Health Coalition Aotearoa
HCA is a coalition of member organisations committed to closing the health prevention gap in Aotearoa by advocating for
Te Tiriti-led, evidence-based, policies that reduce consumption of harmful products and increase access to health-giving food.
Campaigns
Level the Lobbying Playing Field
Health Coalition Aotearoa has developed a comprehensive action plan to bring balance and accountability into public policy-making by regulating lobbying.
Ko, Ka: Kids Deserve Good Kai
Health Coalition Aotearoa is re-launching its campaign to get Ka Ora, Ka Ako, the healthy school lunch programme back on track. Because every child deserves good kai.
The root of the problem
Families should be empowered to make decisions about their own wellbeing in environments where healthy kai, good housing and education are easy to access, while harmful products – and their promotion – are restricted.
Preventable premature death and disability in New Zealand
9%
Tobacco
5%
Alcohol
9%
Unhealthy diet
9%
High BMI (Obesity)
We are prevention and equity champions
HCA is creating an Aotearoa that prioritises prevention and health equity through our expert panels on tobacco/smokefree, alcohol, unhealthy food and public health infrastructure – and with our member organisations.
We serve member organisations that are committed to prevention and equity
Determinants of health
How do we prevent disease, prolong life and promote the health of all New Zealanders?
A core part of prevention is to address the underlying economic and societal determinants of health and disease, including historical and contemporary inequities in income and employment, housing, education, urban development and participatory democracy.
“Me tikanga mahi ngātahi.”
Working together as one.
News

Substandard school lunches: ‘Our tamariki deserve better’
A damning Audit Office report on the Healthy School Lunches Programme is in line with research by experts from Health Coalition Aotearoa. The report delivered to Parliament on 30 June

Cutting excise tax is not going to solve illicit tobacco: here’s why
Health Coalition Aotearoa’s Professor Janet Hoek explains why the excise tax on legal cigarettes is not to blame for the illicit tobacco trade – and reducing it isnot the solution.

Making Health Star Ratings on foods mandatory – a big plus forpublic health
Health Star Ratings (HSRs) are a visual aid for busy shoppers that help them make better-informed decisions when purchasing food. The HSR system uses an algorithm to rate the overall

Health Coalition Aotearoa congratulates leader on political candidacy
Health Coalition Aotearoa congratulates its co-chair, Professor Lisa Te Morenga (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Te Uri o Hua, Ngāpuhi and Te Rarawa), on her newly announced Green Party candidacy for Te

Budget spend on school lunches short-sighted
Many children will continue to struggle without permanent funding for Ka Ora, KaAko, the Healthy School Lunch Programme, says Health Coalition Aotearoa (HCA). Budget 2026 provides $212.4 million to extend

Kiwis support stronger nicotine regulation, survey finds
A majority of New Zealanders support reinstating the very low nicotine cigarette policy, and more than two-thirds believe the tobacco industry influences government policy, a new national survey has found.

New report shows communities need better policy support to combat growing food insecurity
Health Coalition Aotearoa and Healthy Families South Auckland have released a new report highlighting key actions needed to improve access to affordable, nutritious food for communities across South Auckland. Titled

Substandard school lunches: ‘Our tamariki deserve better’
A damning Audit Office report on the Healthy School Lunches Programme is in line with research by experts from Health Coalition Aotearoa. The report delivered to Parliament on 30 June

Cutting excise tax is not going to solve illicit tobacco: here’s why
Health Coalition Aotearoa’s Professor Janet Hoek explains why the excise tax on legal cigarettes is not to blame for the illicit tobacco trade – and reducing it isnot the solution.

Making Health Star Ratings on foods mandatory – a big plus forpublic health
Health Star Ratings (HSRs) are a visual aid for busy shoppers that help them make better-informed decisions when purchasing food. The HSR system uses an algorithm to rate the overall

Health Coalition Aotearoa congratulates leader on political candidacy
Health Coalition Aotearoa congratulates its co-chair, Professor Lisa Te Morenga (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Te Uri o Hua, Ngāpuhi and Te Rarawa), on her newly announced Green Party candidacy for Te

Budget spend on school lunches short-sighted
Many children will continue to struggle without permanent funding for Ka Ora, KaAko, the Healthy School Lunch Programme, says Health Coalition Aotearoa (HCA). Budget 2026 provides $212.4 million to extend

Kiwis support stronger nicotine regulation, survey finds
A majority of New Zealanders support reinstating the very low nicotine cigarette policy, and more than two-thirds believe the tobacco industry influences government policy, a new national survey has found.

New report shows communities need better policy support to combat growing food insecurity
Health Coalition Aotearoa and Healthy Families South Auckland have released a new report highlighting key actions needed to improve access to affordable, nutritious food for communities across South Auckland. Titled