Intentions rarely translate to action
The Herald reports: Nearly three-quarters of Kiwi fast-food consumers would trim their intake if the Government imposed a fat tax, a survey suggests. Fourteen per cent said they would quit fast food...
View ArticleDo we need a sugar tax for Xmas?
Jenesa Jeram blogs: So with the spirit of Nigella in mind, I want you to consider an important question: does New Zealand need a sugar tax to protect us from Christmas excesses? Sugar taxes have, after...
View ArticleRoughan on a sugar tax
John Roughan writes: Like rust, the researchers of public health keep trying to corrode our tax system. Like rust, they never sleep. They were at it again this week, holding a “fizz” conference at...
View ArticleODT on sugar tax
The ODT editorial: Sugar-sweetened drinks provide energy with little or no nutrients. A higher cost, it is argued, should discourage consumption. Governments in New Zealand and Australia, however, have...
View ArticleMOH report concludes sugar taxes don’t work
Eric Crampton has spent 50 days battling the Government to get a report the Ministry of Health commissioned from NZIER released. Thanks to the Ombudsman, it is now public. Eric summarises their...
View ArticleCrampton on sugar taxes
Eric Crampton writes: Sugar taxes of 10 or 20 per cent – the range usually advocated – simply do not affect consumption very much. Everybody talks about how tobacco taxes have cut tobacco consumption,...
View ArticleTaxes and black markets
Rachel Thomas at Stuff reports: The US city Philadelphia introduced a tax on sugar. A black market in soft drinks followed. Rachel Thomas visited for Stuff’s ‘Sugar Fix‘ series. A crate of Pepsi is...
View ArticleCan we keep Winston as Acting PM?
I never thought I would say this, but can we keep Winston on as Acting PM? If we have to have a Labour-NZ First-Green Government, it is more tolerable with Winston calling the shots. First issue on...
View ArticleDHB hysteria
The Herald reports: DHBs want a tax on sugary drinks – warning the obesity epidemic could result in Kiwi kids living shorter lives than their parents. The extraordinary letters sent to Health Minister...
View ArticleFailing to give full advice to the PM
The Herald reports: A sugar tax would generate millions in revenue and save lives, the Prime Minister has been told. The briefing from the Ministry of Health’s chief science advisor Dr John Potter was...
View Article$7.5 billion surplus and they’re planning another tax!
The Herald reports: Associate Health Minister Peeni Henare says measures like a sugar tax should be considered to drive up the cost of junk food and drink, along with warning labels. No sugar tax in...
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