Abstract
Tobacco smoking is a major cause of preventable and inequitable ill health and premature death in Aotearoa, particularly for Māori.
In December 2021, the government launched the world-leading Smokefree Aotearoa Action Plan which included a commitment to Māori engagement, addressing inequities, and implementing three innovative measures to greatly reduce the availability and addictiveness of smoked tobacco products. Parliament passed legislation to introduce the three key measures in December 2022.
These developments, together with a recent acceleration in the decline in smoking, including among Māori, suggest that achieving the smokefree Aotearoa is realistic. The action plan could serve as a precedent and exemplar, thereby encouraging adoption of similar approaches in other countries.
However, challenges remain as the action plan requires implementation of measures that have not been introduced at national level anywhere in the world, and the tobacco industry and its allies are likely to be determined opponents.
Key priorities for the smokefree and public health community include providing sustained advocacy and support to ensure the action plan measures are fully, equitably and effectively implemented and that there is appropriate engagement with Māori and Pacific communities and leaders.