Science Media Centre

In open letter published this weekend, public health researchers are calling on the Government to introduce a tax on sugary drinks. Citing a number of grim statistics on New Zealand obesity and oral health situation, the authors urge the Government to to bring in stronger measures. “As a matter of urgency, we urge Cabinet to […]

The UK have announced plans to introduce a tax on sugary drinks. Should New Zealand follow suit? In the newly announced 2016 Budget, the UK Government outlines plans to “introduce a new soft drinks industry levy to help tackle childhood obesity, by incentivising companies to reduce the sugar in the drinks they sell, to fund […]

Researchers calling for a tax on fizzy drinks say the intervention will save improve health, save lives and increase revenue for other health initiatives. An article published today in the New Zealand Medical Journal analysed the impact of a 20% tax on carbonated beverages. The authors calculated that such a tax would save 67 lives […]