A new poll shows most people do not want the Government to remove some smokefree legislation, including reducing nicotine in cigarettes and introducing a sinking lid purchasing age.
The 1News Verian poll, which ran from February 10 to 14 asked 1002 eligible voters:
“The government is removing smokefree legislation that requires a reduction in nicotine in cigarettes, minimises the number of stores selling tobacco products and ensures people born after January 2009 would not be able to purchase tobacco products. Do you think the Government should remove the smokefree legislation?”
The minister in charge of the changes says people will change their minds when they see the Government is committed to smokefree targets. (Source: 1News)
While 30% supported the move, answering "yes", 60% said no. The remaining 10% did not know or refused to answer the question.
Those more likely than average to oppose removing smokefree legislation were Green Party supporters, Labour Party supporters, Wellington residents, women aged 18 to 49, those with an annual household income over $150,000, New Zealand Europeans, and university graduates.
Those more likely than average to be in favour of removing smokefree legislation were ACT Party supporters, National Party supporters, men aged 35 to 54, Auckland residents and non-university graduates.
The topic has been controversial since the new Government came to power, with anti-smoking advocates saying it will impact New Zealand's smokefree goals.
But the Christopher Luxon said reducing or eliminating the supply of a product - such as tobacco and cigarettes - would result in more organised crime and a black market.
Associate Health Minister Casey Costello, tasked with shepherding the reforms, said in a statement to 1News:
“When New Zealanders see that the Government is committed to the smokefree targets and reducing the harm from smoking I think they'll feel differently.
"I'm planning to bring in a range of measures to continue the great progress being made in helping people quit smoking, and to prevent young people vaping."
Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall said New Zealanders wanted a smokefree future and the Government needed to listen.
She said the Government was "undermining the health of New Zealanders" and smokefree laws were "remarkably popular".
"This has always been a dirty deal done behind closed doors, the Government needs to see common sense and do what New Zealanders want them to do - stop the repeal."
Health Coalition Aotearoa spokesperson Professor Lisa Te Morenga said the poll result was "no surprise" to her organisation.
"This poll shows what we know - New Zealanders do not want to see the smokefree laws repealed, simple as that."
She said even smokers knew it was a deadly addiction and wished they'd never started.
"I think everyone would like to see young people protected from ever becoming addicted to smoking and these laws were designed to do that."
She said the "black market argument" was one the tobacco industry regularly proffered and smokefree legislation helped reduce a black market by reducing the number of smokers.
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