jfid – New Zealand, a country renowned for its natural beauty and Maori culture, has now become the world’s first nation to prohibit its younger generation from smoking for their entire lives.
This policy is part of the government’s action plan to create a smoke-free country by 2025.
On December 13, 2022, the New Zealand government passed the World’s First Tobacco Act, which dictates that tobacco products cannot be sold to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009.
This means that children currently aged 14 or younger will never be able to legally purchase cigarettes when they reach adulthood.
Moreover, the law outlines several other measures to reduce the prevalence and impact of smoking in New Zealand, including:
- Gradually raising the legal smoking age each year, so that by 2050, a person must be 40 years old to purchase cigarettes.
- Reducing nicotine levels in cigarettes to non-addictive levels.
- Limiting the number of stores allowed to sell tobacco from around 8,000 to fewer than 500.
- Increasing cigarette prices and tobacco taxes.
- Providing more support and assistance to smokers who wish to quit, especially in Maori, Pacific, and low-income communities.
New Zealand’s Health Minister, Ayesha Verrall, stated that this law is a step towards a smoke-free future, emphasizing that smoking remains a leading preventable cause of death in New Zealand, responsible for one in four cancer cases.
“Thousands will live longer, healthier lives, and New Zealand’s healthcare system will be $5 billion (or about Rp 50 trillion) better off by not treating smoking-related illnesses,” said Verrall.
Verrall also highlighted that this policy focuses on health equity, particularly for Maori communities, who have the highest smoking rates in New Zealand. Government statistics show that around 29% of the Maori population are daily smokers, compared to just 12% of the overall New Zealand population.
“We’re on track for the European New Zealand population [to become smoke-free], the issue is, if we don’t change what we’re doing, we won’t succeed for Maori – and that’s [what] this plan is focused on,” Verrall stated.
She added that the government would ensure Maori leadership and decision-making at all levels of this action plan. They will also monitor the social and economic impacts of this policy, including the potential emergence of a black market or increased use of vape products.
Scheduled to take effect by the end of 2023, after legislative processes and public consultation, the government hopes that with this law, New Zealand will become the first country in the world to achieve the smoke-free target set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
This policy has garnered support from various quarters, including health organizations, human rights groups, and anti-smoking activists. One such supporter is Dr. Richard Edwards, a public health professor at the University of Otago, who called this law an “extraordinary global breakthrough.”
“We’re very pleased with this action plan, which is the boldest and most comprehensive step ever taken by any government to end the smoking epidemic,” said Edwards.
However, not everyone agrees with this policy. Some critics argue that the smoking ban would violate human rights, disregard personal property rights, and create discrimination against the younger generation.
They are also concerned that the smoking ban might push smokers towards a large and unregulated black market or vape products.
One opponent of this policy is the New Zealand Retail Federation, stating that the smoking ban would harm small businesses and pose security issues.
Greg Harford, Director of the New Zealand Retail Federation, mentioned that the government should focus more on education and prevention rather than prohibition.
“We don’t believe the smoking ban will work. We think it will create a large and dangerous black market, putting our staff and customers at risk,” said Harford.
He also argued that the smoking ban would eliminate choices for consumers and punish innocent young generations. He suggested that the government should allow the sale of safer alternative tobacco products, such as electronic cigarettes or snus.
Meanwhile, smokers in New Zealand have varying reactions to this policy. Some express support for the smoking ban for the younger generation but not for themselves.
Others say they will attempt to quit smoking before the ban takes effect. Some claim they will continue smoking, regardless of government actions.
One smoker who disagrees with the smoking ban is John, a 35-year-old office worker, who believes smoking is his personal right.
“I think the smoking ban is unfair and unreasonable. I smoke because I enjoy it, not because I’m forced to. I know the risks, but it’s my choice. I don’t want the government to control my life,” said John.
On the other hand, there are smokers who agree with the smoking ban, like Lisa, a 40-year-old homemaker, who believes smoking is a bad habit that needs to be stopped.
“I think the smoking ban is good and beneficial. I smoke because I’m addicted, not because I enjoy it. I know the dangers, but it’s hard for me to quit. I want the government to help me quit,” said Lisa.
The smoking ban in New Zealand is a bold and historic step that demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting the health and well-being of its people.
