I wrote and sent this letter to NZ First's MPs.
Let me know what you think of it in the comments sections below.
Dear Members of New Zealand First,
I am writing to you with a concern that impacts every New Zealander: the health and resilience of our population. Specifically, I wish to raise the question, "Would you rather rely on pharmaceuticals to override the immune system, or invest in nurturing it through proper nutrition and healthy habits?"
This question is more than rhetorical; it speaks to the heart of our nation’s approach to healthcare. The increasing reliance on pharmaceuticals to manage preventable conditions raises critical concerns about both the sustainability of our healthcare system and the long-term health outcomes for our people. While modern medicine has its place, a growing body of evidence suggests that nurturing the immune system through balanced nutrition, active lifestyles, and environmental health provides more robust, cost-effective, and sustainable results. I want to draw your attention back to your election policies regarding health and fitness which I helped to write. I think it is timely to review, refocus and identify the opportunities recent developments in the USA are presenting for the party, and for New Zealand.
Take a look at my school athletics photo from 1970 below, and ask yourself how we went from that obvious appearance of great health and resilience to how fragile our young people are today.
Recent developments in the United States provide a stark example of contrasting priorities. President Donald Trump recently announced an initiative named Stargate, a collaboration between tech giants OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle. This US$500 billion programme aims to revolutionise healthcare by leveraging artificial intelligence to develop customised medical treatments, including personalised mRNA vaccines. According to Oracle Chairman Larry Ellison, the scheme promises breakthroughs such as early cancer detection and the design of individualised cancer vaccines within 48 hours.
However, it is important to recognise the motivation behind Stargate. The driving force is the billions, if not trillions, in potential returns for the investors involved, and not the improvement of the nation's health. While this investment model for Stargate aligns perfectly with the commercial interests of Big Tech, investing the same amount of money in primary healthcare does not fit within this framework. Strengthening foundational public health services—building and staffing local health clinics, promoting nutrition education, and encouraging active lifestyles—would yield enormous returns for society. But as these benefits are not profit-driven, they are unlikely to attract the backing of Big Tech or similar entities.
These reactive technologies are essentially interventions after the horse has bolted. They may detect disease early, but this is not prevention—it is early detection, which is a crucial but fundamentally different concept. True prevention begins long before a disease has the opportunity to develop, ideally starting even before conception. Interventions focused on nutrition and lifestyle from pre-conception onwards provide the greatest opportunity to reduce the risk of chronic illnesses and promote lifelong health.
While leaders like RFK Junior advocate for better approaches, focusing on preventative healthcare and empowering individuals through lifestyle and nutrition, the question remains whether such initiatives will gain the necessary traction. His vision aligns with prioritising long-term health over reactive, profit-driven technologies, but systemic inertia and the influence of powerful commercial interests pose significant challenges.
While the Stargate initiative in the United States focuses on reactive healthcare technologies, New Zealand has the opportunity to take a different path by investing in preventive health measures.
Imagine the impact such a financial commitment could have on the health of the American people—or indeed New Zealanders—if invested in proactive healthcare measures. Instead of focusing on expensive, reactive technologies, we could prioritise strategies that foster healthier, more resilient communities through prevention and early intervention.
New Zealand is uniquely positioned to take a different path. With our pristine environment, world-class GE-free agricultural produce, and a population that values community and self-reliance, we can lead by example. However, our current healthcare model prioritises after-the-fact screening, and reactive treatments over proactive health measures. This imbalance has allowed preventable diseases to escalate, placing a growing burden on our health system and taxpayers.
As someone deeply invested in the health of our nation, I urge you to consider the long-term benefits of preventive healthcare. I urge New Zealand First to champion policies that emphasise prevention through education, accessibility to nutrient-dense whole foods, and public health campaigns promoting active living. These policies should include:
Subsidies for fresh, local, and nutrient-rich foods to make healthy eating affordable for all, particularly low-income families.
Increased funding for preventative healthcare programmes that focus on lifestyle education and the role of nutrition in disease prevention.
Support for New Zealand’s agricultural and natural health industries, including the promotion of our native and home-grown superfoods like manuka honey, kawakawa, and blackcurrants, which are renowned for their health benefits.
Reducing reliance on pharmaceutical interventions by empowering citizens to take proactive steps towards better health through accessible lifestyle guidance.
The answer to the question posed is clear: nurturing our immune systems is not only healthier but also aligns with our identity as a country that values innovation, self-reliance, and community well-being. By supporting preventative health measures, New Zealand First can lead the charge in creating a nation of healthier, more resilient citizens while reducing the long-term strain on our healthcare system.
We can learn from the global examples unfolding today and make decisions that prioritise sustainable, people-focused healthcare investments over expensive, reactive interventions driven by profit motives. We can build a healthier and more resilient New Zealand for generations to come.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Gary Moller
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis and Nutritional Medicine Consultant
Comments