Unpicking alcohol protections: New Bill set to increase harm and reduce public voice Proposed changes to alcohol laws in Aotearoa New Zealand will increase availability and restrict community input, leading to greater alcohol-related harm and inequities.

Alcohol is the most harmful drug in Aotearoa NZ, yet new law changes could make it even easier to access while reducing community say over local licensing decisions.

www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/unp...

Unpicking alcohol protections: New Bill set to increase harm and reduce public voice Proposed changes to alcohol laws in Aotearoa New Zealand will increase availability and restrict community input, leading to greater alcohol-related harm and inequities.

Alcohol is the most harmful drug in Aotearoa NZ, yet new law changes could make it even easier to access while reducing community say over local licensing decisions.
www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/unp...

Unpicking alcohol protections: New Bill set to increase harm and reduce public voice Proposed changes to alcohol laws in Aotearoa New Zealand will increase availability and restrict community input, leading to greater alcohol-related harm and inequities.

Proposed changes to alcohol laws in Aotearoa New Zealand would increase availability and limit community input, contributing to greater harm and inequities. Evidence shows more access leads to more harm. @AlcHealthwatch www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/unp...

Scholarships — SCANZ - Science Communicators Association of New Zealand

#NZ Scholarships to attend the Science Communicators of NZ conference in Ōtautahi #Christchurch 25-26 June

– You do not need to be an existing SCANZ member to apply
– Applications close at 5:00pm on 30 April 2026

www.scanz.co.nz/2026-scholar...
#scicomm #SciCommNZ #SCANZ2026

An ‘ordinary’ storm with extraordinary impacts: what made Wellington’s deluge so intense?

Wellington’s extreme deluge was caused by an unfortunate combination of weather factors. But a warming climate is upping the odds of more of these events in future.

Long Covid has high prevalence and impact: Where is the Government response? Long Covid's impacts on health, social, and economic justify a well-coordinated national response focused on prevention, people-centred care, and research.

More than 400,000 New Zealanders have experienced Long Covid and nearly half are still symptomatic.

Long Covid is a stark reminder of the pandemic’s persistence with real and ongoing health, social, and economic impacts.

So where is the government response?

www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/lon...

We need to tackle vehicle ‘supersizing’ for health, climate and energy security Most trips made by double-cab utes in Aotearoa New Zealand are short, urban journeys that do not require large, high-powered vehicles, according to new analysis of national travel data.

Bigger vehicles, bigger impacts. New analysis of NZ travel data finds ‘supersized’ vehicles are mostly used for short urban trips despite their outsized health, safety, and climate costs. www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/we-...

Food policies to support healthy and environmentally sustainable diets Modelling shows that policies to improve the affordability and availability of healthy, sustainable foods could deliver substantial health gains, reduce inequities for Māori and lower long-term health...

Many New Zealanders are not following dietary guidelines. Policy changes that improve access to healthy, sustainable foods could help shift this at a population level. www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/foo...

Food policies to support healthy and environmentally sustainable diets Modelling shows that policies to improve the affordability and availability of healthy, sustainable foods could deliver substantial health gains, reduce inequities for Māori and lower long-term health...

Evidence-based food policy offers a pathway to better health outcomes, lower healthcare costs and reduced inequities in Aotearoa NZ. @xtotl.bsky.social @universityofotago.bsky.social

www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/foo...

Almost 200,000 New Zealanders are now living with long COVID – where is the government plan? The prevalence of long COVID is more than a hundred times greater than the definition of a rare disease – yet there are no specific health services or support.

"New Zealand must take long COVID seriously. Denial of these impacts and delays in providing appropriate care mean New Zealand is missing opportunities to limit harms to individuals and society." #kikorangi #longcovid @amandakvalsvig.bsky.social theconversation.com/almost-200-0...

Rapidly reducing oil reliance: Quick wins in active transport Aotearoa New Zealand’s fuel vulnerability highlights the need for rapid, low-cost measures that reduce reliance on driving by making walking and cycling safer and more accessible. Here are three quick...

NZ's fuel vulnerability highlights the need for rapid, low-cost measures that reduce reliance on driving by making walking and cycling safer and more accessible. Here are three quick wins.
www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/rap...

Rapidly reducing oil reliance: Quick wins in active transport Aotearoa New Zealand’s fuel vulnerability highlights the need for rapid, low-cost measures that reduce reliance on driving by making walking and cycling safer and more accessible. Here are three quick...

Present fuel insecurity highlights how vulnerable Aotearoa New Zealand’s fuel supply is. Low-traffic neighbourhoods, bike lanes and e-bike programmes can reduce demand quickly and keep communities moving. #cycling #urbanplanning www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/rap...

Increasing sepsis burden and persistent inequities demand national response Sepsis hospitalisations in Aotearoa New Zealand increased by 78% between 2000 and 2019, with persistent inequities for Māori, Pacific peoples and those in high deprivation.

Sepsis hospitalisations in Aotearoa rose 78% between 2000 and 2019. Despite improved survival, inequities remain stark for Māori, Pacific peoples and those in high deprivation. A coordinated national response is needed. #sepsis www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/inc...

Why Aotearoa needs stronger vape flavour regulations Youth vaping remains a significant public health concern in Aotearoa New Zealand, with new research showing that regulations designed to reduce the appeal of vaping products to young people are not be...

From 'Cotton Candy' to ‘Gummy Bear’, Vape retailers are flouting flavour restrictions, finds new research www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/why...

Influenza vaccination: One of our most effective ways to prevent heart attacks and strokes Influenza vaccination cuts the risk of heart attacks and strokes by about a third, yet remains underused among the New Zealanders who would benefit most.

