New Zealand: ASH Responds to Plateau in Smoking Rates

Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) New Zealand has responded to the latest New Zealand Health Survey (NZHS) data, which shows daily smoking rates have plateaued at 6.8%. ASH Chair Emeritus Professor Robert Beaglehole emphasized that a single year of no change does not negate a decade of extraordinary progress, which has seen New Zealand achieve one of the steepest declines in smoking ever documented.

“This is the predictable ‘endgame’ pattern we see when smoking prevalence reaches these very low levels and the remaining people who smoke need extra help to quit,” Beaglehole stated. He highlighted the “exceptional” progress for Māori and Pacific communities, with Māori daily smoking falling from 37.7% to 15.0% and Pacific smoking dropping from 22.6% to 10.3% over time.

Beaglehole dismissed claims that the recent repeal of the 2022 smokefree legislation was responsible for the short-term trend, calling it “irresponsible to attribute a plateau to legislation that never took effect.” He argued the real issue now is “misinformation and confusion, which discourage smokers from switching to much less harmful alternatives” like vaping. He urged New Zealand to strengthen Māori and Pacific-led cessation services, provide clear communication about the relative risks of nicotine products, and ensure adults who smoke have practical access to effective alternatives.

• Read more: New Zealand Seeks Vape Suppliers for Quit Smoking Services
• News source: ASH Responds To The Latest Smoking And Vaping Data

• Author
• Recent Posts

Follow

Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.

Follow

Latest posts by Matthew Ma (see all)

• UK Vape Retailers Warn £5 Deposit Scheme Could Backfire - July 10, 2026
• Global Vape Crackdown: UK Joins US and Australia in Tightening Rules - July 10, 2026
• French Polynesia Bans Disposable Vapes and Restricts Flavors Under New Rules - July 10, 2026

Related posts:

New Zealand’s Approach to Vaping Regulations: A Comparison with Australia’s Ban Singapore Cracks Down on E-Cigarettes, Arresting Over 5,500 Users in Six Months NHS England Offers Varenicline Pill to Help Smokers Quit All Elf Bar BC5000 FlavorsThe Complete Guide to All 30+ Elf Bar BC5000 Flavors – Find Your Perfect Vape Poland Proposes Ban on E-Cigarette Sales to Minors France Bans Disposable Vapes as New Nicotine Products Flood Market