New Zealand is planning to scrap its flagship generational smoking ban in order to fund tax cuts – a move that experts warn will have adverse effects on public health.
Last year, New Zealand became the first country in the world to ban smoking for the next generation. As per this policy, anyone born after 1 January 2009 would not be able to buy any tobacco ever. The ban would have come into effect next year.
The legislation passed last year by the liberal government aimed to prevent thousands of smoking-related deaths and save thousands of dollars in the healthcare system.