Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Public Health Communication Centre

@phcc.bsky.social

760 followers 350 following 270 posts

Promoting research, analysis and commentary for a healthier Aotearoa. Subscribe to our Briefing. www.phcc.org.nz

Posts Media Videos Starter Packs

Public Health Communication Centre @phcc.bsky.social · 13h

The health effects of climate change are unevenly distributed. Communities with fewer resources face higher risks and fewer protections. Policy responses in Aotearoa must prioritise equity. #climateaction #publichealth www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/cli...

Climate change is harming health: The need for urgent action

With mounting evidence of climate change’s health consequences, the case for urgent action is stronger than ever.

www.phcc.org.nz

Public Health Communication Centre @phcc.bsky.social · 15h

Climate change is a threat to public health. Transformational change is needed in Aotearoa across energy, transport, housing, and agriculture to protect health and reduce inequities. #climateaction #publichealth
www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/cli...

Climate change is harming health: The need for urgent action

With mounting evidence of climate change’s health consequences, the case for urgent action is stronger than ever.

www.phcc.org.nz

Public Health Communication Centre @phcc.bsky.social · 2d

97% of young people in Aotearoa go online several times a day or almost constantly, and many say they feel “addicted” to platforms that keep them online while profiting from their data.
www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/alm...

“Almost constant”: Young people overwhelmed by harmful online marketing

Young people say they are constantly exposed to harmful digital marketing for alcohol, vaping and other unhealthy products on social media. They tell researchers it's "inescapable".

www.phcc.org.nz

Public Health Communication Centre @phcc.bsky.social · 2d

"Nine hours, thirty-two minutes on my phone in one day. They just get more data to make my ads more personal." — Sarah, 18.
Social media platforms profit from keeping youth hooked and selling their data.

www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/alm...

“Almost constant”: Young people overwhelmed by harmful online marketing

Young people say they are constantly exposed to harmful digital marketing for alcohol, vaping and other unhealthy products on social media. They tell researchers it's "inescapable".

www.phcc.org.nz

Public Health Communication Centre @phcc.bsky.social · 2d

"I get a lot of beer ads on my Instagram… vaping and tobacco as well. It was almost inescapable." John, 17, Māori.
Young people say harmful marketing is everywhere online, targeting them daily.
#DigitalHarm
www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/alm...

“Almost constant”: Young people overwhelmed by harmful online marketing

Young people say they are constantly exposed to harmful digital marketing for alcohol, vaping and other unhealthy products on social media. They tell researchers it's "inescapable".

www.phcc.org.nz

Public Health Communication Centre @phcc.bsky.social · 6d

“The stench invades everything.” Foul odours in some NZ towns have lasted for years, causing stress & sickness. Our latest Briefing says public health services must step up for affected communities and regulations should be tightened. www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/mor...

More than just a bad smell: Odour pollution and health in Aotearoa New Zealand

Foul odours are commonly experienced by communities in Aotearoa but are frequently dismissed by authorities as minor nuisances rather than population-level health hazards.

www.phcc.org.nz

Public Health Communication Centre @phcc.bsky.social · 6d

Persistent foul odours are often treated as “just an annoyance.” But they can harm health. Dr Jonathan Jarman highlights gaps in NZ’s current system & calls for stronger public health leadership. www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/mor...

More than just a bad smell: Odour pollution and health in Aotearoa New Zealand

Foul odours are commonly experienced by communities in Aotearoa but are frequently dismissed by authorities as minor nuisances rather than population-level health hazards.

www.phcc.org.nz

Public Health Communication Centre @phcc.bsky.social · 12d

⚠️ ECan declares a ‘Nitrate Emergency’ over rising drinking water contamination. Dr Tim Chambers & co-authors warn more action is needed from local & central government to keep Kiwis safe. 💧🥛 www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/eca...

ECan’s ‘Nitrate Emergency’: Good step but here is a more robust path for region’s drinking water

The declaration of an 'emergency' is a start, but more action is needed to protect drinking water sources and public health.

www.phcc.org.nz

Public Health Communication Centre @phcc.bsky.social · 13d

Most Kiwis support government action on catastrophic risks — from nuclear conflict to pandemics and runaway AI. Yet NZ remains underprepared, with gaps in energy and food security. #Resilience #RiskPreparedness www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/maj...

Majority public support for government action on catastrophic risks

Most New Zealanders support stronger government action to prepare for catastrophic risks such as pandemics, nuclear conflict, and AI, but current national planning falls short.

www.phcc.org.nz

Public Health Communication Centre @phcc.bsky.social · 15d

Aotearoa needs stronger gun controls and targeted prevention to keep suicide rates falling and reverse the rise in firearm assault.

Firearms incidents cost Aotearoa $322m a year: Strong laws save lives

New research shows strong firearm laws save lives, but rising firearm assaults and stark inequities mean Aotearoa must strengthen regulations and prevention efforts to reduce harm.

www.phcc.org.nz

Public Health Communication Centre @phcc.bsky.social · 23d

The Government cannot afford to ignore the Public Health Advisory Committee’s new report, which lays out a roadmap for improving health and equity in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Leading public health experts urge the Government to act on its recommendations. www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/cho...

Choosing a healthier, fairer future for Aotearoa: New report provides the direction

The Government cannot afford to ignore the Public Health Advisory Committee’s report setting out a roadmap for improving health and equity in Aotearoa New Zealand.

www.phcc.org.nz

Public Health Communication Centre @phcc.bsky.social · 27d

Poor indoor air costs NZ around $1 billion a year in healthcare and lost productivity. Investing in clean air is good for health and the economy. #indoorairquality www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/inv...

