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Jude Ball

@judeball.bsky.social
190 followers 135 following 28 posts

Population health researcher, adolescent health, tobacco alcohol and other drugs, mental health. Cat lover, cycling enthusiast

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Reposted by Jude Ball
Janet Hoek @janethoek.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Our new study, led by @judeball.bsky.social, finds vaping products are less visible in retail stores, but very low-cost products remain widely available and retailer compliance with measures introduced a year ago is patchy. See our briefing here: www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/new...
phcc.org.nz
New laws shift the vape market, but challenges for youth protection continue
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.
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Jude Ball @judeball.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
A year ago today, NZ introduced laws to reduce youth vaping. So what happened? Our new @phcc.bsky.social Briefing presents findings from an audit of 87 specialist vape stores in Wellington, and discusses policy implications. 🧵
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Reposted by Jude Ball
Mountain Tui @mountaintui.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
Highest meth use in years, doubled in a year. Now the highest gun related homicide in 20 years and calls for strong gun laws Psst the Minister in charge of firearms is ACT Party gun lobbyist Nicole McKee #nzpol #kiwi
thepost.co.nz
Gun-related homicides at highest rate in almost 20 years
Researchers have quantified the “human cost” of firearm-related deaths and hospitalisations: 2000 years of life lost each year, with Māori three times as likely to be killed in gun crime than Pākehā.
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Reposted by Jude Ball
public health guy @publichealthguy1.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
Wow. “The letter ends on a challenge to congressional lawmakers: “We took an oath. You did too. Will you uphold yours?””
statnews.com
Despite fear of retaliation, hundreds of federal workers urge Congress to protect medicine and science
Federal workers send Congress a letter pleading for help, but their trouble attracting signatures reflects fear of retaliation.
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Reposted by Jude Ball
University of Otago - Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka @universityofotago.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
OPINION: It was extremely disappointing to see the announcement last month from Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee on proposed changes on licensing in the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.⬇️
newsroom.co.nz
Government 'prioritising alcohol industry over health'
Opinion from Otago University: The Government's decision to reverse its support to limit the trading hours of off-licences, and also to remove the ability of communities to object to alcohol licences,...
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Reposted by Jude Ball
Public Health Communication Centre @phcc.bsky.social · 24/08/2025
Alternative drinking water sources are being sought by councils as nitrate pollution worsens - but one academic warns authorities they cannot “engineer their way” out of a looming crisis. #drinkingwater @ www.thepress.co.nz/environment/...
thepress.co.nz
Nitrates pollution: ‘It’s not like you can engineer your way out of the issue’
Nitrate pollution in drinking water is increasing across Canterbury, forcing local councils to find alternative water sources. But it’s a band-aid to a bigger problem, an expert says
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Reposted by Jude Ball
Richard Edwards @predwards.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
Brilliant new briefing & video (see end of briefing) by @laniteddy.bsky.social & @janethoek.bsky.social about new research from ASPIRE Aotearoa on how adding pack inserts with quitting tips & information could offer hope to people who smoke & support them to quit. www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/bal...
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Reposted by Jude Ball
John Skiles Skinner @skiles.blue · 17/08/2025
A terrorist targeted federal workers last week. There wasn’t much reporting on it. But I’m not finished thinking about it! 🧵 An anti-vaxxer fired more than 500 gunshots into CDC Atlanta, shattering 150 “blast-proof” windows on 6 buildings. Employees were pinned down in terror.
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Reposted by Jude Ball
beckydubs 🇳🇿 @beckydubs.bsky.social · 09/08/2025
YASS WHAEA!!! #nzpol
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Reposted by Jude Ball
Lydia Jennings, PhD @1nativesoilnerd.bsky.social · 08/08/2025
New article led by Tara McAllister & co-authored by Lelani Walker, @niiyokamigaabaw.bsky.social, myself, Bradley Moggridge, Serena Naepi, Brittany Kamai and @napaaqtuk.bsky.social www.nature.com/articles/d41...
nature.com
Decolonize scientific institutions, don’t just diversify them
Indigenous scholars set out eight steps to stop marginalization in academia and to enable a shared Indigenous agenda in science.
