New Zealand's Plan to Reverse Smoking Ban Sparks Controversy

In 2022, New Zealand made laws to limit and, over time, stop selling cigarettes to the coming generations

The new government in New Zealand has announced its intention to undo the nation's leading smoking ban to finance tax cuts. The previous government, led by Jacinda Ardern, had introduced legislation to ban cigarette sales to individuals born after 2008, aiming to curb the leading cause of preventable deaths in the country—smoking.

Health experts are strongly criticizing this sudden policy reversal. Prof Richard Edwards, a tobacco control researcher at the University of Otago, called it a "retrograde step" that goes against world-leading health measures. Many health groups in New Zealand are urging the government to reconsider.

New Zealand's new leader, Chris Luxon (in the middle), officially took office on Monday along with his coalition partners Winston Peters (on the left), who leads New Zealand First, and David Seymour (on the right), who leads Act.

Last year's legislation, which received international acclaim, included measures such as restricting tobacco retailers and reducing nicotine levels in cigarettes. Research models supported these reforms, with estimates suggesting that the Smokefree laws could save up to 5,000 lives annually. The UK government even took inspiration from New Zealand, announcing a similar smoking ban for young people in September.

While the Smokefree measures were praised for public health benefits, some business groups in New Zealand opposed them. Owners of newsagents and corner shops raised concerns about revenue loss, even with government subsidies. The new finance minister, Nicola Willis, revealed that National's coalition partners insisted on reversing the laws, leading to the unexpected announcement.

Despite winning the election, the National party struggled to form a government with minor parties, New Zealand First and Act. The new government's decision to repeal the Smokefree laws surprised health experts who believed the policy would remain unchanged.

Opponents of the ban, including the new Prime Minister Chris Luxon, argued that it could lead to a black market for tobacco. The laws still need parliamentary approval, where the government holds a majority.

Critics find the idea of funding tax cuts through smoking particularly troubling. Prof Robert Beaglehole, chair of New Zealand's Action for Smokefree 2025 committee, described it as "shocking," emphasizing the impact on public health.

Hāpai Te Hauora, a national Māori health organization, called the decision an "unconscionable blow" to the health and well-being of all New Zealanders. Smoking rates are highest among the indigenous Māori population, for whom the Smokefree policy was expected to have a positive impact.

Despite this setback, New Zealand remains committed to reducing its national smoking rate to 5% by 2025, with the ultimate goal of complete elimination. The recent decision to reverse the smoking ban has sparked widespread controversy and raised concerns about the government's commitment to public health.