Health Coalition Aotearoa

Prof Sharon Friel, of The Australian National University, spoke at our forum in September about how to beat the might of harmful industries when the political environment favours industry over health: “This is when civil society has to be loud, loud, loud. But you can’t be a single person, because you get completely ostracised. You can’t be a single organisation, because you’ll get your funding stopped. You must be part of a coalition. Historical analysis tells us that it’s when webs of groups are constantly speaking about these issues, raising collective consciousness, building coalitions, and holding both companies and governments to account." If you're an individual or organisation concerned about health inequities in Aotearoa, come and be loud with our coalition: https://lnkd.in/gFTUKX-B

We want all young people to experience positive mental well-being and the freedom to enjoy life without the harms of alcohol. Unfortunately, aggressive marketing by the alcohol industry to youth and a woeful lack of regulation in Aotearoa are significant barriers to achieving this. There is a well-established body of research from New Zealand and overseas that clearly links alcohol use with poor mental health outcomes and increased suicide risk. This Briefing by University of Otago researchers gives an excellent summary of key evidence in response to mental health campaigner, Mike King’s recent comments. https://lnkd.in/gcRe-NWs

More on the track record of the two companies that will be involved in delivering the cut down version of school lunches to 183,000 students in 2025 from BusinessDesk NZ and Cécile Meier Compass and Libelle underwent over half of the 75 performance management plans the Ministry of Education set up for seven of its largest healthy school lunch programme providers since 2021. Health Coalition Aotearoa spokesperson and food policy researcher Kelly Garton, PhD said it was extremely concerning to see a multi-million dollar contract being handed to suppliers who appeared to be "the worst performers of the programme". “The ability to provide high quality, nutritious meals consistently is the most essential element of a successful lunch programme. This decision shows a shocking disregard for the welfare of the students, and for good stewardship of Government funds. New Zealanders need detail on exactly how the new model will be monitored, and poor performance dealt with - particularly following the recent Ministry of Education cuts to staffing on the lunches team.   The Ministry must release the contract information and requirements regarding nutritional standards, so that New Zealanders can assess this deal for themselves. Withholding information due to “commercial sensitivity” does not stand up to the greater public interest requirement under our official information laws.” Boyd SwinburnLisa Te MorengaKelly Garton, PhD https://lnkd.in/ggGf8wDJ

A reminder for whānau in Canterbury that our members Vape-Free Kids NZ, along with Waimakariri District Council and Social Services Waimakariri (SSW), are this evening hosting this informative event on vaping in Rangiora. Will be a must-attend event for those concerned about vaping levels and access among rangatahi. 👇

"Nutrition and food safety concerns after new, cheaper free school lunch menu rolled out" Powerful quote in this Stuff story by Laura Frykberg from Hora Hora School principal Pat Newman. Full story: https://lnkd.in/gUxXfTXf

E mihi ana ki a koe Anaru - this years recipient of the Dame Tariana Turia Award. This award recognises outstanding leadership and dedication to indigenous tobacco control. Associate Professor Anaru Waa has over 25 years of experience. His work goes beyond academia, using reports, parliamentary submissions, and public commentary to drive real change. As a leader in Indigenous health, Anaru has played a pivotal role in the Tupeka Kore movement, helping shape the vision for a smokefree Aotearoa. His dedication to improving Māori health outcomes and leading the fight against tobacco harm continues to inspire public health advocates worldwide.

Local Alcohol Policies (LAPs) can reduce the availability of alcohol and related harms in our communities IF we are bold and Te Tiriti-led. And LAP trading hours must also apply to online sales and deliveries, and a 2-hour delay before delivery is needed to improve safety. HCA experts Karen Wright, Stephen Randerson and Professor Jennie Connor explain the short history of LAPs, where we're at now, and what's needed to ensure they reduce alcohol harm - published by the Public Health Communication Centre. An effective LAP requires: 👉 Meaningful involvement of Māori to uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi responsibilities within the LAP process. 👉 Community engagement, particularly in the most socio-economically deprived areas 👉 Restrictions on alcohol availability must be broad and appropriately deep to reduce harm. Applying restrictions to broad areas prevents a potential shifting of alcohol-related harm (or density) to neighbouring locations with fewer restrictions. 👉 Where outlet density is high, long-term sinking lid policies will be needed to meaningfully reduce availability. 👉 Evaluation of impacts and outcomes. https://lnkd.in/g4G2YATS

👂 LISTEN to HCA food expert Dr Sally Mackay speak about the government's new $3 meals and concern about the lack of apparent veggies in them: https://lnkd.in/gUpCvjVN "They still have to meet the same nutrition standards but I am not sure how they are going to monitor that because there are no nutritionists employed by the Ministry of Education in this role any more so who is going to be checking those nutritional standards?" According to HCA nutrition experts, if the meals meet the nutrition standards then they should have a minimum of 50/60/70g cooked veg per meal (depending on the age) or 25/30/35g salad veg.

👉 THE LATEST developments in the Associate Minister of Health's decision to create policy that favours big tobacco, with little evidence to back her decisions up. 'Labour has asked the Auditor-General to investigate a government decision to slash tax on heated tobacco products, claiming there are signs of "industry influence".' 'Labour's health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall has asked Controller and Auditor General John Ryan for an urgent investigation under the Public Audit Act.' WORTH A READ: https://lnkd.in/gKV-v2AM

Health Coalition Aotearoa (HCA) has significant concerns about the quality, nutritional standards and quality controls for the new school lunches programme. British-based multinational Compass Group, the lead supplier for the new model, lost one third of their school contracts in the current programme due to poor quality in food and service. Compass has been severely criticised in the past of its catering supply to many New Zealand hospitals. Libelle lost one third of its schools due to complaints about quality of food and service. Earlier this year both suppliers underwent a performance management plan, overseen by the Ministry of Education. “Cabinet has given a $85 million contract to a group led by a company that just months ago was forced to do a performance management plan due to poor quality and service,” Dr Kelly Garton, HCA spokesperson says. Why should New Zealanders have confidence this model will deliver the nutrition and quality growing bodies and minds need?” Garton said. There is no mention of any evaluation plan for the new program or the expected outcomes that it will deliver. This is a serious gap for a government which says that it will be evidence-based. Several independent evaluations of the current programme found a wide range of benefits for student health, well-being and educational attainment. “We would like to know what plans the Ministry has for ongoing evaluation of the new model, and if there will be safeguards in place for poor quality of food and service,” Garton said. We also know there are no nutritionists employed by the school lunches programme, as they were made redundant in the Government’s cuts to public services. “So, how will the providers be monitored, and assurances on quality provided? “Meals that are appealing to students and meet high nutritional standards are fundamental to give these students what their growing bodies and minds need – it is not at all clear the new model will provide these,” Garton said. Research has shown that the internal model for Ka Ora, Ka Ako, where schools provide meals themselves, was more successful in meeting student needs, and the associated positive outcomes. “We believe it will become extremely difficult for many schools that have successfully provided lunches to continue with funding of just $4 per student – are they expected to go fundraising or use volunteer staff to make up any shortfall?,” HCA co-chair Professor Boyd Swinburn said. We want an Aotearoa where all children and young people have the healthy food they need to grow and learn, irrespective of their family circumstances. This is not the case in Aotearoa – with 1 in 5 children living in homes that don’t have enough healthy food.