Epidemiology of binge drinking
Concerns over binge drinking by teenagers has led to a review of liquor advertising being announced by the New Zealand government in January 2006. The review considered regulation of sport sponsorship by liquor companies, which at present is commonplace. Previously the drinking age in New Zealand was 20, then dropped to 18 in 1999.
Kyle Lockwood
In 1998 Lockwood successfully campaigned the New Zealand Government for a photographic evidence of age card to be made available to those who do not possess a driver licence or passport. At the time driver licences in New Zealand did not include a photograph and the legal age to purchase alcohol in New Zealand was 20 (or 18 if accompanied by a parent) Lockwood noted that many young New Zealanders who appeared to be under 25 were refused access to bars and clubs or could not purchase alcohol elsewhere unless they presented a valid passport.