Experts urge NZ government to subsidise sunscreen to curb melanoma deaths
Health researchers are pressing New Zealand to lower sunscreen prices, arguing that cost barriers contribute to the country's high melanoma rates.
Researchers from the Cancer Society Research Collaboration are lobbying for government action to make sunscreen more affordable in New Zealand, where melanoma incidence and mortality are among the world’s highest. Dr Bronwen McNoe cited a survey showing 89 % public backing for price reductions and pointed out that local sunscreen is roughly a third pricier than in Australia, partly due to market size and the lack of GST exemption.
She proposed eliminating GST, offering free sunscreen in schools, and extending access to gold and community service card holders. The issue entered the political arena during last week’s Stuff Kingmaker Leader’s Debate, where Winston Peters initially laughed at the proposal before suggesting limited subsidies. Comparisons were drawn to Australia, where similar policies have coincided with a decline in skin-cancer cases.
Why it matters
Lowering sunscreen costs could reduce New Zealand's high skin-cancer rates and save lives.
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