9889 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

9889 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: Further to WPQ 5644, what progress, if any, has been made in the last quarter (October - December 2023) on health promotion work programmes concerning 'Alcohol (prevention of alcohol related harm)'?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised that in the quarter October - December 2023, the health promotion work programme concerning alcohol related harm progressed several initiatives. These included: Developing “Alcohol Early Detection and Intervention: Guide for Professionals”, a tool to increase health sector use of alcohol assessments. Scoping the development of a long-term strategy to address disproportionate harm experienced by Pacific people. Scoping projects to address gaps in New Zealand alcohol research and evidence. Scoping a narrative assessment of the alcohol harm minimisation strategic platform Amohia te Waiora. I am further advised that during quarter, the work programme undertook a significant amount of planning, including for: Demonstration projects with local sports clubs and national sports teams to encourage alcohol-free sporting environments and support health and wellbeing promotion in sports clubs. Training District Licensing Committees around the implementation of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (community Participation) Amendment Act 2023. Training to support territorial authorities to minimise the harm from alcohol locally. Projects with local community-led organisations to reduce alcohol harm in Māori communities. Projects to support local communities to design, deliver and develop local alcohol harm reduction initiatives.