We are a group of researchers and public health doctors who have come together to advocate for ending the sale of sugar sweetened beverages (sugary drinks) from New Zealand. Many studies link the intake of sugary drinks with poor health, including obesity, type-2 diabetes, rotten teeth, gout and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease and premature death. We believe that the tide of evidence which implicates sugary drinks with these common diseases is so strong now that ending the sales of these products is justified.
The group includes Dr Gerhard Sundborn (founder), Professor Rod Jackson (Epidemiologist), Professor Boyd Swinburn (Professor of Global Health), Dr Lisa Te Morenga (Nutritional Scientist), Dr Simon Thornley (Public Health Physician) and Associate Professor Tony Merriman (Geneticist).