Smoking in New Zealand
In New Zealand, smoking is legal but subject to tobacco control regulations. Cigarettes are regulated as tobacco products and can be sold through retail outlets, including online sales and vending machines. The importation of cigarettes for trade is allowed with a trade license. Health warnings on packaging are mandatory, the legal minimum age for purchase is 18 years, and smoking in public places is subject to legal restrictions. A comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising is also in place. Cigarettes in New Zealand are taxed at a total rate of 82.78%, including an excise component of 69.74%. Data show that in 2024, the number of current smokers was recorded to be approximately 364,000 in New Zealand, corresponding to an adult smoking prevalence of 8.6%. In the same year, current smoking prevalence was slightly higher among males (9.7%) than among females (7.7%). In 2022, this prevalence was recorded to be 11.4%. In 2023, the adult daily tobacco smoking prevalence was reported to be 7.7%, with approximately 362,845 daily smokers. In 2021, smoking led to approximately 3,580 deaths in New Zealand, including 2,085 deaths among males and 1,495 deaths among females. In other words, tobacco smoking accounted for 10.38% of all deaths in the country in 2021, including11.78% of all male deaths and 8.9% of all female deaths.
Read articles from New Zealand
August 28, 2025 by rnz.co.nz
New research shows 'stealth vaping is everywhere'
Research by Dr. Robin Quigg from the University of Otago highlights how the discreet design of vaping devices allows young Māori to vape in prohibited areas, leading to normalization of vaping and nicotine addiction. The study emphasizes the urgent need for tighter regulations on vape device design, advocating for larger sizes, therapeutic designs, and less appealing odors. Despite many marae offering designated vaping areas, some sacred places like marae and wharenui are being disrespected. Quigg stresses the importance of implementing stricter regulations to curb the allure of vaping among young people in New Zealand.
August 11, 2025 by mipod.com
New Zealand Nears Smoke-Free Status—Thanks to Vaping and Common Sense
While some countries are still battling over bans, taxes, and talking points, New Zealand is quietly on the brink of achieving something extraordinary: becoming one of the first truly smoke-free nations. And they didn’t do it with slogans or scare tactics—they did it with science, compassion, and harm reduction.
August 11, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu
New Zealand Nears Smoke-Free Status Thanks to Vaping, Says Minister
New Zealand is on the cusp of becoming one of the first countries to go officially smoke-free – and it’s thanks to vaping and other safer nicotine alternatives, according to its Associate Minister of Health.
August 11, 2025 by planetofthevapes.co.uk
Minister Praised by Experts
International tobacco harm reduction experts at Smoke Free Sweden have applauded Casey Costello, New Zealand’s associate minister of health, for her staunch defence of safer nicotine alternatives that have brought her country to the brink of official ‘smoke-free’ status.
July 31, 2025 by tobaccoinsider.com
New Zealand: Heated Tobacco
New Zealand’s government has extended its 50 % excise‑tax reduction on heated tobacco until July 2027 to encourage smokers to switch. The trial was inconclusive because Philip Morris’s IQOS device was briefly removed from sale under battery‑safety rules. Critics say the evidence for heated‑tobacco benefits is weak, while PMI argues HTPs are smoke‑free alternatives.
July 08, 2025 by theconversation.com
Quitting the quit-aid: people trying to stop vaping nicotine need more support – here are some strategies to help
New Zealand promotes vaping to aid smoking cessation, with a study revealing challenges faced by vapers trying to quit. More than 1,000 surveyed individuals highlighted dependence on vapes, motivating factors to quit, and strategies used for cessation. Factors like health concerns and social influences contribute to relapse triggers, echoing smoking cessation challenges. Support resembling smoking cessation methods is crucial, suggesting tailored approaches for different demographics. While vaping initially served as a smoking substitute, it's now a standalone habit for some. A clinical trial focusing on vaping cessation is underway, emphasizing the need for dedicated support in addressing nicotine addiction.
April 24, 2025 by blogspot.com
New Zealand Researcher Claims that Using E-Cigarettes Coats the Lungs With Oil
An electronic cigarette researcher from Auckland University's Bio Engineering Institute is telling the public that when people use e-cigarettes, their lungs become coated with oil, leading to inflammation that eventually causes lung disease. According to an article in RNZ, the professor is quoted as stating: "Every time you vape, some of that will stay inside your lungs, so the e-liquids that are in vapes are sort of quite an oily substance. There'll be a lining of this oil that will stay inside your lungs and actually one of the things that is designed to get rid of that is the process of inflammation. It's when you have this inflammation occurring many times a day over many years, which is what leads to disease and tissue breakdown."
April 23, 2025 by rnz.co.nz
Four sentenced for smuggling tobacco, on-selling cigarettes from Gisborne restaurant
Four individuals involved in an illegal tobacco importing scheme in Gisborne were sentenced. Two men received home detention for defrauding Customs revenue and other charges, while an older couple was fined and ordered to pay court costs for their lesser roles. Customs discovered undeclared cigarettes and loose tobacco disguised as Chinese tea in airmail packages, totaling 306,200 cigarettes and 110kg of tobacco. The operation involved selling the goods in a restaurant. Customs' investigations led to the discovery of cash and tobacco products, resulting in charges under the Customs and Excise Act 2018. Customs Officer Bevan Cameron highlighted the significant duty evasion and fraud involved.
April 14, 2025 by phcc.org.nz
What will the Government’s free vape starter kit programme achieve?
The Government aims for Smokefree 2025 but free vape kits may only help fewer than 500 quit smoking. Achieving the goal requires over 82,000 people to stop, especially in Māori and Pacific groups. The kits may assist long-term quitting, but the impact is limited. Policy changes are needed for significant reductions. Distributing all vape kits provided would see about 466 successfully quitting, a small fraction of the goal. To reach the target, denicotinisation could be key. Cost-effectiveness calculations suggest scaling up the program may fall short. Overall, urgent and evidence-based measures are necessary for substantial progress toward Smokefree 2025.
April 11, 2025 by filtermag.org
Smear Tactics Against THR Advocates Reflected in NZ Media Ruling
Tobacco harm reduction advocates face misinformation and smears, as shown by the recent conflict involving ASH NZ and ThreeNews in New Zealand. The Broadcasting Standards Authority ruled against biased reporting and ordered corrective actions and costs. Similar experiences have been faced by THR advocate Dr. Mendelsohn in Australia. Such attacks undermine credibility and divert focus from important work. Despite controversial funding sources, advocates believe in the importance of evidence-based arguments. Ultimately, the harm reduction cause and smokers seeking help suffer the most from these smear campaigns. Promoting balanced and responsible discourse remains crucial in the field of harm reduction.