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/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/3mrokwcp36s2xhttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mrnxexrrhc2tIs your local drinking water fluoridated? A new online dashboard makes it easier to find out, helping communities better understand their drinking water and fluoridation coverage in Aotearoa NZ. https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/nz-fluoridation-dashboard-launched-study-confirms-benefits-children27 Jul 2026 22:35 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mrnxexrrhc2thttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mrbi7ql2lc24Paediatricians say funding new vaccines for the respiratory illness RSV could keep thousands of kids out of hospital every year. Dr Emma Best, an associate professor of paediatric and youth health at Auckland University on Morning Report. https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2019044516/paediatricians-push-for-funded-rsv-vaccine22 Jul 2026 23:31 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mrbi7ql2lc24https://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mrbbfq4luc2qAotearoa NZ is falling behind comparable countries in protecting babies from RSV, despite effective immunisations that can prevent most severe disease. It's time to introduce RSV immunisation through the National Immunisation Programme. https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/protecting-nz-infants-rsv-case-universal-immunisation22 Jul 2026 21:29 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mrbbfq4luc2qhttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mr2fbkppnc2wPrevention saves lives. Evidence-based policies on tobacco, alcohol and unhealthy food could improve health, reduce inequities and ease pressure on Aotearoa NZ's health system. https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/more-prevention-less-modern-corruption-call-action-protect-public-health20 Jul 2026 03:50 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mr2fbkppnc2whttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mqztxfksmk2mGood public health policy depends on good public policy. Prevention Brief 2026 argues stronger lobbying rules and better management of conflicts of interest are needed to strengthen decision-making. https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/more-prevention-less-modern-corruption-call-action-protect-public-health19 Jul 2026 22:40 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqztxfksmk2mhttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mqzr6zszak2mThree commercial products - tobacco, alcohol and unhealthy food - account for around a quarter of all healthy years of life lost in Aotearoa New Zealand. Prevention policy matters. https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/more-prevention-less-modern-corruption-call-action-protect-public-health19 Jul 2026 21:51 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqzr6zszak2mhttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mqpwntatqc2l"The recent surge in fuel prices is doing more than stretching household budgets. Public health researchers say it's worsening transport poverty, making it harder for thousands of NZers to access healthcare, education, employment & even basic necessities such as food." https://waateanews.com/2026/07/09/rising-fuel-costs-drive-transport-poverty-widening-health-inequities-across-aotearoa/16 Jul 2026 00:02 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqpwntatqc2lhttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mqpwfjkrdc2l"It compared 735,800 birth records of babies born between 2008 to 2021 with the residential address of the mother and historical nitrate levels in the area, and looked at the risk of a pre-term birth." https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/science-and-technology/713399/landmark-nz-study-finds-link-between-pre-natal-exposure-to-nitrate-in-drinking-water-and-premature-births15 Jul 2026 23:57 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqpwfjkrdc2lhttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mqko4fuv6k2sNew study found higher nitrate concentrations in drinking water were associated with "small but consistent increased risks of pre-term births" at levels well below the current legal limit for nitrate in drinking water, https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/science-and-technology/713399/landmark-nz-study-finds-link-between-pre-natal-exposure-to-nitrate-in-drinking-water-and-premature-births13 Jul 2026 21:46 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqko4fuv6k2shttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mqkn2wbtpc2sA new study has found nitrate in drinking water is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth in Aotearoa New Zealand, even at levels that are much lower than the current drinking water standard. https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/nitrate-pollution-drinking-water-linked-preterm-birth-new-nz-study13 Jul 2026 21:27 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqkn2wbtpc2shttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mqilrymtkk2bA recent PHCC Briefing recommended several long-term, solutions to transport poverty that focus on reducing New Zealand's reliance on private vehicles and fuels, rather than just short-term relief. https://95bfm.com/bcast/fuel-crisis-is-worsening-transport-poverty-w-university-of-otago-associate-professor-of-public13 Jul 2026 01:59 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqilrymtkk2bhttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mq64ga62jk24The average Aotearoa NZ household spends $252 a week on transport. Higher fuel prices mean many families face impossible choices between transport, food and heating. These trade-offs have real health consequences. tinyurl.com/2h5wwt6s https://tinyurl.com/2h5wwt6s08 Jul 2026 21:57 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mq64ga62jk24https://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mpmp3xvnuk2jLeaded petrol disappeared from Aotearoa NZ's service stations nearly 30 years ago. But it's still being used in some light aircraft and motor racing. A new Briefing says it's time to plan a transition to unleaded alternatives. https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/leaded-aviation-and-motor-racing-fuel-aotearoa-new-zealand-unresolved-threat-health01 Jul 2026 23:43 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mpmp3xvnuk2jhttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mpfd7xwzkk2cSubmissions on this Bill close on Thursday 2 July. [contains quote post or other embedded content]29 Jun 2026 01:22 