191 New Zealand passed extensive legislation aimed at preventing minors from becoming smokers. The country’s smoking age of 18 would be raised year by year until it applied to the whole population. Those under 15 would be barred from buying cigarettes for the rest of their lives. Only 8 percent of New Zealand’s adult population smoked every day in 2022, according to government statistics. A quarter of Maori adults smoked every day, beginning at age 14, according to government statistics. They also suffered at higher rates from diseases related to smoking, compared with other ethnic groups. Antiismoking advocates have emphasized the need to engage Maori and Pacific Island communities. Right-wing lawmakers argued that the ban would fuel a black market. You Might Be Interested In American Express Sees Surge in Popularity Among Gen Z and Millennials The National Early Childhood Development meeting begins with a call for unified efforts Namibian President Hage Geingob Passes Away After Breaking Cultural Norms to Speak About Cancer Battle Advertising Body ASCI to Enforce “Dark Patterns” as Deceptive Ads FedEx Promises $4 Billion Savings Through Consolidation, Technology Overhaul Apple Faces Class Action Lawsuit Alleging Gender Pay Disparities in California
