A Day to Celebrate: Tobacco Displays History

“Out of sight, out of mind with the next steps to take it out of this nation.” says public health advocate Shane Bradbrook – Director of Te Ao Hurihuri.

As New Zealand heads towards being a smokefree nation in 2025 another milestone comes into effect with the removal of all retail tobacco displays. It will not be a silver bullet but it will be a contributor in reducing the marketing of tobacco and the normalisation of such a harmful products.

“The only ‘silver bullet’ is the one where the tobacco industry is no longer operating on these shores. It is a pity that tobacco even now is still given an open door to current and future customers despite Government knowing that this causes so many health, economic and social issues.” stated Mr Bradbrook.

The next major step is the removal of marketing on tobacco packaging that will see the introduction of plain packaging.

It should also be remembered that retailer names with terms associated with tobacco are also relegated to the history bin.

“Whilst not significant in the broader strategy it again reinforces a denormalisation process that dismantles decades of marketing, by the tobacco industry that legitimised the single most deadly product being sold in your nearest store. Name another product that a manufacturer knowingly addicts, cause significant harm and then kills you prematurely? That would be tobacco.” said Mr Bradbrook.

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