Subj : Nelson 'risks' losing international cricket with advertising review
To   : All
From : News
Date : Sat Jun 08 2024 01:18 pm

Friday 7:35pm

The rules around advertising alcohol at international cricket games at
Nelson's Saxton Oval are back up for debate.


Cricket advocates fear tougher rules will risk losing future international
games, while health experts say the evidence around the negative impact of
alcohol advertising is undeniable.


The region's two councils - Tasman and Nelson - are currently proposing to
amend the Saxton Field management plan so alcohol sponsors can be advertised
on players' clothing and during international cricket games that have
contractual commitments.


A ban on alcohol advertising at the sportsground jeopardised three
international cricket matches from taking place at the venue during the
2023-24 season because Asahi Beverages NZ were one of 12 sponsors.


The two councils eventually agreed to a temporary exemption after it was
warned that New Zealand Cricket might withdraw the matches, despite the games
having already been agreed to take place at Saxton Oval.


Councillors heard arguments for and against the change during a hearing on
Friday.


Alcohol Healthwatch executive director Andrew Galloway acknowledged the
councils were in a "tough bind" but he urged them against "watering down"
their advertising controls.


"There is undeniable research evidence on the impact of alcohol advertising
on health outcomes, particularly in sport," he said.


This was reinforced by Dr Rachel Eyre, a public health medicine specialist at
Te Whatu Ora.


"The local data shows that we have rising levels of alcohol-related
hospitalisations at Nelson Hospital," she said.


"Young people who are more exposed to alcohol marketing are more likely to
start drinking at a younger age and participate in hazardous drinking."


However, cricket advocates were vocal in wanting to ensure international
cricket games continued.


Nelson Cricket Association chair Andy Leonard said the international matches
had been a "resounding success" and that alcohol advertising shouldn't
prevent other future games.


"Watching their sporting idols in action encourages participation in children
and adolescents. Watching sport has proven to provide health and well-being
benefits, and sporting events such as this create a positive sense of
community," he said.


"The success achieved in attracting international fixtures should not be put
at risk."


Peter McCosker agreed. He took two children to one of the games and said they
had a "great day" that hadn't been negatively affected by the presence of
alcohol advertising.


"What we're at risk here is losing a very positive experience for families
and for kids."


Deliberations would occur next week.


The current proposal would encourage event organisers to consider reducing
the amount of alcohol advertising at the international games.


If the changes were agreed to, it's expected that when the Saxton Field
management plan was next reviewed, the advertising of alcohol would have been
phased out except for the price and product schedules at the point of sale.


Local Democracy Reporting is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On
Air

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