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

Wow. “The letter ends on a challenge to congressional lawmakers: “We took an oath. You did too. Will you uphold yours?””

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.⬇️

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/...

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...

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.

YASS WHAEA!!! #nzpol

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...

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

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...

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.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...

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...

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

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...

“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

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.

our.actionstation.org.nz/petitions/lu...

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...

Stronger vaping laws in NZ from today...

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...

"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...

"The tobacco industry spent heavily on Trump’s 2024 campaign — and already has a lot to show for it."

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...

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

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...

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...

"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/...

The war on science and expertise is now in full swing.

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...

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...

Does this mean WFF will be extended to caring for our 19 and 20 year old children?

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...

In case there was any doubt about racism within the privileges committee... Disgusting!

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

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.

Happy Mother’s Day from the Coalition Government My Stuff #cartoon today #nzpol #WomensPay #Fairpay #Equity #KissMyFatArseMyDarling

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...

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)

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...

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

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"

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...

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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.

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...

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

"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...

‘Trumpian’ edict issued by Health Minister Simeon Brown on what public health leaders can and can’t say about public health. Soon-to-be Deputy PM David Seymour says public health doctors are “muppets” who should be put “back in their box.” My #cartoon today #NZpol #PublicHealth

New paper from NZ ITC/EASE study: 3/4s of people who smoke regret starting & intend to quit but >85% (>95% people smoking daily) report feeling addicted. Imagine impact minimising nicotine to make cigs non-addictive would have had if NZ Govt had not repealed this measure! nzmj.org.nz/journal/vol-...