New Zealand Reverses Landmark Smoking Ban, Sparks Outcry from Health Advocates

The recent decision by the new government to repeal the innovative smoking ban legislation, slated to protect future generations from smoking-related harm, has drawn widespread concern and criticism from health experts and advocacy groups.

The move, intended to fund tax cuts, negates measures aimed at preventing thousands of smoking-related deaths and saving billions in healthcare costs. This decision, particularly affecting Māori communities with higher smoking rates, is deemed “catastrophic” by Hāpai te Hauora, a leading Māori public health organization.

Prof Lisa Te Morenga of Health Coalition Aotearoa highlighted the legislation’s potential to save $1.3bn in healthcare costs over two decades and reduce mortality rates significantly.

The government pledges to combat smoking through alternative means, but public health advocates stress the necessity of robust, population-wide policies in curbing the prevalence of harmful products.