New Zealand tobacco policies face scrutiny over black markets and lobbying

New Zealand faces scrutiny regarding its tobacco policies and adherence to international health treaties. The Taxpayers' Union has called for a reduction in tobacco excise taxes, arguing that high prices are fueling a growing black market. The group noted that legal packs cost between $35 and $50, while illegal packs are available for approximately $13, a gap they claim benefits criminal gangs and undermines the transition to safer alternatives like vaping.

Separately, a study led by researchers at the University of Auckland suggests that New Zealand has failed to fully implement Article 5.3 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. This article is designed to protect health policies from tobacco industry interference. The research, which included interviews with politicians and public health experts, found that many officials were unaware of the treaty's requirements and that current protections are largely limited to meeting registers at the Ministry of Health and Customs.