Abstract
In Aotearoa New Zealand, poor-quality food contributes significantly to diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, affecting a growing number of people who struggle to afford nutritious diets. Recent research from Te Ropu Rangahau o Te K̄ hui Matepukupuku (Cancer Society Research Collaboration) reveals that 84% of New Zealanders support government intervention to reduce the cost of healthy food. Additionally, 73% back free healthy school lunches, and 64% endorse a sugary drinks tax if the revenue supports affordable and available healthy food.
The study underscores the public’s expectation of political action on this front, challenging the misconception that such policies would be unpopular. Such policies should be part of a comprehensive New Zealand Food Strategy, drawing inspiration from successful models overseas. Poor quality food is a major cause of ill-health and deaths from diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes in Aotearoa New Zealand. An increasing number of New Zealanders cannot afford to buy a range of fruits, vegetables and unprocessed foods needed for a healthy diet.
Better diets mean not only healthier and longer lives for New Zealanders, but also downstream benefits for healthcare costs, productivity and education and, if implemented well, could reduce health inequities between M̄āori and non-Māori. New research shows the people of Aotearoa expect more from politicians on this front. The majority of New Zealanders support more government action on reducing the cost of healthy food, and back policies such as healthy lunches in schools and a tax on sugary drinks.