TOP Proposes Junk Food Tax to Fund Healthcare and Dental Care

• Proposal includes a 20% tax on junk food to fund public health initiatives.
• Aims to reduce doctor’s visit costs to under $10 and provide free dental care for low-income adults.
• Plans to expand access to affordable healthy food through fruit and veggie-box schemes.
• Calls for a ban on junk food marketing to children.

A New Approach to Public Health Funding

NEW ZEALAND: The Opportunities Party (TOP) has unveiled a policy proposal that seeks to address public health challenges by introducing a 20 percent tax on junk food, including sugary drinks. According to an article published on nzdoctor.co.nz, the revenue generated from this tax – estimated at $1 billion – would be directed toward key initiatives such as reducing the cost of doctor’s visits and providing free dental care for adults with the lowest incomes.

The policy aims to cap the cost of visiting a general practitioner at less than $10, ensuring greater accessibility to preventative healthcare, particularly for at-risk populations. Additionally, approximately one in five New Zealand adults would qualify for free dental care under the proposed plan. South Auckland-based GP and TOP Board Member Dr Jono Hoogerbrug emphasized the importance of addressing unhealthy food consumption as a public health priority.

“Eating healthy food can lower your risk of heart disease, stroke and some cancers and it can also help you to have a healthy bodyweight,” Dr Hoogerbrug stated in the article. He highlighted the prevalence of junk food outlets in areas like Auckland and their impact on community health, noting that even children are advocating for government intervention to combat unhealthy eating habits.

Addressing Childhood Obesity and Marketing Restrictions

New Zealand ranks second worst in the OECD for childhood obesity, with 39 percent of children classified as overweight or obese, according to a UNICEF report cited in the article. To tackle this issue, TOP proposes banning all junk food marketing targeted at children. The party also plans to use the existing healthy star labelling system to identify which foods should be taxed, encompassing not only sugary drinks but also items like sweets, biscuits, and salty snacks such as potato chips.

Dr Hoogerbrug referenced Mexico’s successful implementation of a similar tax in 2013, which led to a reduction in junk food consumption by at least 7 percent. “Mexico has done it successfully, so we know it’s possible,” he said. Research from Mexico indicates that individuals who consume the most junk food are the most likely to alter their behavior due to taxation. This approach is supported by global health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Cancer Research Fund, as an effective strategy for reducing obesity rates.

Expanding Access to Affordable Healthy Food

In addition to funding healthcare measures, the revenue from the junk food tax would support nationwide fruit and veggie-box schemes designed to provide affordable, healthy produce to communities. These initiatives aim to make nutritious food more accessible, particularly for low-income households.

Deputy Leader of TOP and former Crown Prosecutor Shai Navot described the implementation of such schemes as straightforward and impactful. “These schemes are relatively easy to set up and run, and they make it easier for everyone to have access to healthy food choices,” Navot explained.

Navot also underscored the importance of affordable dental care in improving long-term health outcomes for low-income individuals. “We know that at present many New Zealanders can’t afford to go to the dentist, which means that many are in a lot of pain and discomfort. Poor oral health can also cause other health problems, such as an increased risk of developing heart and respiratory disease,” she noted.

A Comprehensive Strategy for Health Equity

The proposed policy reflects TOP’s commitment to addressing systemic health inequities through a multifaceted approach. By taxing junk food, the party seeks to simultaneously discourage unhealthy eating habits and generate funds for critical healthcare services. The emphasis on affordable doctor’s visits, free dental care for low-income adults, and improved access to healthy food aligns with broader public health goals of reducing preventable diseases and promoting well-being across all socioeconomic groups.

While the success of such measures depends on effective implementation and public acceptance, the proposal draws on international precedents and evidence-based strategies. As New Zealand grapples with rising obesity rates and disparities in healthcare access, TOP’s plan offers a potential pathway toward achieving better health outcomes for vulnerable populations.