An anti-alcohol abuse group says the country should not be surprised by a child who appeared drunk at a Hamilton skate park in a video posted online.
The YouTube footage shows the nine-year-old stumbling and and struggling to walk. He says he drank 18 pre-mix bourbon drinks and asks the man filming it not to show his video to police.
Alcohol Action New Zealand spokesperson Professor Doug Sellman says the incident is an extreme example but is not unique. Police have investigated the incident and say they believe adults provided alcohol and charges are possible.
A paediatrician at Starship Children's Hospital in Auckland said the hospital sees many teenagers and some children as young as 12 who are drunk, but it is rare for a nine-year-old to be hospitalised for alcohol.
Dr Patrick Kelly said the children or teenagers turning up at hospital are drunk on RTDs like pre-mixed bourbon and cola. He said they are actually suffering alcohol poisoning and serious brain injury can result.
Hamilton City Area Commander Inspector Greg Nicholls said the boy's mother did not supply alcohol and is extremely distraught by the incident. "On discussion with the mother and having an assessment of the home situation we're quite comfortable that the care and protection of the child is assured by that mother, " he said.