The Government will commit to the goal of making New Zealand smokefree by 2025 as part of its plan to get tough on tobacco.
In a response to a Maori affairs select committee inquiry into the tobacco industry and Maori smoking rates, tabled in Parliament today, the Government agreed to develop
targets for reducing smoking rates with the goal of becoming a smokefree nation.
It will also consider law changes around the promotion, packaging and display of tobacco products as part of the Smokefree Environments (Controls and Enforcement) Bill currently before Parliament.
Associate Health Minister Tariana Turia said the Government's response was ``a landmark moment'' for New Zealand.
``It is about us asserting our own identity as a nation and defining for ourselves the role tobacco is allowed to play in the life of this country. Tthis is not something we are just going to leave in the hands of the tobacco industry.''
Ms Turia said the Government had agreed to review what information should have to be disclosed about tobacco products, with an eye towards tightening the rules around information about tobacco additives.
It would also investigate using regulatory powers to reduce nicotine levels and the use of additives, and investigate measures relating to the supply of and availability of tobacco.
Ms Turia said the Government's response would build upon existing tobacco control initiatives and the successes they had already achieved.
Maori tobacco advocacy group Te Reo Marama welcomed the response.
``We commend and congratulate Minister Turia on her courage, commitment and leadership by demonstrating to the tobacco industry that their opportunity to recruit future generations of Maori in order to continue the industry's longevity is coming to an end,'' the group said in a statement.
The Smokefree Coalition said it was delighted with the response, which had affirmed its vision for a smokefree nation by 2025.
``The smokefree community in New Zealand is thrilled that the Government now shares its vision and looks forward to working with the Government to make it a reality.''