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Jude Ball @judeball.bsky.social · 08/08/2025
Is it terribly old-fashioned of me to think there should be consequences for misleading the public and using lies as a political tactic? Political careers were ended for less in ye olde days
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Reposted by Jude Ball
Public Health Communication Centre @phcc.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
New NZ data: Awareness of nicotine pouches is rising fast among youth. But most say: don’t legalise them. They’re concerned about addiction and marketing targeting young people. @judeball.bsky.social www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/nic...
phcc.org.nz
Nicotine pouches and young people: Evidence from Aotearoa New Zealand
Young people in Aotearoa are increasingly aware of oral nicotine pouches, but most oppose legalising their sale due to concerns about addiction and marketing.
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Jude Ball @judeball.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
Even though it's not legal to sell nicotine pouches in NZ, young people say Zyn is everywhere. New NZ research shows youth are seeing it, trying it, and saying don’t legalise it. www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/nic...
phcc.org.nz
Nicotine pouches and young people: Evidence from Aotearoa New Zealand
Young people in Aotearoa are increasingly aware of oral nicotine pouches, but many oppose legalising their sale due to concerns about addiction and marketing targeted at youth.
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Reposted by Jude Ball
Richard Edwards @predwards.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
@phcc.bsky.social briefing led by @judeball.bsky.social provides new evidence on awareness and use of nicotine pouches by young people in Aotearoa/NZ, and raises concerns about the Government's intent to legalise sales of these products. www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/nic...
phcc.org.nz
Nicotine pouches and young people: Evidence from Aotearoa New Zealand
Young people in Aotearoa are increasingly aware of oral nicotine pouches, but many oppose legalising their sale due to concerns about addiction and marketing targeted at youth.
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Jude Ball @judeball.bsky.social · 31/07/2025
I've just signed this petition. Time for the PM to deal with dodgy dealings between NZ First & the Big Tobacco! our.actionstation.org.nz/petitions/de...
our.actionstation.org.nz
Demand the Prime Minister strip the tobacco and vaping portfolio from NZ First
As a coalition of health organisations and advocacy groups, we are calling on the Prime Minister Luxon: strip the tobacco and vaping portfolio from New Zealand First. It's the responsibility of leade...
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Reposted by Jude Ball
Public Health Communication Centre @phcc.bsky.social · 30/07/2025
Thousands of internal JUUL documents reveal how tobacco companies sought to influence NZ public health policy, including supplying draft policies and talking points. Public health researchers say it's time for a formal inquiry. @janethoek.bsky.social #JUULGATE tinyurl.com/34b3z75h
tinyurl.com
#JUULGATE Nicotine industry documents highlight the need for greater transparency in public health policy
Thousands of documents released through lawsuits against vaping company JUUL raise serious questions about the influence tobacco and vaping companies have had on public health policy.
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Jude Ball @judeball.bsky.social · 30/07/2025
Our latest @phcc.bsky.social Briefing, led by @janethoek.bsky.social highlights apparent breaches of FCTC article 5.3 and calls for a public inquiry. 'Friendly' engagement between politicians and the tobacco industry are not OK!! #JUULGATE | PHCC share.google/wkTRP088Gs9L...
share.google
#JUULGATE Nicotine industry documents highlight the need for greater transparency in public health policy
Thousands of documents released through lawsuits against vaping company JUUL raise serious questions about the influence tobacco and vaping companies have had on public health policy.
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Reposted by Jude Ball
D Jukic She/her @dejanajuk.bsky.social · 27/07/2025
“Public health researchers at the University of Otago have called on the prime minister to show some leadership and remove the tobacco and vaping portfolio from New Zealand First, following allegations the party has been colluding with tobacco giant Philip Morris” #nzpol
odt.co.nz
Peters challenged on tobacco links
Public health researchers at the University of Otago have called on the PM to show some leadership and remove the tobacco and vaping portfolio from...
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Reposted by Jude Ball
Janet Hoek @janethoek.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
Analysis of nicotine industry documents reveals interactions with NZ First. So who was surprised? www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-dept... Great work by Guyon Espiner, RNZ.
rnz.co.nz
Nicotine lobbyists said Winston Peters was 'very powerful' and 'very industry friendly'
Lobbyists for heated tobacco products identified the NZ First leader as "friendly". His party later delivered huge tax cuts for their products.
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Jude Ball @judeball.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
our.actionstation.org.nz/petitions/lu...
our.actionstation.org.nz
PM Luxon: Uphold Codes of Conduct - Call David Seymour into line
Responsible leaders welcome advice from experts when they are creating laws and policies. They know good decision making means planning for the long term, considering diverse points of view and making...
