Media release

From: New Zealand Medical Journal

Aotearoa’s Smokefree 2025 goal has not been met: daily smoking remains well above the 5% benchmark for Māori and Pacific peoples, tobacco is still sold in thousands of outlets and national progress has stalled. The reversal of world-leading policies in 2023 derailed momentum, prioritising individual responsibility over proven, equity-focussed measures that would have reduced tobacco’s availability, addictiveness and appeal. To get tobacco control back on track, rebuild trust and meet its binding obligations under the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, the Government must restore evidence-based policy, introduce measures to prevent tobacco industry interference and protect young people from tobacco industry predation and nicotine addiction. Despite recent setbacks, the Smokefree goal remains both urgent and achievable; it is a unifying vision that must continue to inspire action to support the many people who want to quit smoking and to protect future generations.