In March 2011 the Government adopted the Smokefree 2025 goal for New Zealand. This was in response to the recommendations of a landmark Parliamentary inquiry by the Māori Affairs select committee.
Achieving a Smoke-free New Zealand by 2025
The Government had determined to reduce the horrendous burden of death and disease caused by smoking.
In fact, Smoke-free 2025 is achieved by:
- protecting children from exposure to tobacco marketing and promotion
- reducing the supply of, and demand for tobacco
- providing the best possible support for quitting.
Staying on track
Initially, the Government has set a long-term goal of reducing smoking prevalence and tobacco availability to minimal levels, thereby making New Zealand essentially a smoke-free nation by 2025.
To achieve the long-term smoke-free 2025 goal, by 2018:
- daily smoking prevalence must fall to 10 percent
- the Māori and Pacific rates should have halved from their 2011 levels.
Accordingly, The plans include the gradual increase of the legal smoking age, which could extend to a ban on the sale of cigarettes and tobacco products to anyone born after 2004, making smoking effectively illegal for that generation.
Also under consideration was a significant reduction in the level of nicotine allowed in tobacco products, prohibiting filters, setting a minimum price for tobacco, and restricting the locations where tobacco and cigarettes can be sold.
Further, Shane Kawenata Bradbrook, a long- term advocate for smoke-free Māori communities, said in a statement that the plan “will begin the final demise of tobacco products in this country”. Smoking rates are highest among Māori and Pasifika New Zealanders, and he said it was vital those communities had a voice in the process.
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Source: Ministry Of Health NZ & The Guardian
