I am over 18. Can I buy alcohol for a friend who is under 18?
No. It is illegal to supply alcohol to anyone under 18. The only exception is if you are their parent or legal guardian, or you have the express consent of their parent or guardian, and you supply it responsibly. If convicted, the maximum fine is NZ$2,000.
Official figures
- Legal age to buy alcohol
- 181
- Approved evidence of age documents
- A current passport (from any country), a current New Zealand driver licence, an age card issued by Hospitality New Zealand with your photo and date of birth, or an accredited digital identity credential. Expired documents are not accepted.2
- Buying alcohol while under 18, or showing a false ID
- NZ$250 fine for each (infringement fee)1
- Drinking in a public place while under 18 without a parent or guardian
- NZ$200 fine1
- Breaking a local alcohol ban (Local Alcohol Ban)
- NZ$250 fine1
Official sources
- Alcohol laws and penaltiesNew Zealand Police · police.govt.nz
- Sale and Supply of Alcohol Regulations 2013Parliamentary Counsel Office (legislation.govt.nz) · legislation.govt.nz
- Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012Parliamentary Counsel Office (legislation.govt.nz) · legislation.govt.nz
- Alcohol bans and alcohol ban mapsAuckland Council · aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Read the full guide: Buying and drinking alcohol in New Zealand →
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Answers are based on official New Zealand government pages. Check the official source before you act. This is not immigration, legal or tax advice.
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