The Government's top child health expert has backed calls for schools to go sugar-free.
Dr Pat Tuohy, chief child and youth health adviser for the Ministry of Health, said a water-only policy would be a "great first step" to tackling tooth decay and child obesity.
His comments come after the Ministry of Education yesterday encouraged schools to consider adopting healthy drinks policies. The ministry advised schools to offer only water or plain, reduced-fat milk.
The issue returned to the spotlight this month after Britain's Treasury chief George Osborne announced a 25p (53c) per litre tax on sugary drinks.
New Zealand's child obesity problem was highlighted by the latest Health Survey results, which showed one in nine Kiwi children were obese and a further two were overweight.