“New Zealand’s new government says it plans to scrap the nation’s world-leading smoking ban to fund tax cuts,” according to BBC Nov. 27, 2023. New Zealand’s Smokefree legislation, introduced under the previous government, aimed to ban cigarette sales to those born after 2008. The policy was praised internationally for potentially saving up to 5,000 lives annually. However, health experts criticized the sudden reversal, and business groups argued the loss of revenue, even with government subsidies. The new finance minister, Nicola Willis, announced the government would repeal the laws, but health experts believe the policy would remain unchanged. The policy’s impact is most significant among New Zealand’s indigenous Māori population.
World Map: New Zealand 12/6/23
December 6, 2023
About the Contributor
Grace Dannemiller, International News Corespondent
Hello! my name is Grace Dannemiller. I am the International News Correspondent. This is my second year on staff. In my free time I have been writing and public speaking about neurodiversity and mental health. I hope to continue to pursue my passion for journalism as a career one day.