New Zealand Reverses World-Leading Smoking Ban
In a surprising move, New Zealand's new government has announced the scrapping of the nation's groundbreaking smoking ban. The legislation aimed to ban cigarette sales to individuals born after 2008, with the broader goal of curbing the nation's alarming smoking-related health issues and was celebrated internationally for its innovative approach.
The reversal has sparked widespread criticism from health experts. The Smokefree laws, enacted last year, were projected to save up to 5,000 lives annually and had influenced the UK government's decision to announce a similar ban for young people.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has revealed that coalition partners, New Zealand First and ACT New Zealand, were instrumental in pushing for the repeal. Willis explained that the repeal was necessary due to the significant impact the smoking ban had on the government's finances, estimating a loss of around NZ$1 billion.
The legislation included measures such as restricting tobacco retailers and reducing nicotine levels in cigarettes. Some argued that the ban would lead to a black market for tobacco, while others expressed concerns about revenue loss despite government subsidies.
The move has also raised concerns about its potential effect on Māori communities, who already face higher smoking rates. Hāpai Te Hauora, a national Māori health organisation, termed it an "unconscionable blow to the health and wellbeing of all New Zealanders." Experts had anticipated positive impacts on Māori health, and the reversal is seen as a setback in the ongoing efforts to reduce smoking rates.
Despite the setback, the Luxon government is continuing to state its commitment to lowering smoking rates through alternative measures and education. However, public health advocates emphasise the need for comprehensive, population-level policies, emphasising the significant consequences of abandoning the Smokefree legislation.
