Heart Foundation congratulates Government on plain packaging

Media Release

9 September 2016

Heart Foundation congratulates Government on plain packaging

The Heart Foundation is pleased to see that the Smoke-free Environments (Tobacco Standardised Packaging) Amendment Bill passed into law last night.

Heart Foundation Manager Pacific Health, Louisa Ryan, said the introduction of plain packaging for tobacco is another step closer towards achieving the Government’s goal of a smokefree New Zealand by 2025.

“The impact of tobacco smoking on heart, stroke and blood vessel disease means that it continues to be one of the largest contributors to cardiovascular disease,” Louisa said.

“Children and young people are especially attracted to colourful images and plain packaging will remove the visual appeal of tobacco brands. This will, therefore, help young New Zealanders the most and encourage people to not start smoking in the first place.”

ENDS

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