A new nationwide survey has found most New Zealanders support tougher tobacco control measures, including bringing back very low nicotine cigarettes, while many also believe the tobacco industry has too much influence over government policy.
The Talbot Mills Research survey of more than 1,200 adults found 68 percent of respondents believe the tobacco industry influences government decisions around tobacco regulation.
The survey also found 55 percent support reinstating the very low nicotine cigarette policy, which would reduce nicotine levels in cigarettes to help lower addiction rates and encourage smokers to quit.
Public backing for expanding access to newer nicotine products appears limited. More people opposed the retail sale of oral nicotine pouches than supported it, while concerns about youth uptake remain high.
More than half of respondents said making nicotine pouches widely available would likely increase nicotine use among young people.
The findings come amid major changes to New Zealand’s smokefree policies following the repeal of previous smokefree legislation and moves to expand access to alternative nicotine products.
Health Coalition Aotearoa says the survey reflects growing concern among the public about the direction of tobacco and nicotine regulation in New Zealand.
Health experts involved in the coalition say very low nicotine tobacco remains one of the strongest population-level tools available to reduce smoking harm, particularly among Māori and communities disproportionately impacted by tobacco-related illness.
The coalition has also released a new policy brief calling for stronger regulation of nicotine products and greater protections against tobacco industry influence.
Recommendations include halting the retail legalisation of oral nicotine products until stronger independent evidence is available, restoring very low nicotine cigarette policies, tightening regulations across nicotine products, and strengthening safeguards around government decision-making.
Health advocates say the survey suggests New Zealanders are seeking stronger public health protections rather than wider access to nicotine products, especially as concerns grow over the impact on rangatahi and long-term addiction rates.
