tobacco control

Plain cigarette packaging has arrived in New Zealand

From today New Zealand legislation prevents the tobacco industry from using branding on their cigarette packaging. This marks the first day of a 12 week ‘wash out’ period in cleansing the market of existing stock and introducing plain packaging. These changes will mean tobacco packets will be the same standard dark brown/green colour as seen in Australia and the U.K; graphic pictures and health warnings will be enlarged to cover at least 75% of the front of tobacco packs, and all tobacco company marketing imagery will be removed.

Spotlight On ... Mary-Kaye Wharakura - Lizzie Strickett talks to Mary-Kaye Wharakura

"Spotlight On ..." - As a way of highlighting and celebrating members of our Tobacco Control Whanau, The Tobacco Control Update, is proud to bring you "Spotlight On ..." 
We have an amazing collection of people working in all aspects of Tobacco Control, all making  a contribution to our governments goal of Smokefree Aotearoa 2025. 
This series of interviews will give you some insight in the many and varied members of our whanau and introduce you their work, passions and motivation in doing what they do. 

Government supports smoke security system in response to dairy theft

The government has recently supported new security fog device technology to deter theft in small stores like dairies. This technology has come about in response to the raised level of tobacco and cash-related violence used to gain entry into shops.

Security fog devices or ‘smoke screen’ security works by releasing a dense fog, usually a glycerine mixed with distilled water, hiding valuables and disorientating the intruder. The sudden release of smoke is intended to shock and confuse the intruder, forcing them to retreat from the property before taking any items.

Hāpai Te Hauora welcome Minister Jenny Salesa as new Minister responsible for Smokefree2025

Ka tuku mihi a Hāpai Te Hauora ki a Jenny Salesa kua whai tūranga hei minita e hāngai ana ki ngā mahi auahi kore.

‘Oku fiefia heni ‘a Hāpai te Hauora ke talitali lelei ‘a e Minista fo’ou ko Jenny Salesa ‘oku ne tokangaekina e tapu-ifi-tapaka 2025.

Hāpai Te Hauora congratulates and welcomes Jenny Salesa as the new Minister responsible for Smokefree 2025.

Smoking impact recognised with inaugural Dame Tariana Turia Award

Former MP Hone Harawira has been given the inaugural Dame Tariana Turia Award for his work highlighting the impact of smoking on Maori and Pacific Island people in New Zealand.

The award was announced at the Oceania Tobacco Control Conference in Hobart.

Dame Tariana was a fearless advocate for tobacco control, a previous co-leader of the Maori Party and a champion for reducing inequalities in Maori smoking rates.

The award recognised the need for reducing harm within indigenous communities and was open to entries from across NZ, Australia and the Pacific Islands.