In a shocking move, New Zealand’s new conservative government has announced that it will scrap the nation’s world-leading smoking ban to help fund tax cuts. The smoking ban, which was introduced by the previous Jacinda Ardern-led government, aimed to prevent anyone born after 2008 from ever buying cigarettes in the country.
The cigarette restriction became described as one of the most outstanding and progressive laws, capable of preserving hundreds of lives and billions of dollars spent on medical aid. It also addressed the high smoking rate for indigenous Māori. The indigenous Māori suffer higher health and social disparities.
Nevertheless, the new government headed by Chris Luxon, of the National party, has chosen to do away with the smoke free policy, arguing that it amounts to an unwarranted infringement on people’s individual freedom. Luxon stated that the scrapping of the smoking ban would lead to reduced taxes for middle income earners and small business enterprises.
The decision has elicited anger among health professionals, anti-smoking activists, and opposing parties. Further, they indicated that revocation of the smoking ban would impair New Zealand’s aspirations on having a smoke-free country by 2025.
Among all countries on earth, it is New Zealand that has implemented the so-called rising smoking age. Moreover, this country can be considered a model for others. Now, it appears that New Zealand ceased being a global leader in smoking control thereby threatening the health status and future for upcoming generations.
