Jude Ball
@judeball.bsky.social
Population health researcher, adolescent health, tobacco alcohol and other drugs, mental health. Cat lover, cycling enthusiast
Reposted by Jude Ball
Highest meth use in years, doubled in a year. Now the highest gun related homicide in 20 years and calls for strong gun laws
Psst the Minister in charge of firearms is ACT Party gun lobbyist Nicole McKee #nzpol #kiwi
Psst the Minister in charge of firearms is ACT Party gun lobbyist Nicole McKee #nzpol #kiwi
Gun-related homicides at highest rate in almost 20 years
Researchers have quantified the “human cost” of firearm-related deaths and hospitalisations: 2000 years of life lost each year, with Māori three times as likely to be killed in gun crime than Pākehā.
www.thepost.co.nz
September 23, 2025 at 8:17 AM
Reposted by Jude Ball
Wow. “The letter ends on a challenge to congressional lawmakers: “We took an oath. You did too. Will you uphold yours?””
Despite fear of retaliation, hundreds of federal workers urge Congress to protect medicine and science
Federal workers send Congress a letter pleading for help, but their trouble attracting signatures reflects fear of retaliation.
www.statnews.com
September 18, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Wow. “The letter ends on a challenge to congressional lawmakers: “We took an oath. You did too. Will you uphold yours?””
Reposted by Jude Ball
OPINION: It was extremely disappointing to see the announcement last month from Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee on proposed changes on licensing in the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.⬇️
Government 'prioritising alcohol industry over health'
Opinion from Otago University: The Government's decision to reverse its support to limit the trading hours of off-licences, and also to remove the ability of communities to object to alcohol licences,...
newsroom.co.nz
September 9, 2025 at 2:26 AM
OPINION: It was extremely disappointing to see the announcement last month from Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee on proposed changes on licensing in the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.⬇️
Reposted by Jude Ball
Alternative drinking water sources are being sought by councils as nitrate pollution worsens - but one academic warns authorities they cannot “engineer their way” out of a looming crisis. #drinkingwater @
www.thepress.co.nz/environment/...
www.thepress.co.nz/environment/...
Nitrates pollution: ‘It’s not like you can engineer your way out of the issue’
Nitrate pollution in drinking water is increasing across Canterbury, forcing local councils to find alternative water sources. But it’s a band-aid to a bigger problem, an expert says
www.thepress.co.nz
August 24, 2025 at 9:06 PM
Alternative drinking water sources are being sought by councils as nitrate pollution worsens - but one academic warns authorities they cannot “engineer their way” out of a looming crisis. #drinkingwater @
www.thepress.co.nz/environment/...
www.thepress.co.nz/environment/...
Reposted by Jude Ball
Brilliant new briefing & video (see end of briefing) by @laniteddy.bsky.social & @janethoek.bsky.social about new research from ASPIRE Aotearoa on how adding pack inserts with quitting tips & information could offer hope to people who smoke & support them to quit. www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/bal...
August 19, 2025 at 3:56 AM
Brilliant new briefing & video (see end of briefing) by @laniteddy.bsky.social & @janethoek.bsky.social about new research from ASPIRE Aotearoa on how adding pack inserts with quitting tips & information could offer hope to people who smoke & support them to quit. www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/bal...
Reposted by Jude Ball
A terrorist targeted federal workers last week. There wasn’t much reporting on it. But I’m not finished thinking about it! 🧵
An anti-vaxxer fired more than 500 gunshots into CDC Atlanta, shattering 150 “blast-proof” windows on 6 buildings. Employees were pinned down in terror.
An anti-vaxxer fired more than 500 gunshots into CDC Atlanta, shattering 150 “blast-proof” windows on 6 buildings. Employees were pinned down in terror.
August 17, 2025 at 1:35 AM
A terrorist targeted federal workers last week. There wasn’t much reporting on it. But I’m not finished thinking about it! 🧵
An anti-vaxxer fired more than 500 gunshots into CDC Atlanta, shattering 150 “blast-proof” windows on 6 buildings. Employees were pinned down in terror.
