January 03, 2017
Tobacco prices head for the clouds
The price of smokes went up again on January 1, and some Maori tobacco control advocates say that’s a good thing.
Zoe Hawke from Hapai Te Hauora says the Government’s commitment to a further four 10 percent annual tobacco tax increases should help the country meet the Smokefree 2025 goal.
"The last four years of 10 percent tobacco tax increases has shown New Zealand smokers are price sensitive,” Ms Hawke says.
One study found for every annual 10 percent increase in tax there had been a 1 percent reduction in the number of people who smoke.
She says while the tax increases may put stress on low income families who keep buying tobacco and instead cut back on essentials like bread, milk or electricity, that is far outweighed by the economic benefits enjoyed by low income families who do manage to quit.
Peter Cordtz from the Commission for Financial Capability says extensive work with Maori and Pacific communities during the past two years highlighted the link between improved financial capability and reduced tobacco, fast-food and alcohol consumption.
“Being in control of our money gives us greater control over our lives- it’s easier to look after our health, change our habits and think about the future when we’re not stressing about money,” he said.
He said the commission intends to work closely with Hapai Te Hauora in 2017.
Quitline chief executive Andrew Slater says cost increases and the desire to improve the health of oneself and the whanau are the leading motivations for people to quit.
Call volumes to Quitline often increase by half during January and February.
Quitline is available free, 24/7 on 0800 778 778 and online at www.quit.org.nz.
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