Promoting research, analysis and commentary for a healthier Aotearoa. Subscribe to our Briefing. www.phcc.org.nzhttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mvo23aters2oPart of the problem, according to @janethoek.bsky.social , is “Big Tobacco’s” influence on vaping, with several tobacco companies now owning vape brands. https://www.stuff.co.nz/health/361033542/health-leader-who-has-seen-kids-young-5-vaping-faces-funding-cut16 Sep 2026 21:04 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mvo23aters2ohttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mvjl43ynys2chttps://www.rnz.co.nz/news/health/1371685/horrendously-high-number-of-hiv-infections-in-fiji-babies-health-researcher Victoria University senior health researcher Sharon Mclennan told Checkpoint the situation in Fiji was "pretty bad" and had been driven partly by increased drug use.15 Sep 2026 02:25 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mvjl43ynys2chttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mvjjz5ieic2cParties on the left show strongest backing for policies to reduce harm from tobacco, alcohol and unhealthy food in a survey of political parties conducted by Health Coalition Aotearoa. https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/political-party-positions-tobacco-alcohol-and-unhealthy-food-policies15 Sep 2026 02:06 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mvjjz5ieic2chttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mvj7iklys22nWhich political parties back stronger action to prevent harm from tobacco, alcohol and unhealthy food? A new HCA survey finds strong support from Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori. https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/political-party-positions-tobacco-alcohol-and-unhealthy-food-policies14 Sep 2026 22:57 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mvj7iklys22nhttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mv4olknzek2dTamariki are paying the price for the decisions leaders are making to prioritise the profits of the food industry over cost-effective healthy food policies, say researchers. https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/government-inaction-unhealthy-food-revealed-new-research09 Sep 2026 23:23 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mv4olknzek2dhttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mv4iknskjs2dNew research finds virtually no progress by the NZ Government on policies to create healthier food environments since 2023, despite a health system overburdened with nutrition-related chronic disease. https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/government-inaction-unhealthy-food-revealed-new-research09 Sep 2026 21:35 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mv4iknskjs2dhttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3muy2hnwevk2zFiji’s HIV epidemic is a reminder that Aotearoa New Zealand’s health is closely linked to the health of our Pacific neighbours. Regional health security requires regional action. https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/what-fijis-ongoing-hiv-epidemic-means-aotearoa-new-zealand08 Sep 2026 03:12 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3muy2hnwevk2zhttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3muxhduy4vs26Fiji is experiencing one of the world's fastest-growing HIV epidemics with implications that extend beyond its borders and Aotearoa New Zealand must step up its response, according to public health researchers. #Pacific #PublicHealth https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/what-fijis-ongoing-hiv-epidemic-means-aotearoa-new-zealand07 Sep 2026 21:30 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3muxhduy4vs26https://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mugbgqmf522mDementia prevention is not just about individual choices. Policies that reduce exposure to modifiable risk factors can help reduce dementia risk across the NZ population. https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/dementia-prevention-could-significantly-reduce-future-demand-aged-care01 Sep 2026 01:29 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mugbgqmf522mhttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mufxtc5k7s2mDementia prevention should be part of aged care planning. Tackling modifiable risk factors could prevent thousands of cases and ease future demand for care. https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/dementia-prevention-could-significantly-reduce-future-demand-aged-care31 Aug 2026 22:37 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mufxtc5k7s2mhttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mu3r6kn7bs2pOn its own, the health sector cannot achieve population health & wellbeing. Health Impact Assessments offer a practical, evidence-based tool for all parts of govt to improve health, wellbeing & equity. Read more in our latest Briefing. https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/health-impact-assessments-should-be-mandatory-part-policymaking27 Aug 2026 21:11 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mu3r6kn7bs2phttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mtwrrvv6hc2eHealth? Yes. Harmony? No. Politicians trade ideas on health and harm prevention  https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/26-08-2026/health-yes-harmony-no-politicians-trade-ideas-on-health-and-harm-prevention?utm_source=spinoff-share-button&utm_medium=bluesky25 Aug 2026 21:39 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtwrrvv6hc2ehttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mtul3ghaxs2lNow open for questioning the panel.25 Aug 2026 00:34 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtul3ghaxs2lhttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mtuktna6t22lTe Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer says the state of health system for Māori is dire and actions of the current Government have been very harmful. She says a focus on prevention is critical and blaming on individuals for their health does help anyone. #PublicHealth #nzpol25 Aug 2026 00:29 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtuktna6t22lhttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mtukhcrssk26Green Party health spokesperson Hūhana Lyndon says no matter where you live - urban or rural - no matter your ethnicity or the community you’re in, you must be able to access quality public healthcare