After heated parliamentary debate: New Zealand government lifts smoking ban

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New Zealand’s conservative government has rolled back the previous left-wing government’s drastic anti-tobacco laws, much to the dismay of health experts. The coalition led by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon (53) withdrew the legislative package in an emergency procedure on Thursday evening (local time), a government spokesperson confirmed to the German Press Agency. This was preceded by a heated parliamentary debate.

The government, which also includes the populist NZ First party, announced a corresponding plan shortly after taking office last November. With this step, she wants to finance promised tax cuts, among other things.

Led by Labor leader Jacinda Ardern (43), the Pacific state passed a landmark law at the end of 2022 that bans smoking for people born after 2009. Tobacco would no longer be sold to them for life. This means that young people should no longer be tempted to start smoking.

A reduction in the nicotine content in cigarettes and a smaller number of tobacco sales points were also enshrined in the law. The country must be largely smoke-free by 2025. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable deaths in New Zealand. The laws would gradually come into effect from July this year.

Smoking ban reversed despite public support

“New Zealand has seen the biggest decline in smoking in the world in recent years and we want to build on the practical tools and approaches that have worked so far,” said Deputy Health Minister Casey Costello. The government remains committed to making the country smoke-free. But the Labor government took a ‘prohibitionist’ approach, ignoring the effectiveness of smoking cessation initiatives.

Researchers from the University of Otago’s ASPIRE Aotearoa Research Center called the repeal of the laws “shameful”. Scientists must help achieve the Labor government’s goals. Now thousands of unnecessary deaths are still at risk every year, especially among Maori, says co-director Andrew Waa. New Zealand’s indigenous population is more likely to smoke than the rest of the population and is particularly susceptible to tobacco-related diseases. Waa emphasized that recent polls have also shown strong public support for the laws.

“The tobacco industry will celebrate its victory for convincing the government’s coalition parties, all of whom have close ties to the industry, to push through their agenda,” said non-governmental organization Health Coalition Aotearoa. “It is completely irresponsible to put the profits of the tobacco industry above the health of New Zealanders.” (SDA)

Source: Blick