An anti-vaxxer fired more than 500 gunshots into CDC Atlanta, shattering 150 “blast-proof” windows on 6 buildings. Employees were pinned down in terror.
Reposted by Jude Ball
August 9, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Reposted by Jude Ball
New article led by Tara McAllister & co-authored by Lelani Walker, @niiyokamigaabaw.bsky.social, myself, Bradley Moggridge, Serena Naepi, Brittany Kamai and @napaaqtuk.bsky.social
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Decolonize scientific institutions, don’t just diversify them
Indigenous scholars set out eight steps to stop marginalization in academia and to enable a shared Indigenous agenda in science.
www.nature.com
August 8, 2025 at 1:53 PM
New article led by Tara McAllister & co-authored by Lelani Walker, @niiyokamigaabaw.bsky.social, myself, Bradley Moggridge, Serena Naepi, Brittany Kamai and @napaaqtuk.bsky.social
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Is it terribly old-fashioned of me to think there should be consequences for misleading the public and using lies as a political tactic?
Political careers were ended for less in ye olde days
Political careers were ended for less in ye olde days
Bishop took down his tweet implying Whanau was an anti-semite saying 'fair cop' like he was busted pulling a cheeky prank.
Dude should post an apology. A deletion is just pretending you never did it. www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/3607...
Dude should post an apology. A deletion is just pretending you never did it. www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/3607...
‘Fair cop’: Chris Bishop publicly called out Tory Whanau. When she texted him, he took it back
Bishop had posted that Tory Whanau said nothing about anti-Semitic graffiti in Wellington.
www.stuff.co.nz
August 8, 2025 at 8:38 PM
Is it terribly old-fashioned of me to think there should be consequences for misleading the public and using lies as a political tactic?
Political careers were ended for less in ye olde days
Political careers were ended for less in ye olde days
Reposted by Jude Ball
New NZ data: Awareness of nicotine pouches is rising fast among youth. But most say: don’t legalise them. They’re concerned about addiction and marketing targeting young people. @judeball.bsky.social
www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/nic...
www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/nic...
Nicotine pouches and young people: Evidence from Aotearoa New Zealand
Young people in Aotearoa are increasingly aware of oral nicotine pouches, but most oppose legalising their sale due to concerns about addiction and marketing.
www.phcc.org.nz
August 6, 2025 at 9:29 PM
New NZ data: Awareness of nicotine pouches is rising fast among youth. But most say: don’t legalise them. They’re concerned about addiction and marketing targeting young people. @judeball.bsky.social
www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/nic...
www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/nic...
Even though it's not legal to sell nicotine pouches in NZ, young people say Zyn is everywhere. New NZ research shows youth are seeing it, trying it, and saying don’t legalise it. www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/nic...
Nicotine pouches and young people: Evidence from Aotearoa New Zealand
Young people in Aotearoa are increasingly aware of oral nicotine pouches, but many oppose legalising their sale due to concerns about addiction and marketing targeted at youth.
www.phcc.org.nz
August 7, 2025 at 12:31 AM
Even though it's not legal to sell nicotine pouches in NZ, young people say Zyn is everywhere. New NZ research shows youth are seeing it, trying it, and saying don’t legalise it. www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/nic...
Reposted by Jude Ball
@phcc.bsky.social briefing led by @judeball.bsky.social provides new evidence on awareness and use of nicotine pouches by young people in Aotearoa/NZ, and raises concerns about the Government's intent to legalise sales of these products. www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/nic...
Nicotine pouches and young people: Evidence from Aotearoa New Zealand
Young people in Aotearoa are increasingly aware of oral nicotine pouches, but many oppose legalising their sale due to concerns about addiction and marketing targeted at youth.
www.phcc.org.nz
August 7, 2025 at 12:06 AM
@phcc.bsky.social briefing led by @judeball.bsky.social provides new evidence on awareness and use of nicotine pouches by young people in Aotearoa/NZ, and raises concerns about the Government's intent to legalise sales of these products. www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/nic...
I've just signed this petition. Time for the PM to deal with dodgy dealings between NZ First & the Big Tobacco! our.actionstation.org.nz/petitions/de...
