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Read our submission to the Ministry of Health on the Proposals for a Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 Action Plan. The Initiative has, over the past several years, undertaken research into tobacco harm reduction policies because of our concern for the inequities caused by the existing tobacco control regime. Read more

The year 2020 was one none of us will forget in a hurry. Lives were put on hold. Read more

Read our submission, written by Dr Eric Crampton to The Ministry of Health. This submission is in response to the public consultation document, Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990: Proposals for regulation. Read more

On August 8, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the Government would consider loosening New Zealand’s border controls and strict visa regime. Ardern said the Government is “keen to get local businesses more access to essential skilled workers to help grow the economy and create opportunities for resident Kiwis.” The Government is right to be concerned about this issue. Read more

Since the first cases of the Covid-19 virus emerged in the Chinese province of Wuhan, several East Asian countries including Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan have successfully 'flattened the curve' of infection rates. The three countries used common public policies in the first 50 days since each registered their 100th case. Read more

Tobacco policy in New Zealand has traditionally neglected the needs of smokers. The good news is that youth uptake of smoking has significantly declined. Read more

On 31 October 2017, the New Zealand Initiative requested the Ministry’s work on sugar taxes. In terms of the Official Information Act, I am requesting the following information about the Ministry of Health’s work on sugar taxes: All advice provided by the Ministry of Health to Minister of Health Jonathan Coleman regarding sugar taxes; All briefings and correspondence related to Professor John Gibson’s work on sugar taxes; All reviews and summaries of existing research about sugar taxes; Any meeting notes, PowerPoint slides, emails and correspondence regarding sugar taxes for any meeting of ELT. Read more

The New Zealand Initiative is New Zealand's leading think tank. The Initiative produces accessible, evidence-based research (available in print and online) with a focus on policy areas we believe are vital for a free and prosperous New Zealand. Read more

Lifestyle regulations assume people do not always act in their best interests. The Health of the State warns against policies designed to protect people from themselves. Read more

Improving compensation for live organ donors is a rare opportunity to save and improve lives, whilst also saving the government money over the longer term. Elizabeth Prasad demonstrates that every kidney transplant provides recipients with longer and better lives, while being much cheaper than dialysis. Read more