New Zealand’s plan to repeal what would have been some of the world’s toughest tobacco laws has attracted widespread criticism from health experts.
Key points:
- The proposed laws to be scraped by the new government would have banned selling tobacco to anyone born after January 1, 2009
- A ban on smoking for future generations was subsequently proposed in the United Kingdom
- A health coalition says academic research shows the laws could have saved approximately $1.2 billion in health system costs over 20 years
The country’s new centre-right coalition will scrap the laws introduced by former prime minister Jacinta Arden, according to coalition agreements published on Friday.
The raft of measures, which were meant to begin from July 2024, would have seen bans on selling tobacco to anyone born after January 1, 2009.
It would have also reduced the amount of nicotine allowed in smoked tobacco products and cut the number of retailers able to sell tobacco by more than 90 per cent.
A ban on smoking for future generations was subsequently proposed in the United Kingdom, and raised in Australia.
Incoming Finance Minister Nicola Willis told New Zealand’s Newshub Nation the former government’s measures would have significantly reduced tax revenues.
“We have to remember that the changes to the smoke-free legislation had a significant impact on the government books — with about $1 billion there,” Ms Willis said.
Anti-tobacco campaigners, including Health Coalition Aotearoa (HCA) co-chair Boyd Swinburn, called the government’s reversal disheartening.
“This is major loss for public health, and a huge win for the tobacco industry – whose profits will be boosted at the expense of Kiwi lives,” he said.
HCA said academic research showed the laws could have saved some $NZD1.3 billion ($1.2 billion) in health system costs over 20 years, and reduced mortality rates.
Australia watching England smoking ban ‘with interest’
New Zealand’s Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet did not immediately respond to Reuters request for comment.
Sarah Jackson, principal research fellow at the University College London Tobacco and Alcohol Research Group, said the decision could threaten plans in other nations.
“There is a risk that New Zealand’s U-turn could prompt policymakers in England to reconsider,” she said.
The coalition government will reform regulations for alternatives like vapes, including a disposable vape ban and tougher penalties for underage customer sales, according to the coalition agreement.