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Reposted by Jude Ball
Keith Ng @keithng.bsky.social · 21/06/2025
This is an argument from the year of our lord 2000. Which Philip Morris, the tobacco company, had to back away from because it made them look too evil. www.nytimes.com/2001/07/18/n...
nytimes.com
Tobacco Giant's Analysis Says Premature Deaths Cut Costs in Pensions and Health Care : Critics Assail Philip Morris Report on Smoking (Published 2001)
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Jude Ball @judeball.bsky.social · 16/06/2025
Stronger vaping laws in NZ from today...
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Jude Ball @judeball.bsky.social · 16/06/2025
Major changes to NZs vape laws kick in tomorrow. Whether they successfully reduce youth vaping will depend on enforcement efforts www.rnz.co.nz/news/busines...
rnz.co.nz
Disposable vape ban and strict advertising rules begin - What you need to know
Explainer - What exactly is being banned? What are the new rules? And what does it mean for the industry and vapers?
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Reposted by Jude Ball
Public Health Communication Centre @phcc.bsky.social · 15/06/2025
"If these measures are going to work, the Government needs to implement robust enforcement and monitoring to ensure the law delivers on its promise.” @judeball.bsky.social @janethoek.bsky.social @predwards.bsky.social www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/3607...
thepost.co.nz
New vape rules need ‘rigorous enforcement’
Disposable vapes will outlawed from Tuesday, alongside restrictions on advertising, loyalty schemes and discounting. But that will only go so far towards reducing the problem of underage use, public h...
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Jude Ball @judeball.bsky.social · 13/06/2025
"The tobacco industry spent heavily on Trump’s 2024 campaign — and already has a lot to show for it."
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Reposted by Jude Ball
Public Health Communication Centre @phcc.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
The Regulatory Standards Bill would lock in a narrow, libertarian view of “good legislation”, sidelining public health, environmental protection & Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Submissions close 23 June. #StopRSB www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/reg...
phcc.org.nz
Regulatory Standards Bill threatens the public interest, public health and Māori rights
Public policy and law experts urge New Zealanders to oppose the Regulatory Standards Bill, warning that it excludes key public values like health, wellbeing and environmental protection.
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Reposted by Jude Ball
Janet Hoek @janethoek.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
Scrutiny week in Parliament next week. A great time to ask why the narrative around the Smokefree 2025 goal seems to have lost its equity focus and how the Associate Health Minister plans to ensure it's realised for all population groups. See our Conversation article here: tinyurl.com/5xrvjf3f
tinyurl.com
NZ’s goal is to get smoking rates under 5% for all population groups this year – here’s why that’s highly unlikely
For New Zealand to achieve its goal to bring smoking under 5% would require more than 80,000 people to quit this year. To be equitable, 60,000 would need to be Māori.
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Reposted by Jude Ball
Janet Hoek @janethoek.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
Our new briefing examines new vaping legislation due to come into effect soon, explores how vape retailers are offloading stock ahead of the policy change, and points out unaddressed loopholes. More to be done before we have comprehensive and effective policy. www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/tig...
phcc.org.nz
Tighter controls on vape marketing due, but gaps remain
New vaping legislation coming into effect on 17 June will tighten controls on vape product marketing and help reduce their appeal to young people, but the Government should do more to reduce vape stor...
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Reposted by Jude Ball
Janet Hoek @janethoek.bsky.social · 08/06/2025
Oral nicotine pouches, a new product from tobacco companies, are finding their way into Aotearoa even though it is not legal to sell them. Looks like a new threat to young people: www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/3607...
stuff.co.nz
Oral nicotine pouches on the rise, despite being illegal to sell
The latest nicotine product is on the rise overseas, and experts say it’s being targeted at young people.
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Reposted by Jude Ball
Rachel Maddow @maddow.bsky.social · 08/06/2025
"Tanner, a chemist at the Univ. of Mississippi working to develop a novel approach for treating glioblastoma, was notified in April that the grant was terminated. “I would like to cure brain cancer,” Dr. Tanner said. “I think that's not particularly controversial.” www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
nytimes.com
The Gutting of America’s Medical Research: Here Is Every Canceled or Delayed N.I.H. Grant
Some cuts have been starkly visible, but the country’s medical grant-making machinery has also radically transformed outside the public eye.
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Reposted by Jude Ball
George Takei @georgetakei.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
The war on science and expertise is now in full swing.
