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

Abstract

ObjectivesTo assess support among smokers and recent quitters for the Smokefree New Zealand (NZ) 2025 goal and measures to facilitate its achievement. MethodsData 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. ConclusionsThere is substantial support among smokers and ex‐smokers for the Smokefree 2025 goal and many measures that could help achieve it. Implications for public healthImplementing a comprehensive strategy to achieve Smokefree 2025 is likely to be acceptable among New Zealand's smokers and ex‐smokers.