Alcohol in our Lives

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Summary

The Salvation Army is a Christian evangelical movement that was established in New Zealand in 1883 from its origins in London’s East End. Since its inception in Britain and subsequent arrival in New Zealand, The Salvation Army has been directly involved in addressing the harms caused by the abuse of liquor. This involvement has been at both the practical and political levels.

Practically, the Army has offered and continues to offer support, refuge and treatment to alcoholics and addicts as well as support, advice and relief to those experiencing hardship and poverty often as a consequence of liquor and drinking. The Salvation Army also has a proud history of political activism around the sale, promotion and consumption of liquor. This activism was most prominent during the era of the temperance movement in the early decades of the twentieth century but has continued through to today with the Army’s active involvement in commenting on liquor legislation at both local and national levels. This latter involvement is the driver of this submission.