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Piecing Together Piecemeal Regulation: Stakeholder Insights Into Joint Statutory Regulation to Reduce Children's Unhealthy Commodity Marketing Exposure in Aotearoa New Zealand.

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Title: Piecing Together Piecemeal Regulation: Stakeholder Insights Into Joint Statutory Regulation to Reduce Children's Unhealthy Commodity Marketing Exposure in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Authors: Worters T; Health Promotion and Policy Research Unit, University of Otago 43 Hanson St, Newtown, Wellington South, New Zealand., McKerchar C; Health Promotion and Policy Research Unit, University of Otago 43 Hanson St, Newtown, Wellington South, New Zealand., Gage R; Health Promotion and Policy Research Unit, University of Otago 43 Hanson St, Newtown, Wellington South, New Zealand., Reidy J; University of Otago Department of Public Health, University of Otago, 43 Hanson St, Newtown, Wellington South, New Zealand.; Te Herenga Waka Victoria University Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand., Signal L; Health Promotion and Policy Research Unit, University of Otago 43 Hanson St, Newtown, Wellington South, New Zealand.
Source: Health promotion journal of Australia : official journal of Australian Association of Health Promotion Professionals [Health Promot J Austr] 2026 Apr; Vol. 37 (2), pp. e70153.
Publication Type: Journal Article
Language: English
Journal Info: Publisher: Wiley Country of Publication: Australia NLM ID: 9710936 Publication Model: Print Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1036-1073 (Print) Linking ISSN: 10361073 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Health Promot J Austr Subsets: MEDLINE
Imprint Name(s): Publication: 2018- : Milton, Queensland : Wiley
Original Publication: West Perth, WA : Australian Association of Health Promotion Professionals
MeSH Terms: Marketing*/legislation & jurisprudence , Health Promotion*/legislation & jurisprudence , Government Regulation*, Humans ; New Zealand ; Child ; Interviews as Topic ; Health Policy ; Gambling ; Food ; Stakeholder Participation ; Female ; Male
Abstract: Issue Addressed: Globally, there is growing momentum for statutory marketing regulation over unhealthy commodities (UHC), including alcohol, tobacco, unhealthy food and gambling. These attempts respond to ubiquitous UHC marketing and immense UHC-related harm. Governments' ability to protect people is often undermined by piecemeal regulation for UHCs, despite substantial similarities between the commodities. This article explores Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) stakeholder perspectives on joint regulation of the marketing of UHCs.
Methods: We interviewed 15 stakeholders from across the UHC policy process. Interviews were guided by a semi-structured interview schedule framed by Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Labonté and Torgeson's 'Globalization and Health' framework. Before the interview, stakeholders were sent a summary of the results of the Kids'Cam UHC Marketing study, the first phase of this research. Interview data were analysed using thematic analysis. We purposefully sought Indigenous expert voices.
Results: Most participants supported joint UHC marketing regulation, arguing it would result in increased regulatory and advocacy efficiency, health benefits, reduced healthcare costs, and a more transparent regulatory system. Barriers to joint UHC regulation included the complexity of working with many varied stakeholders and limited political appetite.
Conclusions: The findings suggest that joint statutory UHC marketing regulation has a range of benefits over the existing piecemeal approach. Regulation could fruitfully be addressed from global to national levels. Joint statutory UHC regulation would disrupt harmful industry influence, advance equity and put people before profit. SO WHAT?: Health promoters should identify and leverage opportunities at all levels for joint statutory UHC regulation.
(© 2026 Australian Health Promotion Association.)
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Grant Information: Cancer Society of New Zealand through Te Rōpū Rangahau ō Te Kāhui Matepukupuku
Contributed Indexing: Keywords: children; government regulation; health policy; marketing; prevention; public health; unhealthy commodities
Entry Date(s): Date Created: 20260121 Date Completed: 20260630 Latest Revision: 20260630
Update Code: 20260701
DOI: 10.1002/hpja.70153
PMID: 41564884
Database: MEDLINE
Description
ISSN:1036-1073
DOI:10.1002/hpja.70153