The impact of Maori identification on alcohol behaviour and mental health and has been neglected in the psychological literature. This paper consists of a review of literature on the history of alcohol use in New Zealand and its impact on indigenous Maori, on their cultural identity and on their mental health. Previous research has been primarily concerned with the benefits of strengthening Maori cultural identification when treating alcohol abuse. Prevalence rates of alcohol consumption, behaviour and attitudes amongst Maori have also been well established. However, none of these studies have addressed the relationship of Maori identification to alcohol behaviour. Research on the relationship between Maori identification and mental health is also scarce. Because there is little research on the associations among Maori identification, non-abusive alcohol behaviour and mental health, further research in this area would therefore contribute to an understanding of how Maori identification could impact on alcohol behaviour and mental health.