Action on Smoking and Health (ASH)
MEDIA RELEASE

29 November 2005

ASH Votes for British American Tobacco New Zealand

ASH congratulates British American Tobacco New Zealand [BATNZ], finalist, 2005 Roger Award.

“In light of the fact that half of their best customers will die as a result of smoking their products, it is only right that British American Tobacco New Zealand be recognised for their contribution to our society,” says Becky Freeman, Director, ASH NZ.

Cigarettes are the only legal product on the market today that when consumed exactly as BATNZ intends will likely kill you.

BATNZ is actively opposing measures that would decrease cigarette sales in New Zealand. They oppose the introduction of picture warnings on cigarette packs, a measure that has been proven to work in overseas jurisdictions.

Surely BATNZ’s activities clearly put them in the front position to receive this award. After all, the world’s second largest multinational tobacco company hides the damage it causes to health, development and the environment behind a mask of “corporate social responsibility”.

The Roger Award is organised by the two Christchurch-based groups, Campaign Against Foreign Control of Aotearoa (CAFCA) and GATT Watchdog and is awarded to the Worst Transnational Corporation Operating in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

For more information about the Roger Awards, please go to www.cafca.org.nz

ENDS

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