing on the real possibility for change

Alongside communicating your own inner values, research shows that people are more receptive to:

• A positive message – especially one which is backed up by facts, shows clear benefits and improvements of action
• A message that highlights collective benefits for everyone to share – e.g. all of our families and communities will be safer, more productive; people want to know that they are helping others
• A message that is delivered or promoted by someone they trust, including health professionals, public health experts, and you!

Lastly, it can take time to gain support from people you care about, so keep the conversation light and positive. Change takes time.

TALK TO POLICYMAKERS

HOME

Forming an action group is an excellent way to connect with people wanting to make a difference on a common cause. It can harness new friendships, collective intelligence, and collaboration. It can also take a campaign to a whole new level, such as attracting funding opportunities and human resources.

An action group often demands fast-paced and responsive campaign actions. While an action group often establishes and develops organically, it can take any form. Sometimes a group only lasts to complete a particular task or outcome – often called a coalition. Other groups are more on-going. Regardless of the type of group, inclusiveness is crucial.

FORM A NEW GROUP

Advocate – get your message across

Advocacy is the art of persuasion.  It is about recommending a course of action or change of direction; giving a voice to those who are less enabled, and speaking in support of a person or a cause.

Be prepared to step out of your comfort zone. Taking action on alcohol can often stir up debates that are controversial and politically-charged.

Advocacy can take on many forms – grassroots advocacy, media advocacy, policy advocacy, direct advocacy, and client advocacy, etc.  Chances are you are already an advocate without realising it.  Maybe you are new to this, or perhaps you’d like to sharpen your skills. Below are tips and tools to support your advocacy efforts.

Apply for community funding

If your group wishes to apply for funding, some degree of formalisation of the group will be required. You may consider registering as a charity. You can also take other forms such as an Incorporated Society. There are requirements for such entities. To find out more, check the Companies Office.  

Develop your skills 

You may organise training workshops if group members are keen to develop their skills, e.g. communications strategies. Training and other opportunities on effective alcohol policies will be posted here.

The Community Communications Collective offers free online resources for organisations or groups, including social media strategy development, strategy planning, and writing skills.

Plan for action  

Getting things done requires some degree of planning.  Below are some simple steps to guide you through the process. You may choose to include all group members or set up a small committee for the planning process.

Develop a communications plan for your group or projects 

It’s important to think about a communications strategy – what messages should be conveyed, publicly, internally, and/or among stakeholders. Don’t leave communications to chance. Here are some tips and tools to assist you.

• If you have an Action Plan, this can guide your communications planning.
• There is a range of groups you need to think about – group members (internal stakeholders), group partners, funders etc. (external stakeholders), your community and sometimes the wider public and the media.
• For each of these groups consider why you need to communicate with them, what the key messages will be, and how you will communicate with them.
• Some communication is regular and proactive, i.e. you generate, manage, and disseminate the messages, e.g. newsletters, website posts, press releases.
• Other communication is responsive, i.e. your response to other people’s messages or content. As such, it’s helpful to prepare some key messages and information readily available.

Engage with media

• Write letters to the editor/post a comment on a website or social media platform
• Respond in the media to a local issue or submit an article on a local issue
• Respond to another comment or letter
• Start a conversation

LETTER TO THE EDITOR TEMPLATE

MEDIA RELEASE TEMPLATE

Engage with social media

Many people get their news, knowledge and information through their mobile devices. Readers often want personalised information and stories, with visual content (short videos are popular).

As such, it is useful to have an online presence and make use of the power of different social media, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter. Social media can also provide an interactive platform to engage with users and their wider networks through posts that they like and share. The following table summarises the functions and audience types of key social media. Most social media allow you to share information with everyone (public) or subscribed members (private).

KEY TYPES OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND THEIR TARGET AUDIENCE

Share the campaign resources on social media

Share any media and/or infographics on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or other social media platform.

@UncapNZ

uncapourpotential

Share the stories – New Zealanders sharing their dreams

Watch the videos and hear how New Zealanders working at the forefront of dealing with alcohol harm share their visions of a future with less harm. Please also share your vision on how your/our world would look better with less alcohol harm.

SHARE OTHER STORIES

SHARE YOUR VISION

Other useful resources 

Decision makers are always keen to hear from voters. They want to hear about the issues they are concerned about.

You can have a powerful influence by raising the issue of alcohol harm with politicians. In a democratic society, there are different ways and at varying levels in which you can have your say in front of them. For example, you can talk to or write to Members of Parliament (MPs), make a submission, develop and distribute a petition, write to Ministers, etc.

Contacting local government councillors and community board members is also important. They can address issues locally as well as advocate to politicians in Parliament. Use this page to find out how to raise your concerns to national and local decision-makers. You can also contact us for further advice.

