Box day: Whanganui hospital urges people to put ‘buddies before boxes’

In what has become something of a kiwi tradition, New Zealand youth will gather to celebrate Box Day this Saturday, but health officials are warning of the dangers of binge drinking.

According to a spokesperson for Whanganui Hospital, Crate Day is “one of the busiest days” for the emergency department each year, with a large influx of men between the ages of 18 and 30 presenting with alcohol-related symptoms or injuries.

The tradition involves buying a full case of beer, or twelve 745 ml bottles, and trying to consume them all in one day.

One box is equivalent to about 30 standard drinks or 300g of pure alcohol. As in previous years, liquor stores are back in action, bringing more boxes for the occasion. One is even selling boxes of RTD in place of beer to those less of a beer fan.

In Whanganui, Big Barrell Liquor on Victoria Ave had a stack of boxes ready for sale. A staff member inside the store told the Chronicle that while few had bought boxes so far, she was looking forward to a busy weekend.

“He freaks out on Friday and Saturday morning. Last year we went through some pallets,” said the staff member.

“We are very busy in the run-up.”

But despite the popularity of the event, health officials urge people to be careful this Cash Day.

Whanganui DHB health promotion officer Chester Peñaflor warned that heavy drinking, particularly outside in the heat, can be harmful.

“Drinking large amounts of alcohol can cause confusion, blurred vision, poor muscle control, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, coma and even death,” Peñaflor said.

“It can also affect a person’s judgment and decision-making ability, which can increase the risk that they will be foolish and put themselves in dangerous situations.”

Peñaflor said that after consuming such a significant amount of alcohol, it’s important for people to recognize the amount of time it takes to sober up before making important decisions.

“Those who drive or will operate machinery must remember that alcohol takes time to leave the body and it is possible that they still have alcohol in their body for several hours or even the day after drinking,” added Peñaflor.

“If you plan to participate in Crate Day, you should think about getting home safely – carpooling with a sober driver or sharing taxis are good ideas.”

Peñaflor said his advice was simple.

“Remember, alcohol affects different people in different ways, so keep an eye out for your peers and they will be attentive to you.

“Remember to put partners before boxes.”

Police are urging Crate Day participants to stay safe, saying they don’t want to stop people from having fun.

“We are aware that some people may choose to participate in Cash Day meetings. Police will be patrolling to keep our communities safe.

“This is not about preventing people from enjoying a beer with their peers. We want them to have fun, while keeping themselves and others safe,” said a police spokesman.

“We will enforce local liquor bans and if you are drinking make sure you plan ahead and know how you will get home.

“Socializing is fun, but drinking and driving shouldn’t be combined. If you’re going to drive, avoid alcohol.

“It is important for everyone to take responsibility for staying safe.”

Police suggest these simple steps if you are hosting a Crate Day or other event:

• Supervise the party and make sure there is enough food and non-alcoholic beverages available. Think about how your guests will get home.

• Remember, you cannot supply alcohol to minors unless you have the permission of their parents or legal guardians.

• If you are a parent or caregiver and young people are drinking in your home, make sure they are supervised at all times.