New Zealand's alcohol policy is facing increased scrutiny as international standards on alcohol consumption and public health continue to evolve. Advocates and health experts argue that the country's current guidelines and regulations are falling behind global best practices, potentially putting public health at risk. The debate has been reignited following recent reports highlighting a rise in alcohol-related harm, including increased hospital admissions and alcohol dependency among young people. The Ministry of Health has been urged to review its alcohol guidelines, which currently recommend up to 10 standard drinks per week for men and 8 for women. Critics say these limits are too lenient and do not reflect the growing body of evidence linking even moderate drinking to health risks such as liver disease, cancer, and mental health issues. In comparison, the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS) recommends no more than 14 units of alcohol per week for both men and women, with a minimum of two alcohol-free days. Australia has also introduced stricter guidelines, advising that the best way to minimize risk is to not drink at all. Advocacy groups, including the New Zealand Alcohol Policy Forum, are calling for a comprehensive review of the country's alcohol policies, including taxation, advertising restrictions, and minimum pricing. They argue that current measures are insufficient to address the growing problem of alcohol misuse and its associated costs to society. The issue has also sparked a broader conversation about the role of the government in protecting public health. With alcohol-related harm estimated to cost the New Zealand health system millions of dollars annually, there is a growing push for more proactive and evidence-based policy reform. As the debate continues, the question remains: will New Zealand take the necessary steps to align its alcohol policies with global standards, or will it continue to lag behind in the face of mounting public health concerns?