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beckydubs 🇳🇿 @beckydubs.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
From Tangata Tiriti on fb Together we defeated the Treaty Principles Bill. Even more dangerous is the Regulatory Standards Bill. Submissions are now open until 23 June. Click here to start your submission. Make sure to mention: "I oppose this Bill." www.parliament.nz/en/ECommitte...
parliament.nz
Regulatory Standards Bill Submission - New Zealand Parliament
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Jude Ball @judeball.bsky.social · 24/05/2025
Great reporting by @marcdaalder.bsky.social suggesting the govt is (yet again) making policy that benefits intl corporates, rather than NZers newsroom.co.nz/2025/05/24/i...
newsroom.co.nz
Investment Boost: Govt's ticking fiscal time bomb
Analysis: If the Investment Boost tax deductions run to $10 billion, or even $100 billion, it's all good for growth, the Government insists.
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Reposted by Jude Ball
Barbara @barbara-nz.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
Does this mean WFF will be extended to caring for our 19 and 20 year old children?
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Public Service Association @nzpsa.bsky.social · 21/05/2025
New Zealanders across the political spectrum want increased spending on public services, poll finds. This government is deeply out of touch on valuing our public services. www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
Pie graph titled '83% of kiwis want more public spending'. 48% increase spending by a lot, 35% increase spending by a bit, 11% stay the same, 3% decrease spending.
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Jude Ball @judeball.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
In case there was any doubt about racism within the privileges committee... Disgusting!
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Reposted by Jude Ball
Janet Hoek @janethoek.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
Our new Briefing, led by @judeball.bsky.social, probes commercial influences on alcohol, infant formula, road safety and tobacco, and calls for much stronger regulation of lobbying. Full details here: tinyurl.com/2s46rzv3
tinyurl.com
The rising influence of big business on policymaking: What it means for public health in NZ
Globally and in Aotearoa NZ, powerful commercial interests are shaping public policy, often at the expense of public health. What actions are needed to protect health and equity?
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Dr Lucy Stewart @lcsnz.bsky.social · 12/05/2025
I just think a lot about the abundance of research that jobs, and even fields of research, become stereotyped as easier and less important the more women move into them. There is *so much* data on this.
theconversation.com
More women in a STEM field leads people to label it as a ‘soft science,’ according to new research
The proportion of women in a discipline influences how rigorous and trustworthy people rate the field overall, as well as whether they categorize a STEM field as a ‘hard’ or ‘soft’ science.
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Sharon Murdoch @domesticanimal.bsky.social · 10/05/2025
Happy Mother’s Day from the Coalition Government My Stuff #cartoon today #nzpol #WomensPay #Fairpay #Equity #KissMyFatArseMyDarling
Cartoon. It says, “Happy Mother’s Day to all you women, mothers and child-free alike! Thank you for selflessly giving up fair pay and for sacrificing your families, your welfare, your security, and your retirement, to save our budget. YOU ARE THE BEST!” In the lower right corner are Finance Minister Nicola Willis and PM Christopher Luxon applauding. Luxon is looking a little anxiously at MP Brooke van Velden, who has gone into robot mode and sending signals to the mother ship.
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Bernard Hickey @bernardchickey.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
Many thanks to paying subscribers for their requests and permission to open this up for full public reading, sharing and listening. Carers, teachers & nurses lose up to $17b, to fund $14b of tax cuts thekaka.substack.com/p/carers-tea...
