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.
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Latest fromMinistry of Health
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.
$17 a packet: Parliament socks smokers
A typical pack of 25 cigarettes will cost now $17 after tax hikes were bulldozed through Parliament last night.
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
Epidemic is expected to return, although only five cases have been confirmed so far.
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
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
An increase in excise tax is among likely recommendations of a report into alcohol to be released next week, the Bill English says.
Quicker drugs - at a cost
Kiwis could get quicker access to new and expensive medicines - and the Govt's bill could go up - under a free trade deal with the US.
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.
Health ministry cuts proposed as Govt talks up sinking lid
There will be more cuts in the number of public servants, but the Government is not willing to say how many more jobs will be lost.
Act now to fight swine flu: Ministry
New Zealanders are being urged to have flu jabs soon, ahead of a likely second round of the international swine flu pandemic.