PHANZ SIGNS OPEN LETTER CALLING FOR GOVERNMENT TO KEEP ALCOHOL INDUSTRY OUT OF POLICY-MAKING

Public health advocates across Aotearoa New Zealand, led by Health Coalition Aotearoa, and including the Public Heatlh Association of New Zealand, have issued an open letter to the Prime Minister and key Ministers calling for stronger safeguards to prevent alcohol industry influence in policy decisions on alcohol harm reduction.

The letter outlines how alcohol is the most harmful drug in Aotearoa New Zealand, contributing to preventable deaths and deepening health inequities, particularly for Māori communities.

The letter highlights significant concerns about the involvement of the alcohol industry in developing key policies aimed at addressing alcohol harm, arguing that the alcohol industry has a conflict of interest in policy-making, as its profits rely on increasing sales, not reducing harm.

Recent polling shows strong public support for this stance: 71% of New Zealanders agree that the alcohol industry should have no role in developing government alcohol policy.

A total of 65 organisations have signed the letter, including the Cancer Society New Zealand, NZ Council of Trade Unions, Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, University of Otago Department of Public Health, Women’s Refuge NZ, as well as several schools and city missions.

Read the full open letter on the Health Coalition Aotearoa website.