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Auckland Council has voted to support the Government’s latest tobacco bill, but is concerned there may be unintended consequences.
The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Smoked Tobacco) Amendment Bill has three proposals – reducing smoked tobacco supply, prohibiting supply to those born after January 1 2009, and nicotine removal in smoked tobacco.
While Council’s submission on the bill expressed support, it also urged caution with warnings of an illicit tobacco market, the need for better smoking cessation support and concerns around how smoke-free may increase vape use.
At the Park, Arts, Community and Events Committee on September 22, policy advisor Victor Faletutulu said feedback from local boards, the Independent Māori Statutory Board and committee members was overwhelmingly supportive of the bill.
“However, concerns were raised about the effect on vaping, which is already regulated but not effectively enforced,” Faletutulu said.
He said the bill would contribute to New Zealand and Tāmaki Makaurau becoming smoke-free by 2025.
Māori and Pasifika people have some of the highest rates of smoking in Tāmaki Makaurau.
While rates of smoking are declining, the submission says 8000 Māori and Pasifika will need to stop smoking every year for the next four years to reach the goal. The rate of people taking up smoking would also need to drop to zero.
