Dentists are applauding the Labour Party for promising an independent inquiry on fluoridation of drinking water.
Labour said in its health policy released on Wednesday that if elected to government it would hold an independent inquiry with a view to developing a national policy on fluoridation as a national dental health measure.
Dental Association executive director David Crum said the party clearly understands the importance of fluoridation and the science behind it.
He says only half of New Zealanders have access to fluoridated water, which he says prevents tooth decay.
Mr Crum also supports the Labour Party's commitment to try to increase the number of teenagers getting dental care, but says it's already free for them and the lack of uptake is partly down to inaction by parents.
Labour's also promising tougher action over alcohol, including implementation of minimum pricing, restricted advertising and a lower drink-driving tolerance.
Professor Doug Sellman of the National Addictions Centre at Otago University supports that policy though he says it's ironic the proposal comes as New Zealand discusses a Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade deal that he says could limit the ability of future governments to restrict the marketing of products like alcohol.
Susanne Trim of the Nurses Organisation also backs Labour's commitment to reducing the harm caused by alcohol, saying health workers see the impact of misuse every day of their working lives.
"We see it in emergency departments ... as family violence, road traffic accidents, poor physical health. The impact of alcohol abuse is just so widespread."
Robyn Toomath of Fight the Obesity Epidemic says her organisation is pleased to see Labour would return the public health focus to programmes to encourage healthy eating in schools and reduce obesity.
But the Aged Care Association, representing rest home providers, is disappointed at Labour's aged care policy which would set up a technical working party to explore issues and provide advice.
Chief executive Martin Taylor says there's a lack of detail and the policy does not explain how the sector might provide enough facilities to deal with the large number of baby boomers.
Family doctors say they're pleased to see health becoming an election issue.
