Lunchbox shaming matters – but combatting childhood obesity matters more

Lunchbox shaming may make headlines, but New Zealand’s real crisis is childhood obesity. In this piece, Victoria Mulligan argues that while compassion and dignity matter, we must not let discomfort derail public health efforts. With obesity now outpacing tobacco as the leading driver of death and disability in NZ, the solution lies not in blaming parents but in systemic change: regulating food marketing, taxing sugary drinks, supporting schools, and improving food access. If we want healthier futures for our tamariki, we must act — not argue — with urgency and empathy. Read More