New Zealand Chief Minister Proposes Reforms on Tobacco Tax

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Feb.01.2024
New Zealand Chief Minister Proposes Reforms on Tobacco Tax
New Zealand Chief Minister Casey Costello proposes freezing tobacco tax and reducing taxes in a memo calling for smoke-free reforms.

The New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation (RNZ) reported on February 1st that New Zealand Prime Minister Casey Costello proposed freezing tobacco excise tax and included suggestions for tax reduction in a memorandum submitted to the Ministry of Health regarding the reform of smoke-free regulations.

 

The memorandum also suggests implementing a zero consumption tax on tobacco products, including Philip Morris' new product, IQOS. It compares the risks of nicotine to those of caffeine, emphasizing that e-cigarettes are an effective means of reducing the number of smokers. The memorandum further highlights the challenges faced by the tobacco industry and calls for the creation of safer alternatives, such as e-cigarettes, to address these challenges.

 

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced that the government has raised the excise tax on cigarettes. However, proposals contained in the Costello memorandum have sparked controversy over New Zealand's smoke-free policy, particularly the recommendations regarding tobacco excise tax and tax reductions.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Singapore Joint Enforcement Operation Catches 8 Youths for E-Cigarette Offences, Covering 12 Institutes of Higher Learning Nationwide
Singapore Joint Enforcement Operation Catches 8 Youths for E-Cigarette Offences, Covering 12 Institutes of Higher Learning Nationwide
8 youths aged 18-24 were caught for e-cigarette offenses, with enforcement jointly carried out by HSA and IHLs.
Nov.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Illegal Market Surges After Kazakhstan Bans E-Cigarettes; Telegram Becomes the Main Trading Channel
Illegal Market Surges After Kazakhstan Bans E-Cigarettes; Telegram Becomes the Main Trading Channel
Since Kazakhstan banned e-cigarette sales in June 2024, transactions have gone underground, shifting to Telegram and some e-commerce platforms and making enforcement harder; related research indicates the ban has not significantly reduced demand.
Oct.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Global Tobacco Companies’ Latest Earnings Review: Nicotine Pouch Business Shows Broad Strength, Emerging as a Key Growth Driver
Global Tobacco Companies’ Latest Earnings Review: Nicotine Pouch Business Shows Broad Strength, Emerging as a Key Growth Driver
Multiple global tobacco and next-generation nicotine companies reported solid Q3 performance, with the nicotine-pouch category showing broad-based strength across seven firms. Growth was reflected in higher shipment volumes, expanded market coverage, and new product launches. Several companies also reported rising revenue contributions from pouches and continued investment in this fast-growing segment, underscoring its position as a key driver of future growth.
Nov.14
RELX Launches Guide Dog Partner Program in China, Delivers First 10 Trained Dogs
RELX Launches Guide Dog Partner Program in China, Delivers First 10 Trained Dogs
RLX Technology has launched a RMB 4 million guide dog program in China, delivering the first 10 trained dogs as its RELX brand expands social responsibility efforts amid a nationwide shortage.
Nov.14
Russia's Perm Legislators Approve Full Ban on Vape Products in Regional Retail Market
Russia's Perm Legislators Approve Full Ban on Vape Products in Regional Retail Market
2Firsts, November 28, 2025 — The Legislative Assembly of Perm Krai has passed a law banning the retail sale of vape products and other nicotine-aerosol devices, effective March 1, 2026. Individuals found selling such items will face fines between ₽15,000–₽20,000 (about US $180–240), while companies face ₽50,000–₽100,000 (about US $600–1,200). The ban covers all electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), heated-tobacco devices, and their components, regardless of nicotine content.
Nov.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Irish Cabinet to Consider Bill Banning Sale of Single-Use Vapes
Irish Cabinet to Consider Bill Banning Sale of Single-Use Vapes
Ireland’s Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, will seek Cabinet approval today for the publication of the Public Health (Single-Use Vapes) Bill 2025, which proposes banning the retail sale of single-use or disposable vapes six months after becoming law. The measure aims to address the growing use of disposable vapes, particularly among young people, and close regulatory gaps around emerging nicotine products such as pouches.
Nov.18 by 2FIRSTS.ai