TIP Check out key talking points on the endless possibilities with less alcohol harm. Use the explore section to equip you with the required knowledge on key evidence-based policies to reduce harm.

Visit decision-makers

Local Members of Parliament

One of the roles of MPs is to represent the views and concerns of New Zealanders in Parliament (where laws are discussed and made). Some MPs may make a stand on an issue. Local MPs are responsible for representing local views or causes of their voting districts (local electorates) within Parliament, and party caucuses, etc. You can either write or talk to them.

FIND YOUR ELECTORATE Key in your residential address to find your electorate. Note that there are two electorates for each address in New Zealand: 1) Māori electorate and 2) General electorate.			FIND YOUR LOCAL MP Find the MP who represents your electorate.
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL MPs The NZ Parliament website provides information on contacting your MPs. A contact list can also be found at the bottom of the website.			TIP Click and check out tips on meeting your local MPs

Government Ministers  
Because alcohol harm cuts across so many issues (e.g. Health, Justice, Police, ACC, etc), many ministers in Parliament effectively hold the portfolios of alcohol-related issues. Know their names if you want to influence alcohol policy decisions. Here you can find information and contacts of key ministers.

Develop a petition

A petition can be an effective way to achieve action, or at least draw attention to the need for action, on a particular issue.  If done well it can also demonstrate support for change.

• Check if there is any existing petition for the issue, or others are considering to develop one. You can collaborate with others and build more support for the petition.
• Be clear about who will receive the petition. If you want to generate political momentum, then an MP will be a possible recipient. Choose carefully.
• Ensure the wording is clear, concise and specifies what you want done.

Parliamentary rules for petitions can be found here.

Contact ActionStation if you consider using their NZ-based platform for creating an online petition. It is best to talk to them about your proposed petition.

Other petition websites include the New Zealand Parliament or Change.org.

Write and present submissions

As part of the democratic process, there is usually an opportunity for the public to provide their input and feedback when the Government is considering a policy issue. Public consultation can be called at different stages in a legislative process. Submissions can also be called for on:

• discussion documents
• draft plans or strategies
• policies (e.g. Local Alcohol Policies, alcohol bylaws)
• Parliamentary Bills (draft legislation)

It is important to have your say on local or national policy and planning processes for alcohol. Keep a lookout for opportunities for your input:

THE PARLIAMENTARY SELECT COMMITTEE

GOVERNMENT'S CONSULTATIONS LISTING

Sign up for campaign updates and submission opportunities 

Throughout the Uncap Our Potential campaign, we need your help to get the message across and amplified. Alongside visiting or writing letters to policymakers, participating in public consultations process is also important. 

SIGN UP FOR CAMPAIGN UPDATES

Prepare a written or oral submission

Engage local leaders to share your vision

Alcohol cuts across so many issues – road safety, violence, public safety, mental health and suicide, workplace safety and productivity, cancer, etc.

Given this, a wide range of community leaders may be able to take leadership on alcohol harm. Think about church leaders, kaumatua and kuia, principals, local council representatives, local organisations, etc.

Before approaching them, it is good to be able to link the alcohol harm that you are concerned about with the evidence of what is required to reduce the harm. (Link to talking points, Explore)

Consider why they would be interested in reducing alcohol harm. What values do they stand for? You can start by attending community meetings, or reaching out through online forums or groups. Always remember, keep it positive and polite.

CLICK TO FIND OUT THE ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES

EXPLORE

BUILD THE MOMENTUM

Attend community meetings

Look out in your local paper, websites or online forums (e.g. Neighbourhood Watch) for any events that relate to alcohol issues or community safety.  Attend a meeting or post a message. Let the organisers know of your concerns and gauge interest in getting together to discuss further.

Visit online community groups

Reach out through online forums such as community Facebook groups, Neighbourly, etc.

Organise an initial meeting

Sometimes a local meeting is an excellent way to get interested people together. These can be particularly useful if there has been an incident that concerns the community, and there is a wish to respond.

• TIP – Inviting a guest speaker can provide an added incentive for people to attend, and help to focus the meeting.

MEETING PLANNING CHECKLIST

Multiple ways of engagement at different levels

There are different levels that you can engage community leaders. Below is a list of activities that you could suggest the leader participate in:

• Sharing information and campaign materials on their social media
• Share their own stories on their digital platforms
• Endorse the Price Charter
• Join the campaign and connect with us
• Visit local MPs to talk about alcohol harm
• Write an op-ed in a local newspaper
• Bring the issue to the attention of other key influencers

The media is an important channel to highlight your concerns and advocacy for action. You may wish to:

• Write letters to the editor
• Post a comment on a media site
• Write an article that links local alcohol harm with the need to take action
• Respond to another comment or letter

Stay in contact with us. We will develop talking points and media templates at different points of time. Watch this space!

