New Zealand Plans to Ban Young People from Buying Cigarettes in a Bid to Achieve Zero Smoking Rate

The New Zealand government is set to introduce a series of restrictive measures aimed at reducing the number of smokers in the country, with the ultimate goal of achieving a zero smoking rate. Key to this plan is the introduction of a "smoke-free" generation, where people aged 14 and under in 2027 will never be allowed to purchase cigarettes. This is part of proposals unveiled by the government, which also include reducing the number of retailers authorized to sell tobacco and cutting nicotine levels in all products.

Key Takeaways:

• The New Zealand government plans to ban young people from buying cigarettes in their lifetime, aiming to achieve a zero smoking rate by 2025.
• The country has one of the highest smoking rates among indigenous Maori adults, with 29% of the population smoking.
• The government will consult with a Maori health task force and introduce legislation into parliament in June next year, with the aim of making it law by the end of 2022.
• The restrictions will be rolled out in stages from 2024, beginning with a sharp reduction in authorized sellers, followed by reduced nicotine requirements in 2025 and the creation of the "smoke-free" generation from 2027.
• The new rules will make New Zealand's retail tobacco industry one of the most restricted in the world, with a sharp reduction in smoking rates expected to occur in the first 10 years.
• The plan aims to halve the country's smoking rates in as few as 10 years from when they take effect, reducing the number of smokers from 11.6% of the population to fewer than 5%.
• Smoking kills about 5,000 people a year in New Zealand, making it one of the country's top causes of preventable death.
• Four in five smokers started before age 18 in New Zealand, highlighting the need for early intervention in reducing smoking rates among young people.
• Vaping is also tightly regulated, with sales only allowed to over 18s.

Statistics:

• 11.6% of all New Zealanders aged over 15 smoke.
• 29% of indigenous Maori adults smoke.
• 5,000 people die from smoking-related illnesses each year in New Zealand.
• Four in five smokers started smoking before the age of 18 in New Zealand.
• By 2025, the government aims for no more than 5% of the population to smoke daily.

Sources:

• Stuff.co.nz
• Getty Images/iStockphoto
• Citi brokerage report
• New Zealand Medical Association statement