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Public drinking fountains are rife in Melbourne – should New Zealand follow suit?

May 5, 2018

The Aussies have reinvented an old idea in the name of public health. (Source: Other)

Drinking fountains are making a comeback in international cities around the world as they try to promote healthy living, so how does New Zealand stack up in the free water stakes?

Unfortunately compared to Melbourne, Australia the answer is not great.

According to a survey of randomly selected playgrounds in the lower North Island last year only 20 per cent had a drinking fountain.

A similar survey in Melbourne revealed a whopping 90 per cent of playgrounds and parks have a drinking fountain.

With hydration playing an important part in all our lives it might be time to catch up with the likes of London, Sydney and Melbourne here.

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