Three Hastings retailers have been fined $500 for illegally selling cigarettes.
Duke St and Kiwi St Foodmarkets as well as Joybell Superette failed a controlled purchase operation by selling cigarettes to minors.
Another 28 retailers approached on December 17 passed the operation.
Health-protection officer Theresa Te Whaiti said the result was disappointing, especially as it was during school holidays.
"Retailers need to be more vigilant. Hawke's Bay is in the unenviable position of second when it comes to regular youth smoking within New Zealand's 20 DHBs, and we are determined to improve that situation."
All 21 retailers approached in Central Hawke's Bay and Hastings on January 21 passed the controlled purchase operation.
"Preventing the uptake of smoking by minors is an important focus in achieving a smoke free New Zealand by 2025.
"We will continue controlled purchase operations, so employers should ensure they and their staff understand their obligations under the Smokefree Environments Act," Ms Te Whaiti said.
Tobacco controlled purchase operations are held to monitor the level of compliance by tobacco retailers with the Smokefree Environments Act requirement that no tobacco products be sold to any person under 18. Any breaches of this act can result in an instant fine of up to $1000.