Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) and Smokefree Coalition
Smokefree groups applaud drop in smoking rates but urge the Ministry of Health to continue to implement effective
legislation
New report highlights decline in smoking rates
23.4 percent of adult New Zealanders smoked in 2004, according to a Ministry of Health report; this is a reduction from
25 percent in 2002. Those that continue to smoke are also smoking less than in 2002. Each adult smoked an average of
11.7 cigarettes per day in 2004 down from 13 cigarettes per day in 2002.
The Tobacco Facts 2005 released by the Ministry of Health earlier today shows that smoking prevalence and cigarette
consumption is reducing gradually.
Becky Freeman, Director, Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) says, “The reduction in prevalence and drops in consumption
shows that investing in tobacco control programmes is an effective way of improving public health. We are now seeing
real results across all age groups and ethnicities.”
Leigh Sturgiss, Director, Smokefree Coalition says,” I am confident that we will see an even greater reduction in
smoking rates following the one year anniversary of the smokefree environments act. You can no longer smoke when you are
at work, out for a coffee, or at your local. For many smokers this is that extra push they need to successfully
give-up.”
However, both Ms Freeman and Ms Sturgiss agree that despite the overwhelming evidence of the effectiveness of tobacco
regulation, we clearly have a long way to go to meet our public health objectives of reducing smoking.
“If the Ministry of Health is serious about continuing this downward trend in smoking then we must act quickly to enact
proven solutions like increasing the tax on tobacco, placing picture warnings on cigarette packets and removing all
cigarette displays from point of sale,” says Ms Freeman.
The publication, Tobacco Facts 2005 is available at www.moh.govt.nz
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