The Briefing

Health Coalition Aotearoa's Prevention Brief 2026 calls for stronger evidence-based prevention policies on tobacco, alcohol, and unhealthy food alongside lobbying reform to improve health, reduce inequities and ease pressure on the health system.

A new Aotearoa New Zealand study suggests that even low levels of nitrate in drinking water may increase the risk of preterm birth, strengthening the case for reviewing current drinking water standards.

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.

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.

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.

Unlike the newly released US dietary guidelines, Aotearoa New Zealand's dietary guidelines remain broadly aligned with scientific evidence, but we lack current data on what New Zealanders are eating.

Low uptake of voluntary Health Star Ratings, combined with strong evidence that consumers value clear nutrition information, strengthens the case for mandatory labelling.

New study shows availability of very low-cost products and significant gaps in retailer compliance threaten to undermine laws introduced one year ago to reduce youth vaping.

Proposed move-on orders would criminalise homelessness and worsen outcomes for children and young people who have nowhere safe to go.

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