and that reinstating smoke free legislation is essential. #PublicHealth #nzpol25 Aug 2026 00:22 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtukhcrssk26https://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mtuk2k4rxk26Labour Party’s Health Spokesperson Ayesha Verrall says the Government has repeatedly put commercial interests ahead of the public. She says we must have a prevention first healthcare system. #PublicHealth #nzpol25 Aug 2026 00:15 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtuk2k4rxk26https://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mtujt4w2nc26ACT Party Health Spokesperson Todd Stephenson the first to address the crowd. He highlights some vaccination priorities for his party such as RSV. #PublicHealth #nzpol25 Aug 2026 00:11 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtujt4w2nc26https://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mtujooc7oc26Corin Dann reminds us that at the last election many of us were still reeling from the height of the COVID pandemic. A good time to check in about where to from here for prevention and public health. #PublicHealth #nzpol25 Aug 2026 00:09 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtujooc7oc26https://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mtujhlcn422rKicking off the Political Panel on Prevention: Getting serious about reducing harm with the Health Coalition Aotearoa at Parliament. More to come. #PublicHealth #AotearoaNewZealand #nzpol25 Aug 2026 00:05 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtujhlcn422rhttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mswatwpqxk2hNew research strengthens the case for a precautionary approach to oral nicotine pouches. NZ should not allow sales until there is robust independent evidence that they are safe and effective cessation aids. @janethoek.bsky.social @universityofotago.bsky.social https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/oral-nicotine-pouches-unproven-safety-and-efficacy-clear-risks-youth12 Aug 2026 23:11 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mswatwpqxk2hhttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3msw33md6uc2eNew University of Otago research finds young people are concerned oral nicotine pouches could increase nicotine use rather than help them quit vaping, with social media marketing presenting the products as safe, discreet and desirable. @janethoek.bsky.social https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/oral-nicotine-pouches-unproven-safety-and-efficacy-clear-risks-youth12 Aug 2026 21:28 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3msw33md6uc2ehttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mstxd4qjg22rA Human Rights Foundation review finds government housing policy has gone backwards across all seven principles underpinning the right to a decent home, with important implications for public health. #aotearoa https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/seven-ways-housing-policy-moving-backwards-health-and-human-rights.12 Aug 2026 01:15 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mstxd4qjg22rhttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mstl5lu2k22oHousing policy is health policy. Yet government housing policies, in #Aotearoa have gone backwards across all seven principles underpinning the right to a decent home. https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/seven-ways-housing-policy-moving-backwards-health-and-human-rights11 Aug 2026 21:37 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mstl5lu2k22ohttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3msetvy6aek2tWhen is a limit not a limit? A new Briefing warns that proposed changes to the Natural Environment Bill would allow Ministers to authorise breaches of human health limits for air quality, undermining their role as a public health safeguard. https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/no-real-limits-air-pollution-proposed-rma-reform06 Aug 2026 01:04 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3msetvy6aek2thttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3msej773wc22hIn our latest Briefing, Lou Wickham and co-authors argue the fundamental right of NZers to breathe clean air should not be subject to Ministerial discretion, & recommend the Natural Environment Bill be sent back to the Select Committee for further consideration. https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/no-real-limits-air-pollution-proposed-rma-reform05 Aug 2026 21:52 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3msej773wc22hhttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mschva3wlk2yPublic health researchers are calling for more drinking fountains to be installed nationwide, because they can help improve people's health. https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2019046286/professor-nick-wilson-on-the-benefits-of-drinking-fountains05 Aug 2026 02:23 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mschva3wlk2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mschrnxrh22yInstalling more public drinking fountains is a low-cost way to support healthier communities by encouraging the use of green spaces, promoting physical activity and reducing sugary drink consumption across Aotearoa New Zealand. https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/simple-intervention-doubles-taranaki-drinking-fountains-public-health-success-story05 Aug 2026 02:21 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mschrnxrh22yhttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3msbv2yqeks2nPublic drinking fountains are a simple, low-cost investment that can support physical activity, encourage the use of parks and provide a healthier alternative to sugary drinks. #publichealth https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/simple-intervention-doubles-taranaki-drinking-fountains-public-health-success-story04 Aug 2026 20:47 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3msbv2yqeks2nhttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mrokwcp36s2xNew research involving more than 630,000 NZ preschool-aged children has found lower rates of tooth decay in fluoridated areas, reinforcing the benefits of community water fluoridation. https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/nz-fluoridation-dashboard-launched-study-confirms-benefits-children28 Jul 2026 04:24 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mrokwcp36s2x