The flu vaccine doesn't just prevent influenza. A growing body of research — dozens of studies and 28 systematic reviews — shows it also cuts heart attacks and strokes by around one third. Read more in our latest Briefing. #kikorangi
www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/inf...

Influenza vaccination: One of our most effective ways to prevent heart attacks and strokes Influenza vaccination cuts the risk of heart attacks and strokes by about a third, yet remains underused among the New Zealanders who would benefit most.

“Most people think of the flu vaccine as preventing a week of unpleasant symptoms, but the evidence now shows it also significantly reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes.” #kikorangi
www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/inf...

Influenza vaccination: One of our most effective ways to prevent heart attacks and strokes Influenza vaccination cuts the risk of heart attacks and strokes by about a third, yet remains underused among the New Zealanders who would benefit most.

Heart disease and stroke account for ~12,000 deaths in NZ every year. The flu vaccination reduces your risk of a major cardiac event by roughly a third. Read more from experts in our latest Briefing. www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/inf...

📢 We're excited to announce that the abstracts for 14th HSRAANZ Conference are now open.

👉 Submit your abstract here: lnkd.in/efmq4Ats

Submissions close 7 May 2026.

#HSRAANZ26

Evidence supports urgent law reform to reduce dog-related injuries in Aotearoa New Zealand The number of dog-related injuries is rising in Aotearoa New Zealand, highlighting the need for stronger prevention through amendments to the Dog Control Act.

Dog-related injuries are rising in Aotearoa New Zealand, with more than 29,000 ACC claims and over 1000 hospitalisations each year. Stronger laws are needed to prevent harm.
New Briefing: evidence for reform of the Dog Control Act 1996.
www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/evi...

Covid-19 Inquiry: Swift government action on recommendations is now needed The critical next step is the NZ Government’s response. Aotearoa needs to be ready when the next pandemic hits.

The just-released Phase Two report of NZ's COVID-19 Royal Commission of Inquiry highlights the need to prepare now for the next pandemic.

In a new Briefing, Prof Michael Baker and colleagues outline key steps to strengthen New Zealand’s pandemic preparedness. www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/cov...

Fire smoke and public health: From delayed warnings to real-time action As fires increase in frequency and severity in Aotearoa New Zealand, real-time air quality monitoring, coordinated agency response and wider access to indoor filtration have the potential to better pr...

Smoke from landscape and urban fires contains fine particles and toxic gases that harm respiratory and cardiovascular health. It requires real-time air quality monitoring and coordinated response. www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/fir...

Fire smoke and public health: From delayed warnings to real-time action As fires increase in frequency and severity in Aotearoa New Zealand, real-time air quality monitoring, coordinated agency response and wider access to indoor filtration have the potential to better pr...

Landscape and urban fires are increasing in frequency and severity in NZ. Real-time monitoring and coordinated response systems are needed to better protect communities during fast-moving fire events. www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/fir...

Fun, confidence and better health: Inside a year on an e-bike Providing free e-bikes with training and social support helps people keep riding and improves their physical and mental health, supporting the case for wider access to grow active transport in Aotearo...

Providing free #e-bikes with training and social support helps people keep riding and improves their physical and mental health, supporting the case for wider access to grow active transport in Aotearoa New Zealand. 🚲⚡ www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/fun...

Safer Drug Laws for Aotearoa: Why our 50-year-old drug legislation needs to go Evidence shows that health-based approaches to drug policy achieve better outcomes than punitive models.

You can read our full Briefing on www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/saf...

Should recreational drugs be legalised for personal use? | Herald NOW Public health lecturer Dr Rose Crossin is calling for an overhaul of NZ's drug laws. Video / Ryan Bridge Today

Evidence from international and local research shows health-based approaches to drug policy achieve better outcomes than punitive models and do not increase overall drug use when properly implemented. Watch Dr Rose Crossin on @nzherald.bsky.social LIVE
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/should-re...

Safer Drug Laws for Aotearoa: Why our 50-year-old drug legislation needs to go Evidence shows that health-based approaches to drug policy achieve better outcomes than punitive models.

Over five decades NZ’s drug laws have coincided with increased drug availability, falling prices and rising indicators of harm.

Jacek Kolodziej and co-authors call on politicians to work across party lines to replace the outdated Misuse of Drugs Act. www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/saf...

Media release: Drinking water source protection downgraded in proposed RMA replacement Protection for Aotearoa New Zealand’s drinking water sources would be significantly weakened under the Government’s proposed replacement of the Resource Management Act, based on the Natural Environmen...

Protection for NZ’s drinking water sources will be significantly weakened under the proposed replacement of the RMA. 🚱 www.phcc.org.nz/news/media-r...

High sunburn rates in Aotearoa: We need more investment in skin cancer prevention The 2025 National Skin Cancer Survey shows that despite a broad awareness of skin cancer risk, sunburn remains widespread in Aotearoa New Zealand, particularly among young adults.

Sunburn remains particularly common among young adults in NZ, with most 18–24-year-olds reporting at least one sunburn and many experiencing multiple or severe sunburns in a single summer.

www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/hig...

New analysis shows the Global Health Security (GHS) Index predicted Covid-19 mortality for non-island jurisdictions, but not for island nations. www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/glo...

Public support for investing in urban cycleways outweighs opposition – National Survey While more New Zealanders support increasing investment in urban cycleways than oppose it, there remains a substantial proportion of people who are unsure or unengaged on this issue.

Urban cycleways deliver well-documented safety, health, environmental and economic benefits. Evidence from NZ and overseas shows active transport investments often return benefits that far exceed their costs.
www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/pub...