What is the legal drinking age in New Zealand?

In New Zealand, the legal drinking age is 18 years. This means that any individual must be at least 18 years old to legally purchase and consume alcohol in public venues. The decision to set the drinking age at 18 was influenced by a variety of factors, including public health considerations and the maturity level associated with age.

Choosing 18 years as the legal drinking age also aligns with youth rights in many other countries, where individuals of this age are generally allowed to take on responsibilities such as voting and driving. This age reflects a consensus in New Zealand that, at 18, individuals should have the legal capacity to make their own decisions regarding alcohol consumption, while also recognizing the need for responsible drinking practices to reduce the risk of alcohol-related harm in younger populations.