23 September 2009

Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) NZ

ASH Delighted With Inquiry Decision

Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) is delighted the Maori Affairs Select Committee has approved a request from MP Hone Harawira to hold an inquiry into the impact of tobacco use on Maori.

“The tobacco industry needs to be held to account and this forum provides an excellent place to do just that. As an industry that has such a devastating impact on tanagta whenua, it is only right that they must front before the committee,” said ASH communications manager Michael Colhoun.

“Tobacco kills around 500 Maori each year. It’s time we held those people responsible for these tobacco deaths and accountable for their actions.”

Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia, who is responsible for tobacco as Associate Health Minister has been vocal in for pushing for higher taxes on tobacco.

“It has been heartening to hear recently that Minister Turia plans to raise the tax on cigarettes and align the price of roll your own tobacco with factory made.”

Colhoun says stronger measures, including a ban on the display of tobacco in shops are also needed.

“Removing tobacco displays will take away a communications channel to young people that the tobacco industry knows is crucial to their continued success,” concludes Colhoun.

The average age of smoking initiation amongst youth in Aotearoa is 14.6 years, while uptake amongst Maori begins earlier at 14.2 years of age.

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