New Zealanders are drinking less alcohol than previously thought.

Auckland University has carried out the country's first large-scale trial of testing wastewater to monitor alcohol consumption.

It found the average alcohol consumption to be 1.2 standard drinks per day for people over 15 years, lower than the World Health Organisation's 2018 estimate.

Alcohol Beverage Council executive director Virginia Nicholls told Mike Hosking that the report didn't factor in responsible drinking.

She says 86% of Kiwis are drinking responsibly, but it's a concern that 16% are drinking in a hazardous way.

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New Zealanders are drinking less alcohol than previously thought. 
Auckland University has carried out the country's first large-scale trial of testing wastewater to monitor alcohol consumption. 
It found the average alcohol consumption to be 1.2 standard drinks per day for people over 15 years, lower than the World Health Organisation's 2018 estimate. 
Alcohol Beverage Council executive director Virginia Nicholls told Mike Hosking that the report didn't factor in responsible drinking. 
She says 86% of Kiwis are drinking responsibly, but it's a concern that 16% are drinking in a hazardous way. 
LISTEN ABOVE

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.