The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners

In a recent letter to the Prime Minister, The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners supported increasing the excise tax on tobacco as one measure to reduce smoking rates in New Zealand. The letter also advocates for dedicating extra tax income from the increase to smoking cessation programmes, especially targeting low income earners, Maori and Pacific smokers, at-risk youth and patients with chronic illnesses whose health is further compromised by smoking.

College President Harry Pert said: “There is evidence that those who spend a higher proportion of their income on tobacco are most likely to reduce their tobacco use after a price increase. While there are concerns that a tax increase will hit low income earners, and in particular Maori and Pacific smokers hardest, after consulting with our members and reviewing the evidence we believe that short-term hardships are far outweighed by long-term health gains from expected reduced smoking.”

The College was present to show support today for oral submissions on the effect of smoking on Maori to the Maori Affairs Select Committee. The College has been working with the Smokefree Coalition to press for further measures to reduce smoking rates.