Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Health Research Council Not Supporting Sugar Tax Campaign
Health Research Council Not Supporting Group Campaigning For Sugar Tax
18 FEBRUARY
2014 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The
Taxpayer’s Union has discovered that the 'Fizz'
group of academics campaigning for a ‘sugar tax’ on soft
drinks appears to have been falsely claiming the endorsement
of the Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC). The
'Fizz' conference starts tomorrow (Wednesday).
The HRC's Chief Executive, Dr Robin Olds,
asked that the HRC logo be removed from Fizz’s promotional
material for a conference to push for a sugar tax. In an
email to theTaxpayers’ Union Mr Olds said, “In a
phone call to the conference organiser we pointed out that
using our logo was inappropriate, given that [Fizz] did not
seek our permission, and that some appeared to interpret the
logo as the HRC endorsing the conference.”
Executive
Director of the Taxpayers’ Union, Jordan Williams,
says “the organisers of Fizz didn’t seek the permission
of the HRC but used the logo to imply official endorsement
for their sugar tax advocacy.”
“The
Taxpayers’ Union has written to the other government
bodies that are apparently supporting this group. We want to
know whether they are supporting Fizz's political activities
or whether Fizz is also falsely claiming
support.”
"Fizz claims to be a health group but the
speakers’ topics are focused on political advocacy and
taxing Kiwis more. Using the HRC’s logo without permission
calls into question their academic credibility,” concludes
Mr Williams.
The HRC's response to the Taxpayers'
Union's Official Information Act request is available at
www.taxpayers.org.nz.
ENDS
ENQUIRIES:
Gabrielle
O'Brien
021 288 9948
NOTES TO
EDITORS:
The New Zealand Taxpayers’
Union is a non-partisan activist group, dedicated to
being the voice for Kiwi taxpayers in the corridors of
power. It’s here to fight government waste and make sure
New Zealanders get value for money from their tax
dollar.
The Taxpayers’ Union operates a 24
hour media line for comment on taxpayer issues.
Representatives are available on (04) 282 0302.
High
resolution images and logos are available on request or
online athttp://www.taxpayers.org.nz/pages/resources
Gordon Campbell: On bird flu, AUKUS entry fees and Cindy Lee
NZ Government: New Lab To Help Protect Key Pacific Tuna Fisheries
Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter: Ruawai Leader Slams Kaipara Council In Battle Over $400k Property
Te Pati Maori: Another ‘Stolen Generation’ Enabled By Court Ruling On Waitangi Tribunal Summons
Peace Action Wellington: Die In for Palestine Marks ANZAC day
Labour Party: Penny Drops – But What About Seymour And Peters?
Government: PM Announces Changes To Portfolios
