New Year’s Eve Trends Among Kids Today

Key Takeaways:

• The number of young people drinking on New Year’s Eve in New Zealand is decreasing, with 21% of 18- to 24-year-olds not having had a drink in the past year.
• Gen Z values wellbeing and economic security, leading to a shift away from excessive drinking and towards more low-key celebrations.
• The cost of living is also a factor, with many young people opting for cheaper alternatives such as house parties or smaller gatherings.
• There is a trend towards increased use of substances such as ketamine and MDMA, particularly at festivals.
• Experts advise young people to be aware of the risks associated with substance use and to plan ahead for a safe and enjoyable New Year’s Eve.

Introduction to the Changing Times
Alex Casey infiltrates gen Z circles to find out how young people are planning to ring in 2026 across Aotearoa. For decades, getting rat-arsed on New Year’s Eve has been a rite of passage for New Zealanders. However, in recent years, headlines suggest that the boozy tide might be turning. Various local studies have reported a “dramatic drop” in youth drinking compared to 20 years ago, reflecting a similar rise of a “sober-curious” gen Z cohort in the UK and US. The 2025 New Zealand Health Survey found that 21% of 18- to 24-year-old New Zealanders hadn’t had a drink in the past year, compared to 15% in 2012.

Shifting Attitudes and Behaviors
These changing habits are having an impact on bars and live music venues, but what about New Year’s Eve? To find out, I bravely contacted every single gen Z person I have ever encountered in my entire life to ask what they had planned. “The whole blacking out shitfaced goodness is still happening, but I think there’s a change in youth valuing things like wellbeing and economic security,” said Sacha*, 20. She’s spending New Year’s with her family – “something more low-key that doesn’t go till dawn” – with just “a few” quiet drinks. Ray Thompson, national director for alcohol harm prevention organisation Red Frogs New Zealand, has observed how the pandemic changed drinking habits in young people on occasions like New Year’s Eve.

The Impact of the Pandemic and Cost of Living
The pandemic has had a significant impact on the way young people approach New Year’s Eve. “Over Covid, things like university parties and clubbing weren’t happening in the same way, so we now see more elements of overwhelm, and young people who don’t know how to hang out in groups any more,” said Thompson. Along with social shifts, the cost of living has also impacted how young people approach New Year’s. “NYE at a mate’s place is always the go because you can get fucked up for cheap, and celebrate the New Year with your closest mates while not having to spend $$$ waiting an hour in traffic to get out of town,” said one 25-year-old. The cost of attending festivals and events is also a factor, with many young people opting for cheaper alternatives.

The Rise of Substance Use
After spending the last three years at Rhythm and Vines, Ella, 22, is splashing her cash at Lakes Festival in Christchurch followed by Rhythm and Alps in Wānaka this year. She and her friends still drink “a lot” at festivals, but she has noticed things becoming a lot more “drug-oriented” in recent years – especially ketamine and MDMA. In Auckland, James has noticed the same trend. “More people are taking substances now, because they’re cheaper and much more available. A gram of cocaine is about $200, but that’s how much you’d spend on a night out drinking anyway.” Sarah Helm, executive director for Te Puna Whakaiti Pāmamae Kai Whakapiri New Zealand Drug Foundation, told The Spinoff that people aged 15 to 24 are the highest users of MDMA, cannabis and hallucinogens – although cocaine use remains highest in the 24- to 35-year-old bracket.

Expert Advice and Safety Precautions
Inspector Ian Paulin, manager of alcohol harm prevention for NZ Police, has also seen a spike in young people using drugs of late. “Definitely over the last six years, even just looking at a cohort of students in Dunedin, MDMA use is through the roof in that area,” he said. Paulin will be patrolling in Dunedin’s Octagon for New Year’s Eve, and is preparing for another big night. His “old school” advice to young partygoers is simple – “make a plan about how you’re going to get home, or [have] some ability to pay for transport if you need to. Make sure you all keep together, and make sure someone in the group is going to remain reasonably sober, if not completely sober.” Thompson at Red Frogs will also be out on the frontline at festivals and events over the next three weeks, helping volunteers provide supplies like pancakes, water, lollies and medical support to young people who may have pushed the boat out too far.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the way young people in New Zealand are planning to ring in 2026 is changing. With a shift towards more low-key celebrations and a focus on wellbeing and economic security, it’s clear that gen Z is approaching New Year’s Eve with a different attitude. While there is still a trend towards excessive drinking and substance use, particularly at festivals, experts are advising young people to be aware of the risks and to plan ahead for a safe and enjoyable night. As Thompson said, “at the end of the day, most young people are just out there wanting to have a good time on New Year’s Eve, and having a good time is not actually synonymous with drinking as much alcohol as you can or taking as many substances as you can.”