LETTER TO THE EDITOR TEMPLATE

MEDIA RELEASE TEMPLATE

Engage with social media

Increasingly, many people get their news, knowledge and information through their mobile devices. Readers often want personalised information and stories, with visual content (short videos are popular). As such, it is useful to have an online presence and make use of the power of different social media, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter. Social media can also provide an interactive platform to engage with users and more extensive networks by means of posts that they like and share. The following table summarises the functions and audience types of key social media. Most social media allow you to share information with everyone (public) or subscribed members (private).

Share our videos, social media tiles, or infographics

Impact of cheap alcohol in your neighbourhood - many communities express concern and frustration about the presence of alcohol-related litter and broken glass in their nearby public places - town centres, car parks, parks, playgrounds, sports fields, walkways, beaches, schools, etc.

Children are often at the greatest risk from alcohol products lying around within their neighbourhood. Broken bottles may not only present an injury risk to children, but alcohol products also present a form of harmful exposure to alcohol branding and advertising. It is suggested that the greatest risk from alcohol-related litter is faced by non-drinkers, especially children who play in public spaces where alcohol products are typically discarded.

It is possible that alcohol litter may be more common near alcohol outlets that have single alcohol products for sales, known as single sales. For example, some outlets may sell single alcohol product items at a very low price (e.g. <$2 each). Usually these are single cans/bottles of mainstream beer or Ready-to-drinks (RTDs). These products may be consumed in public places that are in close proximity to the alcohol outlet from where they have been purchased. 

Due to many concerns regarding the harm from single sales, many District Licensing Committees around the country prohibit bottle stores from selling them. Single sales are typically defined as individual beers (except craft beers) and RTDs <440mls, and shots or pre-mixed shots. Products sold as singles often end us as litter in nearby public places. It is also possible that many products sold on heavy promotion may end up as alcohol litter in local neighbourhoods.

Below is a guide to collecting information and data on alcohol litter. If alcohol litter appears to be connected to single sales in your neighbourhood, you can use this issue to object to the renewal of the bottle store liquor licence and ask that the store have a condition requiring no single sales. You can check to see if the outlet has a condition prohibiting single sales by looking at its licence. By law, the liquor licence (with its conditions) must be attached to the inside of the outlet so as to be easily read by people entering each principal entrance. If there are significant issues with intentional or unintentional breaking of glass bottles, you could also pass on this information to your local council.

AUDIT FORM - ALCOHOL LITTER & BROKEN GLASS IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Despite alcohol being our most harmful drug in society, it is often sold at rock-bottom prices. Price promotions for alcohol are everywhere.

It is important to understand and monitor the price of alcohol in your community. The lower the price, the higher the likelihood there will be alcohol problems in your neighbourhood. Low prices are often found in areas where there is a high number of alcohol outlets, as they need to compete by price to win the sale.

Ideally, we would like the Government to require alcohol companies to submit their sales data. Other countries already require this. But until this happens, we need New Zealanders to keep a close eye on the price of alcohol in their communities. Especially any alcohol sold at very low prices.

Please report to us the price of the cheapest alcohol found in your neighbourhood. This will often be from supermarkets, bottle stores or online. Cheap alcohol may also be on promotion (e.g. happy hours) in bars, pubs, as well as sports and other clubs.

To determine if a product is 'cheap', you need to know how many standard drinks it contains. By law, each alcohol product label must display the number of standard drinks it contains. This means that you can calculate the price of alcohol per standard drink – by taking the retail price and dividing it by the number of standard drinks it contains. The packaging should also list the number of standard drinks in each container.

Below are some reference products – we believe that prices under $1.40 per standard drink can be considered cheap, and those under $1.20 per standard drink are very cheap. Research shows that heavy drinkers, including young heavy drinkers, are more likely to buy cheap alcohol.

DIRECTIONS

We have prepared a form for you to collect data on the prices of cheap alcohol in our neighbourhood. Please note: do not put your safety at risk to collect data. Do not enter any alcohol outlets or bars if you feel unsafe.

REPORT FORM FOR CHEAP ALCOHOL

SUBMIT THE FORM

Please use the form and submit it to us once completed. If possible, take a picture of the respective product, including the price label and product label containing information on alcohol strength (e.g. 5% beer) or number of standard drinks it contains.

An example of a completed form is shown below.

[1] Retail price as at 1 July 2020

[2] For packages e.g. 12-pack, multiply the number of standard drinks per product by the number of products in the package.