Status quo and problem definition
In February 2011, in response to recommendations of the Maori Affairs Select Committee Inquiry Into The Tobacco Industry And Consequences Of Tobacco Use For Maori, the Government adopted the aspirational goal of making New Zealand essentially a smoke-free nation by 2025, and to set specific mid-term targets as a means to ensure meaningful progress towards that goal [SOC Min (11) 1/4].
Smoking-related mortality is the single greatest cause of preventable premature death in New Zealand. Each year around 4500 to 5000 people die from smoking-related causes (including second-hand-smoke exposure). Smoking is the main cause of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and is a major contributor to CVD (including stroke). The most recent (2009) estimate for current adult smoking prevalence is 19 percent, which represents a continuation of a downward trend evident since 1983.[2]
- Current smoking in population aged 15 years and over (unadjusted prevalence)
- Sources: AC-Nielsen 1983-2005, New Zealand Health Survey 2006/07 and Tobacco Use Surveys 2006, 2008 and 2009
Note: Previously published data has been revised to give a consistent definition of smoker and population age range.
Smoking prevalence and consumption is higher among Maori, young people and people with lower socio-economic status. Those communities bear a disproportionate burden of smoking-related illness and death. The social costs of smoking have been estimated at 62,800 life years lost to tobacco-related premature deaths, and 19,000 quality adjusted life-years lost to tobacco-related illness.[3]
Recent declines in measures of tobacco supply suggest smoking prevalence and average consumption by smokers have declined further following three step-increases in the real rate of tobacco excise implemented in April 2010, January 2011 and January 2012.
However, given current levels and trends in smoking prevalence and consumption, further policy steps will be needed to achieve the Government's 2025 smoke-free goal. Greatest progress appears to be being made in reducing uptake rates by new, younger smokers, but persistence of smoking by existing smokers will mean that overall prevalence rates do not decline towards the 2025 smoke free goal without further policy measures.
Notes
- [2]This text and following chart are from the Director-General of Health's Annual Report on the State of Public Health. Ministry of Health, 2011
- [3]This text is from the Ministry of Health's April 2010 Regulatory impact statement (RIS) for the Excise and Excise-equivalent Duties Table (Tobacco Products) Amendment Bill
