Under Labor leader Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand passed a groundbreaking smoking ban at the end of 2022. But the conservative government has now overturned it - to the dismay of health experts.
The coalition led by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon repealed the legislative package in an urgent procedure on Thursday night. The government, which also includes the populist NZ First party, wants to use the move to finance promised tax cuts, among other things. It is completely irresponsible to put the profits of the tobacco industry above the health of New Zealanders.