Health Targets

Reducing the Harm Caused by Tobacco

What is the target?

DHB activity supports achievement of these health sector targets

to continue to increase the number of never smokers among 14 and 15 year olds by at least 2% (absolute increase) over 2007/2008
to increase the proportion of homes, which contain one or more smokers and one or more children, that have a smokefree policy to over 75% in 2007/2008

Data sources:

How far away is the Ministry from achieving this health target?

In 2000, the proportion of year 10 students who were 'never smokers' was 33% and in 2006 this had increased to 54%. A never smoker is defined as someone who hasn't had one puff on a cigarette.

In 2003, 59% of Māori households with one or more smokers and one or more children were smokefree, increasing to 74% in 2006. By comparison, 65% of similar non-Māori households in 2003 and 68% in 2006. A report released last year After the Smoked Has Cleared: Evaluation of the Impact of a New Smokefree Law showed more than 90% of Kiwis now live in smokefree homes.

What needs to be done to ensure we do meet this target?

DHBs are required to make tobacco control a priority. Activities to reduce uptake and increasing quitting are the focus with the whole health sector having a role. DHBs are required to deliver a tobacco control plan for their region working closely with the Ministry of Health.

By early 2008, the current text warnings on cigarette packets will be replaced by pictorial warnings covering 30% of the front of the packet and 90% of the back of the packet. The pictorial warnings include pictures of diseased lungs, gangrenous toes and rotting gums and teeth. The pictorial warning are designed to inform smokers, and those considering starting smoking (particularly youth), of the very serious health risks associated with smoking.

The Ministry of Health is preparing a public consultation document on the future of tobacco displays in New Zealand. This paper will have a particular focus on the impact of retail tobacco displays on children and young people.

Ongoing social marketing initiatives around smokefree homes and cars and strengthening other existing activities, especially the Quitline, pregnancy services, and improving access to subsidised nicotine replacement therapy, will continue to make an impact.

Who is the Ministry of Health champion of this target?

Dr Ashley Bloomfield, Chief Advisor, Public Health

Progress on the Target to date - Quarter Three update, June 2008

View a summary on progress towards this Target for Quarters One, Two and Three from the Ministry of Health Target champion on the Reducing the Harm Caused by Tobacco Quarterly Reports page.

Specific information on each DHB's progress towards their local targets is provided on their individual pages. You can access them on the Targets by DHB page.

Related information

In this section:
Targets by DHB
Tobacco Success Story

In other sections in this website:
Tobacco section

On other websites:
Tobacco in New Zealand (www.ndp.govt.nz)

Page last updated: 18 July 2008