Demand the Prime Minister strip the tobacco and vaping portfolio from NZ First
As a coalition of health organisations and advocacy groups, we are calling on the Prime Minister Luxon: strip the tobacco and vaping portfolio from New Zealand First.
It's the responsibility of leade...
our.actionstation.org.nz
July 31, 2025 at 2:17 AM
I've just signed this petition. Time for the PM to deal with dodgy dealings between NZ First & the Big Tobacco! our.actionstation.org.nz/petitions/de...
Reposted by Jude Ball
Thousands of internal JUUL documents reveal how tobacco companies sought to influence NZ public health policy, including supplying draft policies and talking points. Public health researchers say it's time for a formal inquiry. @janethoek.bsky.social #JUULGATE tinyurl.com/34b3z75h
#JUULGATE Nicotine industry documents highlight the need for greater transparency in public health policy
Thousands of documents released through lawsuits against vaping company JUUL raise serious questions about the influence tobacco and vaping companies have had on public health policy.
tinyurl.com
July 30, 2025 at 10:02 PM
Thousands of internal JUUL documents reveal how tobacco companies sought to influence NZ public health policy, including supplying draft policies and talking points. Public health researchers say it's time for a formal inquiry. @janethoek.bsky.social #JUULGATE tinyurl.com/34b3z75h
Our latest @phcc.bsky.social Briefing, led by @janethoek.bsky.social highlights apparent breaches of FCTC article 5.3 and calls for a public inquiry. 'Friendly' engagement between politicians and the tobacco industry are not OK!! #JUULGATE | PHCC share.google/wkTRP088Gs9L...
#JUULGATE Nicotine industry documents highlight the need for greater transparency in public health policy
Thousands of documents released through lawsuits against vaping company JUUL raise serious questions about the influence tobacco and vaping companies have had on public health policy.
share.google
July 30, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Our latest @phcc.bsky.social Briefing, led by @janethoek.bsky.social highlights apparent breaches of FCTC article 5.3 and calls for a public inquiry. 'Friendly' engagement between politicians and the tobacco industry are not OK!! #JUULGATE | PHCC share.google/wkTRP088Gs9L...
Reposted by Jude Ball
“Public health researchers at the University of Otago have called on the prime minister to show some leadership and remove the tobacco and vaping portfolio from New Zealand First, following allegations the party has been colluding with tobacco giant Philip Morris” #nzpol
Peters challenged on tobacco links
Public health researchers at the University of Otago have called on the PM to show some leadership and remove the tobacco and vaping portfolio from...
www.odt.co.nz
July 27, 2025 at 8:08 AM
“Public health researchers at the University of Otago have called on the prime minister to show some leadership and remove the tobacco and vaping portfolio from New Zealand First, following allegations the party has been colluding with tobacco giant Philip Morris” #nzpol
Reposted by Jude Ball
Analysis of nicotine industry documents reveals interactions with NZ First. So who was surprised? www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-dept...
Great work by Guyon Espiner, RNZ.
Great work by Guyon Espiner, RNZ.
Nicotine lobbyists said Winston Peters was 'very powerful' and 'very industry friendly'
Lobbyists for heated tobacco products identified the NZ First leader as "friendly". His party later delivered huge tax cuts for their products.
www.rnz.co.nz
July 22, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Analysis of nicotine industry documents reveals interactions with NZ First. So who was surprised? www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-dept...
Great work by Guyon Espiner, RNZ.
Great work by Guyon Espiner, RNZ.
Reposted by Jude Ball
This is an argument from the year of our lord 2000. Which Philip Morris, the tobacco company, had to back away from because it made them look too evil.
www.nytimes.com/2001/07/18/n...
www.nytimes.com/2001/07/18/n...
June 21, 2025 at 2:27 AM
This is an argument from the year of our lord 2000. Which Philip Morris, the tobacco company, had to back away from because it made them look too evil.
www.nytimes.com/2001/07/18/n...
www.nytimes.com/2001/07/18/n...
Stronger vaping laws in NZ from today...
RNZ's explainer on new vaping regulations here: www.rnz.co.nz/news/busines...
Products exploiting loopholes are already emerging. We also need measures like minimum pricing or higher excise taxes, plus strong enforcement.
