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Associate Health Minister Announces Plain Packs set to Pass

ASH NZ congratulates Associate Health Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga on announcing draft regulations and a consultation document for standardised cigarette packaging.

“These draft regulations and consultation are another important step in the process towards Smokefree 2025,” Minister Lotu-Iiga says. “The design and appearance of cigarette packets are powerful marketing tools for vendors. The Government is proposing to use the standard brown-green packaging which is similar to what is used in Australia.”

There is overwhelming evidence from Australia that standardised (plain) packaging is effective. The public consultation process will enable the government to maximise on latest evidence from both Australia and New Zealand.

ASH Director Stephanie Erick says, “This is exciting news for New Zealand on World Smokefree Day. We should not be afraid to stand up against the tobacco industry. We should be fearless and courageous in implementing public health measures we know will save lives.“

It is expected that the Smokefree Environments (Tobacco Plain Packaging) Amendment Bill will be passed this year, with regulations coming into effect after that. Prime Minister John Key indicated that implementation would start early next year.

The draft regulations and consultation document are available on the Ministry of Health website, with consultation ending July 29.

ASH New Zealand is a registered charity that produces and collects sound evidence to enable policy makers and communities to contribute to a Smokefree Aotearoa New Zealand by 2025.

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