Tobacco tax increase will put a squeeze on smoker’s pockets

Media Release – for immediate release

Date 21 December 2012

Tobacco tax increase due on 1st January will put a squeeze on smoker’s pockets

The first of four tobacco tax increases, set to rise by 10% on 1st January 2013, will really start to put the squeeze on smokers’ pockets as a standard packet of 20 cigarettes is likely to cost around $16.00 - up from $14.40.

Even though most smokers have known the tobacco tax increase is coming, it will make it just that much harder and more expensive to continue to smoke. Quitline encourages smokers to get support to help them stop smoking.

“We know the more Quitline services a client uses, the higher their rate of success. Smokers can pick and choose the support services that work best for them, including phone, email, blogs, text and online support to help people beat their addiction,” says Paula Snowden, Quitline Chief Executive. Smokers who use Quitline’s services and support are five times more likely to successfully quit than those who quit alone.

“Smoking is on the way out, it is no longer the norm for New Zealander’s, thanks to the programme of change over the last 20 years – with Smokefree environments, tax increases, marketing and stop smoking services.”

“Quitline supports the strong controls on the supply of tobacco and tobacco increases will help smokers to quit and stay quit. This really matters to New Zealand; the goal of a Smokefree Aotearoa by 2025 will reduce health costs, reduce respiratory problems, improve the health of everyone in the family, not just the smoker, and save thousands of dollars a year.” Paula Snowden says.

Anyone seeking support can call Quitline on 0800 778 778 or visit www.quitline.org.nz for online support.

RELEASE ENDS

About Quitline

The Quit Group (which operates as Quitline) is an incorporated charitable trust which was established in 1999. We are committed to helping all New Zealanders quit smoking, with a particular focus on Māori, Pacific peoples and pregnant women. Our free services are funded by the Ministry of Health.

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