Attitude to Smoking - Smoking Laws

All forms of tobacco promotion, advertising and sponsorship are banned in New Zealand.

Fewer than 20% of New Zealanders smoke overall. About 50% of Maori New Zealanders smoke.

In most circumstances, it's fair to say that smoking in public is looked on unfavourably. Many smokers do not smoke even inside their own houses. They smoke in the garage, shed or garden.

It is illegal to smoke in the following places:

  • the buildings and grounds of schools and early childhood centres
  • licensed premises (bars, restaurants, cafes, sports clubs, casinos) indoors
  • workplaces including offices, factories, warehouses, work canteens and 'smoko' rooms.

Shopping malls are smoke-free.

The basis of government policy is that people who do not smoke should not be exposed indoors to tobacco smoke.

It is compulsory for all tobacco products to show graphic health warnings. Cigarette packets in New Zealand have prominent pictures of gangrenous toes, diseased lungs, damaged hearts and rotting teeth/gums.