The minister responsible for tobacco control, Tariana Turia, wants smoking banned in cars and will push for other tough anti-smoking policies.

Tobacco products are to be hidden and anti-smoking officers will get powers to instantly fine shops under new Govt measures.

There is no evidence of a spike in tobacco-related crime due to price increases, and claims of potential organised crime are being overblown, says Maori affairs select committee chairman Tau Henare.

Graphic images of the adverse health effects of smoking do deter young adult smokers and should be significantly increased in size, NZ research has found.

Health organisations are alarmed at how the internet is being used to promote smoking.

Demand for tobacco has fallen 15pc at supermarkets since the tax rise in April - a far greater reduction than expected.

British American Tobacco (BAT) has denied claims it uses video-sharing website YouTube to market its products, as research released today from Otago University claimed.

The health sector is overburdened by those who don't know how to look after themselves or don't give a damn, writes Gareth Morgan.

The majority of NZers support an end to commercial tobacco sales by 2020, a UMR Research survey finds.