NZ experts say smokefree repeal is “public health vandalism”

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2023-12-15 00:01

New Zealand; Pacific

PHOTO: Cristian Guerrero/Unsplash

In an editorial piece for the New Zealand Medical Journal, tobacco control researchers discuss lessons learned from the new coalition Government’s controversial decision to repeal world-first measures to stub out smoking in Aotearoa. They write this move shows the new Government puts a low priority on improving health through prevention, and that it takes its targets-based approach selectively. For example, one of the most long-standing health targets - adopted by the National-led Government in 2011 - is to make NZ an essentially smokefree nation by 2025. They also say the new Government’s views align closely with those of the tobacco industry, and that the rapid reversal merits further investigation to ensure the Government is meeting its WHO obligations to keep the tobacco industry from having any influence on policy. The authors conclude that it’s not too late for the Government to change its course.

Media release

From: Pasifika Medical Association Group

One of the new Government’s first actions was to announce its intention to repeal New Zealand’s world-leading smokefree legislation. This has created enormous controversy and opposition. The Government’s actions suggest it attaches a low priority to improving population health through prevention and is applying its target-focussed approach highly selectively. Its actions align closely with the tobacco industry’s position of opposing key smokefree policies included in the legislation and show scant regard for the views of New Zealanders. The intention to repeal was not included in the National Party election manifesto and hence the Government lack a democratic mandate for its action, and the decision raises concerns about disproportionate influence of junior coalition partners.

Journal/
conference: New Zealand Medical Journal

Organisation/s: University of Otago, University of Auckland

Funder: n/a

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