Govt announces....Smoking, vaping in cars with kids to be banned in NZ by year's end.
The law change will come into effect by an amendment to the Smoke-free Environments Act 1990, Associate Minister of Health Jenny Salesa revealed in a statement released this morning. "First and foremost this change is about protecting children," she said. "However, it is also part of the Government’s commitment to achieving Smokefree 2025. "Too many New Zealand children, particularly Māori and Pacific children, are exposed to second-hand smoke in the vehicles they usually travel in." Children are especially vulnerable to harmful effects of second-hand smoke because of their smaller lungs, higher respiratory rate and immature immune systems, Ms Salesa said. "Public education and social marketing campaigns over many years have had some impact, but the rate of reduction in children exposed to smoking in vehicles is slowing. It is now time to do more by legislating."
Under the change, police will be able to stop people smoking in their cars if children under 18-years-old are present. Police will be able to use their discretion to give warnings, refer people to stop-smoking support services or issue an infringement fee of $50. However, Ms Salesa said, "The focus of this change will be on education and changing social norms – not on issuing infringement notices. "In 2016, recommendations by the Health Select Committee to ban smoking in cars carrying children were ignored. Now, this Government is taking action. Second-hand smoke accumulates in vehicles, even with the windows open. It reaches much higher levels than in homes."
Surveys showed about 90 per cent of people support a stop to smoking in cars with children present. New Zealand will join other countries including Australia, England, Scotland, Ireland, South Africa, parts of the United States and most of Canada – where smoking in cars with children is already prohibited. New Zealand First spokesperson for health Jenny Marcroft said more than 100 New Zealanders die from second-hand smoke each year. "This is a sensible measure that protects children who are particularly vulnerable to the effects of second-hand smoke exposure, and often have no choice in the matter," Ms Marcroft said. "No longer will children be choking on second-hand smoke in cars." Vaping will also be included in the prohibition and it will apply to all vehicles both parked and on the move. It is expected that this amendment will become law by the end of this year.
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Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
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10.2% Yes! New Year, New Me
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20.3% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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69.5% Nah - not for me
Witnesses sought in relation to mass disorder on K-Road Auckland
Police are appealing to the public for any footage they may have of the mass disorder that occurred on Karangahape Road in Auckland in the early hours of Sunday 28 December.
Emergency services were called to the disorder around 3.41am where it is estimated around over 50 people were present.
A Police investigation is underway after there were three serious assaults on and around Karangahape Road during the mass disorder.
A portal has been set up to allow the public to upload any footage they have of the disorder and the serious assaults.
The portal is https://dahr.nc3.govt.nz/
Police have arrested one person but are asking for help to identify and locate others involved.
• Around 4:15am there was a serious assault outside the Crown Bar on Queen Street.
A 33-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4647.
• Around 4:30am there was another serious assault on a Cobden Steet just off Karangahape Road.
A 27-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4462.
• Around 5am there was third serious assault at the Mobil Service Station on the corner or Karangahape Road and Ponsonby Road.
A 46-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
A 21-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
He has been bailed to appear in court again on 16 January 2026.
The Police file number is 251228/4774.
Police would like to speak to anyone who has witnessed or filmed the assaults.
Witnesses can call Police directly on 105.
Please quote one of the above file numbers.
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
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