Katene Rahui: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Katene Rahui: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:659;Page:7828] 
1. RAHUI KATENE (Maori Party—Te Tai Tonga) 
 to the  
Associate Minister of Health 
: What value of productivity is lost to the economy as a result of the misuse of alcohol and what strategies does the Government have to address this issue? 
Hon PETER DUNNE (Associate Minister of Health) 
: 
 A recent report commissioned by the Ministry of Health and the Accident Compensation Corporation estimated that the cost of lost output from alcohol misuse in 2005-06 was $1.764 billion although this figure has been challenged by others. The 2007 survey of alcohol use in New Zealand showed that over 3.2 percent of adults—that is 84400 people—reported having experienced the harmful effects of alcohol on their work study or employment in the previous 12 months. A further 11.2 percent—or 251900 people—reported working while feeling under the influence of alcohol during that same time. The Government strategies are set out in the National Drug Policy 2007-12. In addition the Government has requested the Law Commission to complete a comprehensive review of our liquor legislation with the report back due in March 2010. 
Rahui Katene 
: Does the Minister agree with the New Zealand Drug Foundation that more alcohol-related deaths were prevented in terms of non-Maori than Maori relative to the size of their populations and how will the Government address this evident inequity? 
Hon PETER DUNNE 
: I am certainly aware that amongst those who drink Maori are significantly likely or more likely to have potentially hazardous drinking patterns compared with the total population. There are three or four broad strategies in place to deal with that. The Whanau Ora programme is a particular Ministry of Health priority addressed at removing inequalities. The community action youth and drugs projects come into this area as well. I know that the Alcohol Advisory Council—ALAC—currently has a 3-year action plan for Maori. Similarly work is being done through the inter-agency group working on the drivers of crime. 
Rahui Katene 
: What strategies are being introduced to address the promulgation of new products such as alcopops and ready-to-drinks—RTDs— aimed at a younger public? 
Hon PETER DUNNE 
: The Law Commission review has identified that there could well be an issue around various types of alcohol now becoming available. It sought feedback and submissions on those issues. I am given to understand that around 2500 submissions have already been received and I imagine that the issue of ready-to-drinks will feature significantly among them. As I said earlier the Government will be receiving a final report from the Law Commission next March and will be making decisions based upon it. 
Hon Lianne Dalziel 
: Can the Minister explain why the Government is holding back the passage of the Sale and Supply of Liquor and Liquor Enforcement Bill in light of the guilty plea to manslaughter last week of an individual aged 19 who did not have a full driver’s licence who would have been prohibited from driving with any alcohol in his blood if that law had been passed? 
Hon PETER DUNNE 
: I am not going to comment on a particular court case. But there are a number of measures floating around at the moment that are being held back pending the work of the Law Commission and the development of a comprehensive response once the Law Commission’s final report and recommendations have been received.