The Canterbury earthquakes appear to have played a part in sustaining otherwise mediocre alcohol sales.
Figures from Satistics New Zealand show the volume of alcoholic beverage available in New Zealand fell slightly last year.
But despite this annual fall, there were increases in volumes sold in the June and September quarters.
It was attributed partly to higher consumption during the Rugby World Cup.
But Statistics New Zealand says another reason for the rise at that time might have been the need to replenish stocks in bottle shops and pubs in Christchurch, which were damaged in the quakes.
