The New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA) and Hāpai Te Hauora are calling on Education Minister Nikki Kaye to back ‘water only’ schools. Last year, The Ministries of Health and Education made an announcement encouraging schools to provide students with water and milk only.
Auckland’s Kelston Boys’ High School celebrated Men’s Health Week – 12-18 June – with a 3.1-kilometre ‘walk for water’ highlighting the benefits of ‘water only’. The walk raised funds for a new water fountain and providing students with water bottles.
Hāpai Te Hauora has stood against sugary drinks in schools, endorsing a consensus statement led by NZDA.
Lance Norman CEO of Hāpai Te Hauora says, “This is an issue that Hāpai has advocated for within our communities for years. Given their high Māori and Pacific roll, we’re especially pleased to see a school like Kelston Boys’ High leading the way. We hope the Minister takes note and demonstrates leadership in supporting water only schools.”
NZDA spokesperson Dr Rob Beaglehole says, “We’re calling on the Minister to make water-only a requirement for all schools. Kelston Boys’ is a great example here, but the Minister could step-up and have an impact on the health of all students.”
