Reader Isabel Ashmore says putting extra tax on unhealthy drinks will not provide a solution to obesity and diabetes in New Zealand.
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To ban fizzy drinks, or even to think of slapping extra tax or restrictions on the sale of sugar-sweetened beverages will not make much difference if the mindset of parents and adults cannot be changed.
Some parents think nothing of giving their young children sugar-laden drinks ... and eats for that matter.
The cost of so-called healthy foods cause some people to buy these drinks and even at a lot of schools the children have access to drinks and snacks containing far too much sugar, and salt.
Associate Health Minister Tariana Turia, along with the Greens and Maori Party, endorse the introduction of an excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages.
This is not a solution to the problem of obesity and diabetes occurring more and more amongst younger New Zealanders and I hope that the Government won't consider the suggestion.
It's all down to being sensible and making the right choices when deciding what goes into your children's mouths.
After all, fizzy drinks and other sugar-ladened drinks are certainly not reasonably priced ... so what is wrong with water?
- Isabel Ashmore, Tauranga South
