POLICY workshops
Kia ora and welcome to the PHANZ Policy Workshop Series
This page hosts a series of short workshop webinars developed to accompany the release of upcoming PHANZ policy position statements. Each session includes a quick overview of the policy position, followed by a presentation from a public health expert who shares insights into the importance of policy and advocacy in improving health outcomes and addressing inequities in Aotearoa New Zealand.
These sessions are open to everyone — no membership login is required.
Nau mai, haere mai – we’re glad you’re here.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in these webinars are those of the presenters and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Public Health Association of New Zealand (PHANZ). The information shared is for educational and discussion purposes only. PHANZ does not endorse any specific views, organisations, or products mentioned during the webinar.
POLICY WORKSHOPS
FRESHWATER AND HEALTH
12 June 2025
Host: Luke Garland, PHANZ Senior Policy Advisor
PHANZ Member Public Health Expert: Marnie Prickett
Policy Position Statement Overview:
Supports a precautionary, equity-focused, and Te Tiriti-aligned response to freshwater policy, to improve and protect the ecological health of waterways, reduce nitrate contamination of drinking water sources, and restore the mauri (life force) of waterbodies to protect population health.
About our PHANZ Member Public Health Expert:
PHANZ member Marnie Prickett is a Research Fellow in the Department of Public Health at the University of Otago, Wellington. Marnie has a background in freshwater ecology and agricultural science. She has been an advisor to government on freshwater policy and to state-owned farming company Pāmu (Landcorp) on improving protection for the environment.
Her current work in the department focuses on analysis of freshwater policy and the communication of water issues, with a particular focus on drinking water source protection.
She is interested in improving landscape-scale decision making to protect and improve the health of communities and the natural environment.
COMMUNITY WATER FLUORIDATION
11 June 2025
Host: Luke Garland, PHANZ Senior Policy Advisor
PHANZ Member Public Health Expert: Heuiwon (Chris) Han
Policy Position Statement Overview:
Supports the effectiveness, safety and cost-efficiency of community water fluoridation in improving oral health, and in reducing oral health inequities, in Aotearoa New Zealand.
About our PHANZ Member Public Health Expert:
PHANZ member Heuiwon (Chris) Han is an Oral Health Senior Lecturer at the Auckland University of Technology. Prior to his academic role, Chris worked in both public and private dental sectors, delivering comprehensive oral health care to diverse communities. Chris is serving as a community engagement director (executive member) of Te Ohu Pūniho Ora o Aotearoa – New Zealand Oral Health Association, as well as an editorial board member of the Australia and New Zealand Journal of Dental and Oral Health Therapy. In 2024, Chris joined the College of Oral Health Academics executive committee and has been appointed as a member of the Oral Health National Clinical Network (Te Whatu Ora), which aims to address accessible, integrated and equitable oral health outcomes.