Products exploiting loopholes are already emerging. We also need measures like minimum pricing or higher excise taxes, plus strong enforcement.
Disposable vape ban and strict advertising rules begin - What you need to know
Explainer - What exactly is being banned? What are the new rules? And what does it mean for the industry and vapers?
www.rnz.co.nz
June 16, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Stronger vaping laws in NZ from today...
Major changes to NZs vape laws kick in tomorrow. Whether they successfully reduce youth vaping will depend on enforcement efforts www.rnz.co.nz/news/busines...
Disposable vape ban and strict advertising rules begin - What you need to know
Explainer - What exactly is being banned? What are the new rules? And what does it mean for the industry and vapers?
www.rnz.co.nz
June 16, 2025 at 1:56 AM
Major changes to NZs vape laws kick in tomorrow. Whether they successfully reduce youth vaping will depend on enforcement efforts www.rnz.co.nz/news/busines...
Reposted by Jude Ball
"If these measures are going to work, the Government needs to implement robust enforcement and monitoring to ensure the law delivers on its promise.” @judeball.bsky.social @janethoek.bsky.social @predwards.bsky.social www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/3607...
New vape rules need ‘rigorous enforcement’
Disposable vapes will outlawed from Tuesday, alongside restrictions on advertising, loyalty schemes and discounting. But that will only go so far towards reducing the problem of underage use, public h...
www.thepost.co.nz
June 15, 2025 at 8:44 PM
"If these measures are going to work, the Government needs to implement robust enforcement and monitoring to ensure the law delivers on its promise.” @judeball.bsky.social @janethoek.bsky.social @predwards.bsky.social www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/3607...
"The tobacco industry spent heavily on Trump’s 2024 campaign — and already has a lot to show for it."
#TobRegSky #PedSky #MedSky #EpiSky #addictionsci #policysky #polisky #neuroskyence #CanSky @acscan.bsky.social 🛟
"The health secretary, who wants Americans to make healthier choices, rarely mentions smoking."
Surprise! Why would that be ?
"The health secretary, who wants Americans to make healthier choices, rarely mentions smoking."
Surprise! Why would that be ?
There’s one vice RFK Jr. isn’t talking about
The health secretary, who wants Americans to make healthier choices, rarely mentions smoking.
www.politico.com
June 13, 2025 at 7:56 PM
"The tobacco industry spent heavily on Trump’s 2024 campaign — and already has a lot to show for it."
Reposted by Jude Ball
The Regulatory Standards Bill would lock in a narrow, libertarian view of “good legislation”, sidelining public health, environmental protection & Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Submissions close 23 June. #StopRSB
www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/reg...
www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/reg...
Regulatory Standards Bill threatens the public interest, public health and Māori rights
Public policy and law experts urge New Zealanders to oppose the Regulatory Standards Bill, warning that it excludes key public values like health, wellbeing and environmental protection.
www.phcc.org.nz
June 11, 2025 at 9:12 PM
The Regulatory Standards Bill would lock in a narrow, libertarian view of “good legislation”, sidelining public health, environmental protection & Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Submissions close 23 June. #StopRSB
www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/reg...
www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/reg...
Reposted by Jude Ball
Scrutiny week in Parliament next week. A great time to ask why the narrative around the Smokefree 2025 goal seems to have lost its equity focus and how the Associate Health Minister plans to ensure it's realised for all population groups.
See our Conversation article here: tinyurl.com/5xrvjf3f
See our Conversation article here: tinyurl.com/5xrvjf3f
NZ’s goal is to get smoking rates under 5% for all population groups this year – here’s why that’s highly unlikely
For New Zealand to achieve its goal to bring smoking under 5% would require more than 80,000 people to quit this year. To be equitable, 60,000 would need to be Māori.
tinyurl.com
June 11, 2025 at 5:04 AM
Scrutiny week in Parliament next week. A great time to ask why the narrative around the Smokefree 2025 goal seems to have lost its equity focus and how the Associate Health Minister plans to ensure it's realised for all population groups.
See our Conversation article here: tinyurl.com/5xrvjf3f
See our Conversation article here: tinyurl.com/5xrvjf3f