New Zealand has proposed new laws to outlaw the sale of cigarettes to upcoming generations and dramatically curtail the availability of tobacco. New Zealand Associate Health Minister Ayesha Verrall expects the laws will begin rolling out in 2024.

Ayesha Verrall: “We are legislating for a smoke-free generation by making it an offense to sell or supply tobacco products to those aged 14 when the law comes into effect. As they age, they and future generations will never legally be able to purchase tobacco, because the truth is there is no safe age to start smoking.”

More than 11% of New Zealanders over the age of 15 smoke, but that rate reaches nearly 30% among the Indigenous Maori population.