This is edition 2025/115 of the Ten@10 newsletter.
Welcome back. It's 2025 and 20 years since I started writing about politics and anything else that took my fancy. Thank to my VIP members for making this site what it is today. In July we will be having a 20th birthday celebration. Stay tuned for more announcements.
This is the Ten@10, where I collate and summarise ten news items you generally won't see in the mainstream media.
Enjoy!
1. How the alcohol industry continues to get a seat at the policymaking table
Melissa-Jade Gregan
- 🍷 Melissa-Jade Gregan criticizes the cozy relationship between health officials and alcohol lobbyists, highlighting industry influence on policy.
- 📧 Ministry of Health officials regularly consult with alcohol lobbyists, sharing policy drafts and seeking industry feedback.
- 🚫 Public health advocates are sidelined, restricted to formal processes like select committee hearings, despite their expertise and community focus.
- 🎁 Alcohol lobbyists use gifts and sponsorships to build relationships with decision-makers, influencing policy behind closed doors.
- 💰 Industry influence results in weakened regulations and policies that prioritize profits over public health, perpetuating alcohol-related harms in New Zealand.
