Hāpai Te Hauora supports new coalition against sugary drinks

MEDIA RELEASE: 9 December 2016

Hāpai Te Hauora supports new coalition against sugary drinks led by the New Zealand Dental Association.

Hāpai Te Hauora is making a stand against sugary drinks by endorsing a new consensus statement launched by the New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA) today. NZDA spokesperson Dr Rob Beaglehole said, “This is about informing the public about the negative health impacts of sugary drinks, and to advocate for a comprehensive approach to reduce sugary drink consumption.” The Consensus Statement can be found at healthysmiles.org.nz

Lance Norman CEO of Hāpai Te Hauora says "Hāpai supports this proactive movement against the harm caused by sugary drinks. We support this collective stance encompassing a range of mechanisms inclusive of a sugary drink tax. However we caution that consideration must be given to the effects on those who are already struggling financially".

Stephanie Erick Senior Advisor of the National Tobacco Control Advocacy Service at Hāpai Te Hauora, agrees "Our experience in tobacco control shows that it is important that distal interventions like taxation are supported by a range of other actions such as education, changes to the environment and support services. This is why Hāpai Te Hauora is pleased to see the Consensus Statement includes a comprehensive range of actions".

#sugarydrinksfreeNZ

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