University of Otago Aspire Aotearoa Tobacco Control Research Centre senior research fellow Dr Jude Ball said public health experts examined four areas — alcohol, infant formula, transport and tobacco — and found recent New Zealand government decisions had favoured industry over health.
In a Public Health Communication Centre briefing, released today, researchers found strong evidence and public support for reducing alcohol harms, but lobbying by the alcohol industry had stymied progress on reforms such as stricter advertising and availability controls.
Researchers also found in 2024 the government withdrew from new Australia-New Zealand standards designed to curb infant formula marketing, following heavy lobbying by multinational dairy companies.
The government’s recent transport policies were also found to promote "car-centric" development, and delay emissions controls, which aligned closely with automotive industry preferences.
It had prompted a legal challenge over the lack of transparency, Dr Ball said.
Serious concerns had also been raised about the repeal of world-leading tobacco endgame measures last year.
The government appeared to ignore expert health advice and public support for the legislation.
Dr Ball said the four examples were "just the tip of the iceberg", and concern was growing over the broader influence of commercial lobbying on New Zealand policy-making.
Ultimately, it was having an impact on the health of our communities.
"The World Health Organisation report describes how transnational corporations use their growing power to influence policy, often to the detriment of public health, while governments are weakened or ‘captured’ by commercial interests."
She said the briefing highlighted recent New Zealand reports that recommended measures to protect against industry influence.
The recommendations included banning political donations and gifts from industry; increasing transparency around conflicts of interest; and introducing a lobbying register and code of conduct.
"Public policy should be shaped by evidence and public interest — not by those with the deepest pockets and the loudest lobbyists.
"By adopting basic transparency and accountability measures, New Zealand can foster a business environment that’s both economically vibrant and health-promoting," she said.
