Calls for the government to pull the trigger on a sugar tax.

Wellington and Upper Hutt DHB's say there's an urgent need for a tax because the obesity epidemic is a direct threat to our Tamariki.

They say this could be the first time kids live shorter lives than their parents.

Just Water Chief Executive, Tony Falkenstein agrees.

He told Larry Williams a tax is a necessary step in combating obesity.

"Education hasn't worked, self-regulation hasn't worked and self-control hasn't worked so we do need to do something to protect our citizens."

LISTEN ABOVE AS TONY FALKENSTEIN SPEAKS WITH LARRY WILLIAMS