According to a report by scoop.co.nz, the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) has strongly advocated for the New Zealand government to reconsider its recent decision to revoke a law that banned the sale of cigarettes across the country.
Dr. Elizabeth Roberts, the Deputy Director of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australia and New Zealand, expressed her concerns regarding the detrimental impact this decision will have on public health. As the leading preventable cause of death in New Zealand, smoking has dire consequences. The previous government’s legislation provided essential avenues for disease prevention, reduction, and ultimately saving lives. The law proved to be particularly beneficial in addressing health inequalities faced by the Māori population. New Zealand was on track to become the first country in the world to achieve a “smoke-free generation,” making the current government’s reversal of course perplexing.
Initial proposals included a ban on tobacco sales to individuals born after January 1, 2009, limitations on nicotine content in tobacco products, and a drastic reduction of tobacco retailers by over 90%.
Dr. Roberts expressed her deep anguish, stating, “We had believed that the goal of a smoke-free 2025 seemed within our grasp, but now it feels out of reach. We urge the government to reconsider its decision to lift the ban.”
It is crucial to reassess the potential ramifications of repealing the nationwide ban on cigarette sales in New Zealand. By prioritizing public health and continuing with the previous government’s measures, the country can continue its journey towards a smoke-free future, safeguarding the well-being of its citizens.
