How can I cut back on alcohol if I don't want to stop completely?
***Make a list of all the positive reason for stopping or cutting back on your drinking. Make sure they are things that really matter to you.
***Have some alcohol-free nights: Choose certain nights each week when you don’t drink and stick to it. Tell your whānau and friends what nights you’re not drinking and ask them to support you in staying away from the booze.
***Don’t drink at lunchtime or in the afternoon.
***Have a smaller amount, or a version that’s got less (or no) alcohol in it. There are some really good alcohol-free beers and mocktails available.
***Try drinking sparkling water out of a wine glass.
***Drink slowly, if you’re genuinely thirsty have a glass of water before opening the alcohol.
***Alternate an alcoholic drink with a glass of water – try some lemon juice or mint in the water if you like it to taste of something.
***If you get tempted in the early evening (especially after a tough day) try going for a walk or having a piece of fruit instead.
***Have 1 glass with your meal (not before) and don’t keep drinking after dinner.
***Keep a diary of how much you drink, you might be surprised how much it is. Alcohol apps can help you to keep track of your drinking behaviour. Read about alcohol apps.
***Be aware of situations that encourage you to drink alcohol (places, events, people) and steer clear of them if you’re trying not to. You'll find it easier if you do things that don't involve going to the pub or drinking.
***Learn some techniques that help you stay on top of the urge to drink.
***Find out what works for you, such as:
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meditation
talking to a friend and getting some moral support
picking up a new hobby or joining a group
doing some physical exercises
getting engrossed in a crossword/book
plan a trip, a house rearrangement or renovation or a flower bed.
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Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?
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39.7% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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58.5% No, I enjoy it
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1.8% Other - I'll share below
Alan and Hazel Kerr share Senior New Zealander of the Year Award 2026
Dr Alan and Hazel Kerr describe themselves as ‘just ordinary old Kiwis’, despite being named as the 2026 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealanders of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.
The amazing couple prompted a standing ovation at a star-studded Auckland event which recognised their tireless efforts, with Alan travelling to and from Gaza and the West Bank 40 times to help children over 20 years, and Hazel travelling 20 times.
Click read more to find out more.
Poll: Are you still heading to your local for your caffeine fix, or has the $$ changed your habits? ☕
Auckland has a thriving cafe culture, but with costs climbing, that culture is under pressure. We’ve seen the headlines about recent closures across the country, and it’s a tough pill to swallow along with a $6+ coffee.
We all want our favourite spots to stay open, but we also have to balance our own budgets ⚖️
We want to know: How are you handling the "coffee math" in 2026? Are you still heading to your local for a chat and a caffeine fix, or has the cost of living changed your habits?
Keen to read more about "coffee math"? The Post has you covered.
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42.8% I avoid spending money on coffee
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41.1% I still indulge at my local cafe
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16.1% Irrelevant - coffee is not for me
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