Jude Ball

Gun-related homicides at highest rate in almost 20 years Researchers have quantified the “human cost” of firearm-related deaths and hospitalisations: 2000 years of life lost each year, with Māori three times as likely to be killed in gun crime than Pākehā.

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

Despite fear of retaliation, hundreds of federal workers urge Congress to protect medicine and science Federal workers send Congress a letter pleading for help, but their trouble attracting signatures reflects fear of retaliation.

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

Government 'prioritising alcohol industry over health' Opinion from Otago University: The Government's decision to reverse its support to limit the trading hours of off-licences, and also to remove the ability of communities to object to alcohol licences,...

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.⬇️

Nitrates pollution: ‘It’s not like you can engineer your way out of the issue’ Nitrate pollution in drinking water is increasing across Canterbury, forcing local councils to find alternative water sources. But it’s a band-aid to a bigger problem, an expert says

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

Decolonize scientific institutions, don’t just diversify them Indigenous scholars set out eight steps to stop marginalization in academia and to enable a shared Indigenous agenda in science.

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

Nicotine pouches and young people: Evidence from Aotearoa New Zealand Young people in Aotearoa are increasingly aware of oral nicotine pouches, but most oppose legalising their sale due to concerns about addiction and marketing.

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...

Nicotine pouches and young people: Evidence from Aotearoa New Zealand Young people in Aotearoa are increasingly aware of oral nicotine pouches, but many oppose legalising their sale due to concerns about addiction and marketing targeted at youth.

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...

Nicotine pouches and young people: Evidence from Aotearoa New Zealand Young people in Aotearoa are increasingly aware of oral nicotine pouches, but many oppose legalising their sale due to concerns about addiction and marketing targeted at youth.

@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...

Demand the Prime Minister strip the tobacco and vaping portfolio from NZ First As a coalition of health organisations and advocacy groups, we are calling on the Prime Minister Luxon: strip the tobacco and vaping portfolio from New Zealand First. It's the responsibility of leade...

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...

#JUULGATE Nicotine industry documents highlight the need for greater transparency in public health policy Thousands of documents released through lawsuits against vaping company JUUL raise serious questions about the influence tobacco and vaping companies have had on public health policy.

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

#JUULGATE Nicotine industry documents highlight the need for greater transparency in public health policy Thousands of documents released through lawsuits against vaping company JUUL raise serious questions about the influence tobacco and vaping companies have had on public health policy.

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...

Peters challenged on tobacco links Public health researchers at the University of Otago have called on the PM to show some leadership and remove the tobacco and vaping portfolio from...

“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

Nicotine lobbyists said Winston Peters was 'very powerful' and 'very industry friendly' Lobbyists for heated tobacco products identified the NZ First leader as "friendly". His party later delivered huge tax cuts for their products.

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.

PM Luxon: Uphold Codes of Conduct - Call David Seymour into line Responsible leaders welcome advice from experts when they are creating laws and policies. They know good decision making means planning for the long term, considering diverse points of view and making...

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...

Disposable vape ban and strict advertising rules begin - What you need to know Explainer - What exactly is being banned? What are the new rules? And what does it mean for the industry and vapers?

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...

New vape rules need ‘rigorous enforcement’ Disposable vapes will outlawed from Tuesday, alongside restrictions on advertising, loyalty schemes and discounting. But that will only go so far towards reducing the problem of underage use, public h...

"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...

Not to mention the $216 million tax break for tobacco companies, the $2.9 BILLION tax break for landlords, and $9 BILLION in new military spending

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

Regulatory Standards Bill threatens the public interest, public health and Māori rights Public policy and law experts urge New Zealanders to oppose the Regulatory Standards Bill, warning that it excludes key public values like health, wellbeing and environmental protection.

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...

NZ’s goal is to get smoking rates under 5% for all population groups this year – here’s why that’s highly unlikely For New Zealand to achieve its goal to bring smoking under 5% would require more than 80,000 people to quit this year. To be equitable, 60,000 would need to be Māori.

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

Tighter controls on vape marketing due, but gaps remain New vaping legislation coming into effect on 17 June will tighten controls on vape product marketing and help reduce their appeal to young people, but the Government should do more to reduce vape stor...

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 on the rise, despite being illegal to sell The latest nicotine product is on the rise overseas, and experts say it’s being targeted at young people.

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...

The Gutting of America’s Medical Research: Here Is Every Canceled or Delayed N.I.H. Grant Some cuts have been starkly visible, but the country’s medical grant-making machinery has also radically transformed outside the public eye.

"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.