We wish to raise the purchase age of alcohol back to 20 because binge drinking is a problem in New Zealand society and its prevalence amongst teenagers is worrying.

According to Alcohol.org.nz 19% of New Zealanders aged 15 years or older who drank alcohol in the last year have a potentially dangerous drinking problem.

2008 study of 2,548 undergraduates from five New Zealand Universities found that 37% of the undergraduates surveyed reported binge drinking in the week before the survey took place. (http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-11/ace-hda111308.php)

Teenagers are more at risk to the negative effects that alcohol can have on memory and learning since the brain is still in development in the teenage years.(http://www.alcohol.org.nz/alcohol-you/your-body-alcohol/effects-populations/young-people)

According to ahw.org.nz in the first 12 months after the lowering of the
purchase age there was a 50% increase in 18-19 year olds Emergency Department
admissions with alcohol poisoning.

Those under the age of 25 have the highest injury risk and rate of accidents
from the use of alcohol and they also have a greater risk of dependence on alcohol and a lower tolerance level for alcohol. (http://www.alcohol.org.nz/alcohol-you/your-body-alcohol/effects-populations/young-people)