Julia reported outcomes from a survey undertaken in 2007 of eight New Zealand university campuses investigating the level and pattern of alcohol use and its consequences among Māori students. Of a total of 3858 students surveyed, “equal explanatory power” in the sampling identified 1182 as Māori. Both male and female Māori students had high rates of alcohol consumption and hazardous drinking. During or following drinking, students experienced high levels of negative impacts on health, such as having blackouts and hangovers. There were also high levels of second-hand effects, the results of someone else’s drinking, with more than 10% of students reporting having been assaulted. The survey also investigated possible modifying factors including prior drinking history and involvement with social and community groups. Julia discussed these findings and made some suggestions as to other potential means of reducing alcohol-related harm.
