Labour promises to reinstate Smokefree Generation policy
The New Zealand Labour Party has pledged to reinstate the Smokefree Generation policy if elected, reversing the current government's repeal. The policy aims to prevent those born after a certain date from purchasing tobacco, though it will no longer include nicotine reduction mandates.
Why it matters
This policy shift reflects ongoing political debates regarding public health, personal liberty, and the economic impact of tobacco regulation.
The Labour Party has announced plans to reinstate its Smokefree Generation policy if elected into government.
The party's health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall announced the policy at a panel discussion on health and harm prevention in Parliament this afternoon.
Labour had already signalled an intent to bring back the policy in speech from Labour leader Chris Hipkins in 2024.
It would reverse the government's heated tobacco policy - which introduced a 50 percent reduction in the excise duty for heated tobacco products, Verrall said.
She also said the party would introduce a common licensing regime for tobacco and vape products.
The Smokefree Generation policy, when it was announced under the previous Labour government, would have meant that people born on, or after 1 January 2009 would never be able to purchase tobacco products again.
It also heavily restricted the number of stores selling tobacco products, and dramatically reduced nicotine levels .
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