Northland police say new alcohol laws will help reduce the harm caused by alcohol abuse in public areas but home-based drinking remains an issue.
This month the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act became law, which affects the way alcohol is sold and consumed in New Zealand.
Far North alcohol harm reduction officer Senior Constable Graeme Wright said while the laws will help reduce the harm caused by alcohol abuse in public areas, home-based drinking still causes a lot of problems.
"Family violence, which often has alcohol in the mix, continues to be a significant problem in Northland. Disorder at parties where people have had too much to drink is also an issue.
Mr Wright said at this time of year with office parties, barbecues and family gatherings there was a tendency to drink too much which could lead to disorder or family violence. People needed to take care with the amount they drank wherever they were.