Abstract
Health Coalition Aotearoa is calling for evidence-based prevention policies around harmful products in our newly launched call-to-action, Prevention Brief 2026.
We propose tobacco endgame strategies, including licensing and reducing the number of retail outlets, reducing nicotine content, and strengthening quit programmes.
The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 needs major reform to embed Te Tiriti o Waitangi and restrict availability and marketing of alcohol. Evidence supports a 50 percent increase in alcohol excise tax.
For food policies, the school lunches programme needs proper funding and redesigning to meet its nutritional and educational goals. A law restricting the exposure of children to unhealthy food marketing and a UK-style sugary drinks industry levy are key.
Health Coalition Aotearoa believes these policies have failed to gain traction because of undue industry influence or ‘modern corruption’. Policies to tackle this must include lobbying laws, stronger management of conflicts of interest, and revised Official Information Act legislation.