1100 days ago

Mike Yardley: How can so many New Zealanders still smoke?

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

The proposed Smokefree 2025 Action Plan includes significantly reducing the number of retailers able to sell tobacco, limiting the nicotine content of cigarettes, and raising the age of purchase every year, so that anyone born after 2004 could never lawfully be sold tobacco.

Columnist Mike Yardley says most lower-income earners who smoke shell out more money in tobacco excise than they do in income tax.

"They should be vigorously urged to switch to vaping as a smoking cessation alternative, given it’s not just far less hazardous to their health, but also to their back pocket," he says.

What do you think of the proposed Smokefree 2025 reforms? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

More messages from your neighbours
2 days ago

Poll: Does the building consent process need to change?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We definitely need homes that are fit to live in but there are often frustrations when it comes to getting consent to modify your own home.
Do you think changes need made to the current process for building consent? Share your thoughts below.

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.

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Does the building consent process need to change?
  • 91.7% Yes
    91.7% Complete
  • 8% No
    8% Complete
  • 0.3% Other - I'll share below!
    0.3% Complete
903 votes
L
2 hours ago

Baby knitting

Lesley from Bishopdale

At night while watching TV I knit baby cardys, bootees, beanies and have a couple of bags that I would like to donate to a worthy cause. It is all wool and would range from newborn to about 6mths old.
Would anyone have any suggestions for a place that would appreciate it.

2 hours ago

Community Dinner and Dessert

The Team from Northgate Community Service Trust

Hi everyone. The team at Big Papa's Kitchen are ready to welcome you to the free meal tonight at 5.30 pm. 95a Sawyers Arms Rd. See you there!