Public Health Communication Centre - PHCC Aotearoa

06/10/2026

Read more in our leatest Briefing in comments 👇

14/09/2026

Where do the political parties stand on prevention policies that would improve health outcomes, reduce pressure on our health system and boost productivity?

Health Coalition Aotearoa (HCA) has surveyed incumbent political parties on their support for HCA’s top twelve priorities across to***co, alcohol, unhealthy food and public health infrastructure. Disappointingly, there was no response from National or NZ First.

Read our latest Briefing with the survey results and commentary - link in comments.

11/08/2026

Housing policy is health policy.

Our latest Public Health Expert Briefing examines the public health implications of a Human Rights Foundation review, which has found government housing policies have gone backwards across all seven principles underpinning the right to a decent home.

The principles are habitability, affordability, tenure security, accessibility, cultural adequacy, location and access to core services, and all have implications for health.

The evidence shows the health burden of poor housing is substantial. Household crowding has been estimated to cause 229 deaths each year, while around 28,000 child hospital admissions are for potentially avoidable conditions attributable to poor housing.

Jenny Ombler (University of Otago) and co-authors say the impacts of inadequate housing are often greatest for groups already experiencing disadvantage.

A new report finding that government housing policies have gone backwards across all seven principles underpinning the right to a decent home has major implications for population health.

08/07/2026

Transport costs are forcing many households to choose between essential travel and other basic needs, with consequences for health and wellbeing.

Briefing authors Assoc Prof Curl and Dr Rebecca Kiddle say reducing reliance on private vehicles through long-term investment in healthier, low-carbon transport systems would reduce transport poverty and improve resilience to future fuel price shocks.

Transport poverty in Aotearoa New Zealand is worsening with recent fuel cost rises limiting access to healthcare, food, education, employment and social connections. Long-term investment in low-carbon, less car-dependent transport systems is needed.

02/07/2026

Leaded petrol disappeared from New Zealand service stations nearly 30 years ago. But it's still being used in some light aircraft and motor racing. Our new Briefing says it's time to plan a transition to unleaded alternatives.

Leaded petrol is still being used in some light aircraft and motor racing in Aotearoa New Zealand, despite the well-established health risks of lead exposure and the availability of unleaded alternatives.

24/06/2026

The Danish Government has committed to a drinking water nitrate limit almost ten times lower than the current international standard, following an expert review of emerging health evidence.

Assoc Prof Tim Chambers (University of Canterbury), Marnie Prickett and Prof Simon Hales (University of Otago) outline the importance of the decision for Aotearoa New Zealand and examine the actions government agencies can take to strengthen the protection of drinking water sources.

New evidence linking nitrate contamination of drinking water to colorectal cancer has prompted the Danish Government to commit to a substantially lower drinking water limit for nitrate, reducing the allowable concentration by almost ten-fold.

09/06/2026

A new study shows supportive messages placed inside to***co packs could help people quit smoking by building confidence and highlighting the benefits of becoming smokefree.

In our latest Briefing, Prof Janet Hoek (University of Otago ) and Prof Philip Gendall (Massey University - Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa) argue Aotearoa New Zealand should mandate efficacy inserts as a low-cost, evidence-based measure to reduce smoking.

A new study suggests that low-cost efficacy inserts inside to***co packs could help more people quit smoking by providing supportive, whānau-focused messages that build confidence and complement existing warning labels.

08/06/2026

The Health Select Committee is considering a Good Samaritan law that would provide legal protection to people seeking emergency help during an overdose.

Jacek Kolodziej (NZ Drug Foundation), Prof Michael Baker (University of Otago) and co-authors examine the evidence behind these laws and their potential to reduce preventable overdose deaths, which claim about 150 New Zealand lives each year.

With nearly three New Zealanders dying from accidental drug overdose every week, more needs to be done to prevent such deaths. Good Samaritan overdose laws are one intervention that can help save lives.

02/06/2026

Budget 2026 directs funding to health but falls short of what is needed to strengthen a system strained by years of underinvestment, with little prospect of significant improvements in access, equity or performance.

Prof Paula Lorgelly (University of Auckland - Waipapa Taumata Rau) says the Budget misses an opportunity to invest upstream in prevention and primary care, with health agencies continuing to face growing demand, increasing cost pressures and workforce shortages, trying to deliver more with less.

Read our latest Briefing.

Budget 2026 increases health spending but falls short of what is needed to address years of underfunding, with insufficient investment in prevention and primary care to improve access, equity and long-term health system performance.

21/05/2026

The hantavirus outbreak highlights how a lethal zoonotic virus can spread internationally through modern travel.

The outbreak has important implications for Aotearoa New Zealand, including the need to support coordinated international health measures and strengthen pandemic preparedness.

Read more in our latest Briefing ...

The hantavirus outbreak highlights the need for Aotearoa New Zealand to strengthen pandemic preparedness, support coordinated international health measures and invest in research and prevention of zoonotic spillover.