Support for New Zealand’s Smokefree 2025 goal and key measures to achieve it: findings from the ITC New Zealand Survey

Abstract

Objectives: To assess support among smokers and recent quitters for the Smokefree New Zealand (NZ) 2025 goal and measures to facilitate its achievement. Methods: Data from CATI interviews with 1,155 (386 Māori) smokers and recent quitters in Wave 1 (August 2016–April 2017) and 1,020 (394 Māori) in Wave 2 (June–December 2018) of the International Tobacco Control (ITC) NZ Survey. Results: (Wave 2 unless stated): Almost all (95%) participants were aware of and more than half (56%) supported the smokefree goal. Support was highest (69–92%) for measures to reduce smoking uptake and protect children from exposure to secondhand smoke. Support was also high for other smokefree policies including mandated denicotinisation of smoked tobacco products (73%) and tobacco retailer licensing (70%, Wave 1). Support was lowest (<30%) for increasing the tobacco tax, but higher (59%) if additional revenue raised was used to help smokers to quit. Support for Smokefree 2025 and key measures to achieve it was generally higher among ex-smokers than smokers but mostly similar among Māori and non-Māori participants. Conclusions: There is substantial support among smokers and ex-smokers for the Smokefree 2025 goal and many measures that could help achieve it. Implications for public health: Implementing a comprehensive strategy to achieve Smokefree 2025 is likely to be acceptable among New Zealand’s smokers and ex-smokers.