Latest FromMinistry of Health
![Smoke signals - controlling tobacco](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Smoke signals - controlling tobacco
Higher tobacco taxes are a first step to reducing numbers of smokers. Martin Johnston looks at what else could be on the cards.
![Beneficiaries and pensioners lose $430m](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Beneficiaries and pensioners lose $430m
The Govt has cancelled pumping $430m into superannuation, tax credits and benefits that would have, in effect, been compensation for higher tobacco taxes.
![Tobacco tax to jump 10pc at midnight](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Tobacco tax to jump 10pc at midnight
Tobacco tax will jump 10 per cent from midnight, raising the price of a pack of 20 cigarettes by about a dollar to around $11.
![Fear of repeat sends demand for anti-flu jabs soaring](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fear of repeat sends demand for anti-flu jabs soaring
Epidemic is expected to return, although only five cases have been confirmed so far.
![Illnesses halt vaccine for under-5s](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Illnesses halt vaccine for under-5s
Australian authorities are investigating the death of a toddler within 12 hours of her receiving a flu vaccination.
![Fat is normal in NZ - expert](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fat is normal in NZ - expert
NZ's high rate of obesity is no surprise, because of its fat-promoting environment and love affair with cars, a nutrition expert says.
![Alcohol tax hike among likely reform recommendations](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Alcohol tax hike among likely reform recommendations
An increase in excise tax is among likely recommendations of a report into alcohol to be released next week, the Bill English says.
![Demand for jabs puts squeeze on supply](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Demand for jabs puts squeeze on supply
Demand for the influenza vaccine has been so high that some medical practices have been left without supplies.