Did New Zealand's new alcohol legislation achieve its object of facilitating public input? Qualitative study of Maori communities

Background and Aims The Treaty of Waitangi stipulates equality between Maori and non-Maori, yet Maori continue to have substantially poorer health, a driver of which is alcohol-related morbidity. In 2012, the New Zealand government introduced legislation claiming it would facilitate community input on decisions about alcohol. We investigated the experience of Maori communities with the new law. Design and Methods We obtained submissions made to local governments and invited a diverse range of submitters from iwi (tribes), hapu (sub-tribes/clan groups) and Maori service providers, to participate in semi-structured interviews with Maori researchers. We used template analysis to develop hypotheses, and searched for disconfirmatory evidence within interview transcripts and recordings. Results Participants had committed substantial human resources to write submissions informed by technical knowledge of liquor licensing and relevant research. They reported that local governments did not seem to engage meaningfully with the content of their submissions, and failed in many instances to update participants on how the consultation was progressing. Some observed that the alcohol industry had easier access to local politicians, and therefore expected outcomes to reflect industry interests. Discussion and Conclusions In their response to Maori constituents on proposed alcohol policies, local governments were felt to lack the inclination or capacity to consult meaningfully. By devolving responsibility for alcohol availability while failing to compel and resource local government to give regard to treaty obligations, the new legislation risks widening existing health inequalities between Maori and non-Maori.