Abstract
Recently released documents from the Ministry of Health and Associate Health Minister Casey Costello’s office reveal the Ministry of Health advised that repealing key smokefree measures would undermine the Smokefree 2025 goal. The Ministry also advised against introducing oral nicotine products, such as snus and oral nicotine pouches. The Associate Health Minister did not take her Ministry’s advice but instead heeded calls by tobacco companies to allow sales of these products. In this Briefing, we examine Ministry of Health advice, outline arguments from tobacco companies and groups affiliated with them, and review the Associate Health Minister’s actions.