How can I cut back on alcohol if I don't want to stop completely?
***Make a list of all the positive reason for stopping or cutting back on your drinking. Make sure they are things that really matter to you.
***Have some alcohol-free nights: Choose certain nights each week when you don’t drink and stick to it. Tell your whānau and friends what nights you’re not drinking and ask them to support you in staying away from the booze.
***Don’t drink at lunchtime or in the afternoon.
***Have a smaller amount, or a version that’s got less (or no) alcohol in it. There are some really good alcohol-free beers and mocktails available.
***Try drinking sparkling water out of a wine glass.
***Drink slowly, if you’re genuinely thirsty have a glass of water before opening the alcohol.
***Alternate an alcoholic drink with a glass of water – try some lemon juice or mint in the water if you like it to taste of something.
***If you get tempted in the early evening (especially after a tough day) try going for a walk or having a piece of fruit instead.
***Have 1 glass with your meal (not before) and don’t keep drinking after dinner.
***Keep a diary of how much you drink, you might be surprised how much it is. Alcohol apps can help you to keep track of your drinking behaviour. Read about alcohol apps.
***Be aware of situations that encourage you to drink alcohol (places, events, people) and steer clear of them if you’re trying not to. You'll find it easier if you do things that don't involve going to the pub or drinking.
***Learn some techniques that help you stay on top of the urge to drink.
***Find out what works for you, such as:
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meditation
talking to a friend and getting some moral support
picking up a new hobby or joining a group
doing some physical exercises
getting engrossed in a crossword/book
plan a trip, a house rearrangement or renovation or a flower bed.
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Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.1% Yes
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46.9% No
Aucklanders, we want to know: How are you feeling about the current property market?
New Zealand homeowners are now more likely to sell at a loss than at any time since 2013, and if you’re in Auckland or Wellington, the odds are even higher.
But there is a silver lining: buyers are still in a strong position when it comes to negotiating prices.
So we’re curious…
How are you feeling about the current property market?
If you’re keen to dive into the details, Deborah Morris breaks down all the latest insights.
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
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