With summer just around the corner, skin safety is back in the spotlight and researchers say New Zealand is not doing nearly enough to protect people from the sun.

A new report from the Public Health Communication Centre shows that while skin cancer remains our most common and preventable cancer, government funding for prevention has dropped sharply over the past two decades.

Today, just $300,000 a year is spent on prevention, about a quarter of what it once was, while the health system spends roughly $450 million annually treating skin cancers.

On the Hibiscus Coast, where weekends often mean beaches, parks and outdoor sports, experts say stronger national policy could make a real difference.

The report highlights gaps in schools, workplaces and even council-managed spaces.

Only six of the country’s 67 councils have sun safety policies, despite most Kiwis saying they want more shade in public areas.

Researchers are calling for mandatory sun protection standards, national prevention funding and a complete ban on sunbeds to align with Australia.

Dr Bronwen McNoe from the University of Otago says the solutions are already known and what is missing is action.

“Effective policy would save both lives and money,” she says.

For Coasties planning long summer days outdoors, that is a reminder to stay SunSmart while the country catches up on policy.

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