Some lobbyists are attributing a big increase in public disorder in Auckland city to what they say is the Government's failure to tackle alcohol abuse.
The overall crime rate is dropping, but in Auckland city public disorder offences have jumped by more than 46%.
Police say that's because of greater enforcement of liquor bans, and the Rugby World Cup.
Prison Reform Society president Peter Williams says authorities need to realise the country's national culture around alcohol has to change, and some substantial action should be taken.
Mr Williams says the alcohol industry should be regulated like the tobacco industry is.
The director of Rethinking Crime and Punishment, Kim Workman, says the country needs a government with the guts to crack down on the alcohol problem.