Invisible and ignored: Why indoor air quality deserves our attention

Polluted indoor air is a hidden threat, linked to illness, lost productivity, and preventable deaths. Aotearoa New Zealand needs a coordinated national strategy to make clean, safe indoor air the norm...

www.phcc.org.nz

Public Health Communication Centre @phcc.bsky.social · 29d

Strong public health outcomes depend on councils having the resources to act. Funding reform for local government is a national priority. #localelectionsnz www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/loc...

Local elections and public health: A critical connection

Voting has just opened for the 2025 local elections. New Zealanders have an opportunity to choose candidates who will prioritise public health and community resilience.

www.phcc.org.nz

Public Health Communication Centre @phcc.bsky.social · 29d

"The changes announced will give power back to the alcohol industry and undermine the democracy that New Zealanders value. These changes will limit communities’ abilities to object to alcohol licences, and also undermine the ability of Local Alcohol Policies to enact change."

University of Otago - Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka @universityofotago.bsky.social · 29d

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.⬇️

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,...

Public Health Communication Centre @phcc.bsky.social · 29d

Local decision-making impacts health inequities. Policies on housing, transport, alcohol outlet density, and public spaces matter. Vote for candidates who prioritise public health. #localelectionsnz @lucytelbar.bsky.social www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/loc...

Local elections and public health: A critical connection

Voting has just opened for the 2025 local elections. New Zealanders have an opportunity to choose candidates who will prioritise public health and community resilience.

www.phcc.org.nz

Public Health Communication Centre @phcc.bsky.social · 29d

Public health starts local. Your vote in the 2025 elections can support candidates who protect community health and wellbeing. #localelectionsnz
www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/loc...

Local elections and public health: A critical connection

Voting has just opened for the 2025 local elections. New Zealanders have an opportunity to choose candidates who will prioritise public health and community resilience.

www.phcc.org.nz

Public Health Communication Centre @phcc.bsky.social · Sep 2

Alcohol is NZ’s most harmful drug, costing $9.1b a year. Restricting alcohol availability is one of the most effective harm reduction tools. Without reliable outlet data, NZ is missing its strongest lever. www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/inv...

Invisible alcohol outlets: How data blind spots weaken harm reduction

The Government’s only national database of alcohol outlets is riddled with errors, missing more than 1,000 licensed venues and nearly 600 bottle stores and supermarkets.

www.phcc.org.nz

Public Health Communication Centre @phcc.bsky.social · Sep 2

New Briefing: The Govt’s alcohol licence database is riddled with errors. It’s missing over 1000 bars & restaurants + nearly 600 bottle stores & supermarkets nationwide. www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/inv...

Invisible alcohol outlets: How data blind spots weaken harm reduction

The Government’s only national database of alcohol outlets is riddled with errors, missing more than 1,000 licensed venues and nearly 600 bottle stores and supermarkets.

www.phcc.org.nz

Public Health Communication Centre @phcc.bsky.social · Aug 28

Rheumatic fever drives inequitable health outcomes in NZ. A trial shows a new approach with fewer, longer-lasting penicillin injections is effective and preferred. What’s needed to make it standard care? www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/kin...

A kinder way to deliver penicillin for rheumatic fever: Shouldn’t children have this choice?

A new trial in Aotearoa New Zealand shows that a longer-lasting, less painful penicillin injection for acute rheumatic fever is preferred by patients. The new approach has the potential to reduce the ...

www.phcc.org.nz

Public Health Communication Centre @phcc.bsky.social · Aug 27

Rheumatic fever disproportionately affects Māori and Pacific children. A new approach could improve equity by reducing treatment barriers. What’s needed to make it available? #PublicHealth
www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/kin...

A kinder way to deliver penicillin for rheumatic fever: Shouldn’t children have this choice?

A new trial in Aotearoa New Zealand shows that a longer-lasting, less painful penicillin injection for acute rheumatic fever is preferred by patients. The new approach has the potential to reduce the ...

www.phcc.org.nz

Public Health Communication Centre @phcc.bsky.social · Aug 26

A new report from the Public Health Advisory Committee has revealed stark inequities in health outcomes, with Māori and Pasifika continuing to have much shorter life expectancies than Pākehā. Chair Kevin Hague talks to Waatea News.
waateanews.com/2025/08/25/k...

Report highlights significant health inequities

Public Health Communication Centre @phcc.bsky.social · Aug 24

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/...

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

www.thepress.co.nz

Public Health Communication Centre @phcc.bsky.social · Aug 20

The NZ Govt’s new hazard plan is a step forward – but it misses the biggest global risks. AI, nuclear war, volcanic winters & extreme pandemics could overwhelm NZ’s ability to respond.
www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/new...

New government document on hazards: Good progress but gaps remain

The Government’s new draft Long-term Insights Briefing on hazards is a welcome step towards smarter, more proactive disaster planning, but it neglects some of the most serious global threats to Aotear...

www.phcc.org.nz

Public Health Communication Centre @phcc.bsky.social · Aug 18

"New Zealand has the tools, talent, technology and networks to lead in antimicrobial surveillance and response. But we must act decisively...
Let’s treat antibiotics like the critical infrastructure they are...."
theconversation.com/antibiotic-u...

Antibiotic use likely fuelled the rise of a ‘superbug’ in NZ – genomics offers a defence against the next threat

Over-subscription of a topical antibiotic likely led to the emergence of a superbug which is now the leading cause of resistant infections.

theconversation.com

Public Health Communication Centre @phcc.bsky.social · Aug 13

Aotearoa hasn’t updated tobacco warning images since 2018. Fresh images + hopeful, practical messages could give smokers the support they need. #SmokefreeNZ
www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/bal...

Balancing fear with hope: A more effective way of promoting smoking cessation?

New research from Aotearoa New Zealand shows that adding positive, supportive messages to tobacco packaging could complement graphic warnings and better help people quit smoking.

www.phcc.org.nz