More action requested on sugary drinks

More action requested on sugary drinks

20 October 2015

Nelson City Council and Nelson Marlborough District Health Board (NMDHB) are encouraging more councils to ditch the sugary beverages.

In 2014, the NMDHB became the first health board in the country to implement a sugar free drinks policy, Nelson City followed suit and became the first council in the country to do the same.

Following Nelson’s lead, the sale of fizzy drinks in all hospital premises was banned last month, while earlier in the year Marlborough District Council became the second council to adopt a sugary drinks policy.

But Nelson Mayor Rachel Reese wants to see more councils doing the same.

“Nelson City Council has demonstrated leadership on an important issue for our community and our young people, and I hope that more councils will get on board,” Mayor Reese says.

“Our policy means sugar sweetened drinks are no longer served or sold at council workplaces.

“30 per cent of Kiwi adults and 10 per cent of our children are obese. It’s a big issue and we are encouraging others to join us by choosing to remove sugar sweetened drinks,” she says.

“We make that decision easier at a number of Nelson events too after bringing in our specially designed Nelmac water tanker which allows families to choose water.”

Dr Rob Beaglehole, Principal Dental Officer at NMDHB has had discussions with numerous Mayors and councils around the country including Wellington City Council who are actively exploring options.

“It is now widely recognised by health professionals that sugary drinks are one of the major contributors to the problem and that reducing consumption and helping our young people to make better choices is a key strategy in improving health outcomes,” he says.

“I hope more councils can see their part to play in this serious issue and make a proactive decision which will enable the healthier choices to be the easy choice for families.”

Mayor Reese has already put the challenge to Auckland Mayor Len Brown:

“Len Brown - imagine the difference you could make to the health of the children in your city.”

The challenge is also being put to other mayors from across the country.

“Let’s be role models for our cities and lead the way,” says Mayor Reese.

ENDS

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