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mpfd7xwzkk2chttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mp2yad63k22uDenmark has committed to a drinking water nitrate limit almost ten times lower than the current international standard after reviewing expert evidence linking nitrate exposure to colorectal cancer. What are the implications for NZ? https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/denmark-dramatically-reduce-limit-nitrate-drinking-water-should-nz-do-same24 Jun 2026 22:39 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mp2yad63k22uhttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3movxieqd6225New Dietary Guidelines for Americans have been criticised for being inconsistent, at odds with the latest evidence, & potentially confusing. Our latest Briefing outlines their flaws, compares them to NZ guidelines & discusses how to support NZers to eat healthier. https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/us-has-revised-their-dietary-guidelines-should-nz-follow-suit22 Jun 2026 22:42 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3movxieqd6225https://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3molruv7lo226Health Star Ratings provide consumers with clear nutritional information at-a-glance and an incentive for food companies to make products healthier. However, the voluntary system has led to only 36% of eligible products displaying Health Stars. https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/making-health-star-ratings-foods-mandatory-big-plus-public-health18 Jun 2026 21:35 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3molruv7lo226https://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mogqh7rmrc26"Children and young people do not choose to live on the street" Public health experts say the proposed move-on orders will "criminalise homelessness" among some of Aotearoa's most vulnerable young people, including children as young as 14. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/598256/move-on-orders-will-criminalise-children-experiencing-homelessness-public-health-experts16 Jun 2026 21:26 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mogqh7rmrc26https://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mogqceft4c26A year on from law changes introduced to reduce youth vaping, a new study of retailers finds disposable vapes have largely disappeared from the shelves. However, the industry has filled the gap with very low-cost reusables, threatening to undermine the policy’s aims. https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/new-laws-shift-vape-market-challenges-youth-protection-continue16 Jun 2026 21:24 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mogqceft4c26https://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mobsycixk224The Government's proposed move-on orders would worsen outcomes for children and young people experiencing homelessness, criminalising those as young as 14. Focus should be on permanent housing and support, not criminal sanctions. https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/move-orders-will-criminalise-children-experiencing-homelessness14 Jun 2026 22:29 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mobsycixk224https://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mnvdw544w22bWarning labels explain the harms of smoking. New NZ research shows inserts inside tobacco packs effectively provide something different: encouragement, motivation and practical support to quit. #smokefree @janethoek.bsky.social https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/helping-smokers-quit-case-tobacco-pack-inserts09 Jun 2026 23:27 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mnvdw544w22bhttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mnvbtmzqi22bMost people who smoke regret starting and want to quit. New research suggests supportive messages inside tobacco packs could help build confidence to quit and complement existing warning labels. @janethoek.bsky.social #SmokefreeAotearoa https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/helping-smokers-quit-case-tobacco-pack-inserts09 Jun 2026 22:50 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mnvbtmzqi22bhttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mnsyatrnz22nAs the Health Select Committee considers the Drug Overdose (Assistance Protection) Legislation Bill, new analysis reviews the evidence for Good Samaritan overdose laws and their potential to save lives. https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/good-samaritan-overdose-laws-can-help-reduce-preventable-deaths-accidental-drug-overdose09 Jun 2026 00:53 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mnsyatrnz22nhttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mnssxvanwc2pThe Health Select Committee is considering a Good Samaritan law, providing legal protection to people seeking emergency help during an overdose. The law could reduce preventable overdose deaths, which claim about 150 New Zealand lives each year. https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/good-samaritan-overdose-laws-can-help-reduce-preventable-deaths-accidental-drug-overdose08 Jun 2026 23:18 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mnssxvanwc2phttps://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mndjhb76gk26Budget 2026 does little to address years of health underfunding. Rising costs and demand pressures will absorb most new funding, while prevention and primary care continue to miss out. #aotearoa #publichealth https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/insufficient-and-poorly-targeted-budget-means-health-system-will-continue-fall-short #aotearoa02 Jun 2026 21:18 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mndjhb76gk26https://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mne24qxwjk26Without stronger investment in prevention and primary care, health agencies will continue facing rising demand and growing costs. Budget 2026 does little to change that trajectory. #aotearoa #publichealth https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/insufficient-and-poorly-targeted-budget-means-health-system-will-continue-fall-short03 Jun 2026 02:16 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mne24qxwjk26https://bsky.app/profile/phcc.bsky.social/post/3mndjhb76gk26Budget 2026 does little to address years of health underfunding. Rising costs and demand pressures will absorb most new funding, while prevention and primary care continue to miss out. #aotearoa #publichealth https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/insufficient-and-poorly-targeted-budget-means-health-system-will-continue-fall-short #aotearoa02 Jun 2026 21:18 +0000at://did:plc:zpr43mtlsj2fiusveft53n7f/app.bsky.feed.post/3mndjhb76gk26