thekaka.substack.com
Carers, teachers & nurses lose up to $17b, to fund $14b of tax cuts
Pay equity grab wrecks wage rises worth up to $17b over 4 years, paying for $14b of tax cuts for NZ's wealthiest; Developers salivate over Kāinga Ora's Auckland land 'goldmines'; 3m fewer hours worked
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Deborah Russell MP @handle.invalid · 08/05/2025
These are the pay equity claims that the government wiped out in just two days to make its budget balance. It's appalling that tax breaks for tobacco companies are being funded by cutting women's pay rises and backpay. (Also listed in alt text)
Education
- ECE teachers
- Early Intervention teachers
- Primary and Area teachers in state or state integrated schools
- Secondary teachers in state or state integrated schools
- Support workers, youth workers in residential schools, Education Service
- Education Advisors (Learning Support) MoE
- Psychologist MoE employed
- Service Managers MoE employed
- Early Learning Teachers
- Tertiary Education Library Assistant
- Tertiary Education Administration and Clerical
Public Service
- Public Service Administration/Clerical Claim 1
- Public Service Administration/Clerical Claim 2
- Corrections Psychologist
- Corrections Probation Officer and Senior Practitioner
Health
- Social Service Workers (5 NGOs)
- CSWs 1 (1.7.22)
- CSWs 2 (20.11.23)
- Front line Managers and Coordinators
- Plunket Administration/Clerical
- Plunket Nurses and Clinical
- Community Midwives in Primary birthing units
- Hospice Nurses and Health Care Assistants
- Primary Care Administration
- Primary Care Nurses
- Access Community Nurses
- Labtests Awanui
- Nurses in Residential Care
- NZ Artificial Limb Service
- Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa
Local government
- Librarian and Librarian Assistant in Councils
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Reposted by Jude Ball
Brooke @curly.kiwi · 02/05/2025
This petition to stop NZ First's stupid sex definitions bill has been open for nearly a week and has 1.2k signatures The hate group's petition that spawned this bill took four months to get 2.2k signatures Let's show just how little hate there is petitions.parliament.nz/cc70b2c2-cfd...
petitions.parliament.nz
Petitions are addressed to the House of Representatives and ask that the House do something about a policy or law, or put right a local or private concern.
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Reposted by Jude Ball
Science Media Centre NZ @smcnz.bsky.social · 05/05/2025
Attention South Island-based experts looking for media training! There are still a handful of spots in our 5-6 June Chch workshop (including at least one fees-free space). We've extended the deadline to apply, and applications this week are likely to be accepted. smc.nz/science-media-savvy/#apply
sciencemediacentre.co.nz
Science Media SAVVY
Our flagship media training increases confidence and skills to help researchers to engage more effectively with the wider public through broadcast, print and social media. Apply below. We create a uni...
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Jude Ball @judeball.bsky.social · 30/04/2025
LSHTM: "We will continue to champion equity, diversity, and inclusion, not just because it’s the right thing to do but because inclusive research delivers better health outcomes for everyone"
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Reposted by Jude Ball
Becky Freeman @drbfreeman.bsky.social · 30/04/2025
The global attack on public health is shocking. The Sydney School of Public Health has made a statement affirming public health that calls on all governments and all political parties to voice commitment to public health. I urge other Schools of Public Heath join us www.sydney.edu.au/medicine-hea...
sydney.edu.au
Affirming public health
At the Sydney School of Public Health, our vision is to promote and protect health equity and wellbeing for all populations and the environments we share, nationally and globally.
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Janet Hoek @janethoek.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
Our analysis of the coalition govt's free vape initiative: www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/wha... Very expensive, especially if scaled up, highly unlikely to see the Smokefree 2025 goal realised, and not a meaningful substitute for the repealed endgame measures.
phcc.org.nz
What will the Government’s free vape starter kit programme achieve?
Free vape starter kits may help some smokers quit—but new analysis shows they’re unlikely to get Aotearoa anywhere near the Smokefree 2025 goal.
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Reposted by Jude Ball
Public Health Communication Centre @phcc.bsky.social · 13/04/2025
Free vape starter kits may help some smokers quit, but new analysis shows they’re unlikely to get Aotearoa anywhere near the Smokefree 2025 goal. www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/wha...
phcc.org.nz
What will the Government’s free vape starter kit programme achieve?
Free vape starter kits may help some smokers quit—but new analysis shows they’re unlikely to get Aotearoa anywhere near the Smokefree 2025 goal.
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Local Health and Global Profits (LHGP) @lhgp.bsky.social · 03/04/2025
A new report from the APPG on Smoking and Health shows how we can cut smoking, reduce harm and close health gaps – if there’s a plan in place. Local Health Global Profits (LHGP) supports its call for bold, funded action. Read more: ash.org.uk/resources/vi... @tcrgbath.bsky.social @phiuk.bsky.social
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Public Health Communication Centre @phcc.bsky.social · 31/03/2025
"Given that 27% of children in New Zealand live in households where food runs out often or sometimes, the very low energy content of the School Lunch Collective meals is especially worrying." #KaOraKaAko www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/aot...
phcc.org.nz
Aotearoa’s government-funded school lunches failing nutrition standards
A new analysis reveals that school lunches from the major provider, the School Lunch Collective, fail to meet nutritional standards and provide only half the expected energy for a school meal.
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