Healthy Families Manukau, Manurewa-Papakura congratulates the Mangere- Otahuhu Local Board for their leadership in adopting the replacement of sugar- sweetened beverages with healthier alternatives in Council facilities and Council-run events.

The local board adopted the policy at their November board meeting.

This decision builds on the success of replacing sugar-sweetened beverages with healthier alternatives from Auckland Council Leisure Centre vending machines, which has taken 340 kilograms of refined sugar out of the council system.

“Research shows the greatest source of sugar in our diets are sugary drinks and, habitual consumption of these beverages is associated with a greater risk of Type 2 Diabetes,” says Healthy Families Manukau, Manurewa-Papakura Manager Ben Youdan.

“One of our key goals at Healthy Families Manukau, Manurewa-Papakura is to create health promoting environments across South Auckland in places where people live, learn, work and play.”

Also applauding the decision are Toi Tangata. The national Māori public health lead organisation fully supports changes in policies which aim to accelerate health outcomes. This commitment to highlighting the importance and value of water reflects key goals in their Waiariki approach which draws on links that weave and connect to the whakapapa and mauri of wai (water).

“It must be acknowledged and commended when policies such as this are adopted. One of our key commitments is to contribute to health approaches informed by mātauranga Māori and we look forward to seeing similar innovations roll out across the country,” says Callie Corrigan, interim CEO of Toi Tangata.

Youdan adds: “Activating local and industry leadership is key to addressing sugar- related health issues. This move is a fantastic demonstration of the board’s strong commitment to drive transformative changes that will positively affect the health of our communities”.