New Zealand's world-first smokefree legislation 'goes up in smoke': A setback in ending the tobacco epidemic

Abstract

For several decades, Aotearoa New Zealand has maintained a relatively strict regulatory approach towards tobacco. In response to the significant impact of tobacco-related illnesses, many countries worldwide have worked to enhance tobacco control measures. These efforts include introducing plain tobacco packaging with graphic health warnings, improving access to smoking cessation services and offering supportive treatments for tobacco dependence. In December 2022, New Zealand enacted world-leading tobacco control legislation aimed at leading the nation towards a 'smokefree' future by 2025, a future where the smoking prevalence falls below 5 percent across all population groups. To achieve this goal, revolutionary measures were needed. These measures included denicotinising cigarettes, reducing the number of tobacco retail outlets, and implementing a generational ban on smoked products. Despite receiving support from academics, clinicians, leaders of local indigenous communities, and the general public, the sixth National-led coalition government remained resolute in repealing the law and did so through parliamentary urgency on 27 February 2024. The reversal of this health policy is anticipated to result in thousands of lives lost and widen life expectancy gaps between indigenous and non-indigenous populations. This decision, driven by political agenda objectives and interference from the tobacco industry, has not only impeded New Zealand's progress but also weakened global efforts in tobacco control.