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

Austintown PTA hosts “Live Vape Free” town hall to discuss teen vaping risks and prevention
Austintown PTA hosts “Live Vape Free” town hall to discuss teen vaping risks and prevention
The Austintown Parent Teacher Association hosted a “Live Vape Free” town hall to discuss the dangers of vaping devices among middle and high schoolers, the report said. The event was funded by the National PTA Vape-Free Futures Challenge Grant, provided in collaboration with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, and Austintown was one of seven PTAs nationwide to receive it.
Feb.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Phnom Penh “Mystery House” raided: authorities seize over 300,000 smoking devices and related items
Phnom Penh “Mystery House” raided: authorities seize over 300,000 smoking devices and related items
A Phnom Penh venue selling electronic smoking devices — nicknamed the “Mystery House” — was raided on the night of January 15, 2026, with authorities seizing over 300,000 items and arresting the 58-year-old owner. Seized evidence included smoking machines, cigarette heads, bottles of vape juice and marijuana grinding machines.
Jan.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
U.S. FDA Posts Final ZYN MRTP Materials, Sets March 4 Deadline for Public Comments
U.S. FDA Posts Final ZYN MRTP Materials, Sets March 4 Deadline for Public Comments
U.S. FDA has released the final batch of materials for ZYN MRTP applications and set March 4 (11:59 p.m. ET) as the deadline for public comments to be considered in the agency’s review.
Feb.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
IQOS UK unveils 2026 pop-up events plan, first stops set for London and three other cities
IQOS UK unveils 2026 pop-up events plan, first stops set for London and three other cities
IQOS’ UK website shows the company will roll out time-limited pop-up experience spaces across Britain in 2026 for adult consumers. The first confirmed locations are London, the West Midlands area near Birmingham, Manchester and Romford, offering product demonstrations, pop-up-only promotions and nicotine pouch sampling. Entry will be restricted to those aged 18 and over, with “Challenge 25” ID checks in place.
Feb.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philippines DTI Floats Blanket Ban on Open-Pod Vapes and E-Liquids, Seeks Public Input
Philippines DTI Floats Blanket Ban on Open-Pod Vapes and E-Liquids, Seeks Public Input
Philippines’ Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is inviting stakeholder feedback on a draft Department Administrative Order (DAO) that would impose a blanket ban on open vape pods and e-liquids—covering use, manufacturing, importation, and distribution.
Jan.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | GEEKBAR Expands High-Puff Lineup; CLR 50K and Clio X Highlight Displays and Transparent E-Liquid Tanks
Product | GEEKBAR Expands High-Puff Lineup; CLR 50K and Clio X Highlight Displays and Transparent E-Liquid Tanks
GEEKBAR has added two new vaping products on its official website. Both feature transparent e-liquid tanks and are rated for up to 50,000 puffs. The CLR 50K is equipped with a 17 ml e-liquid capacity, is labeled at 5% nicotine (50 mg/ml), and offers Normal and Pulse modes, while the Clio X carries a 16 ml capacity, a dual-screen display, and three output modes.
Feb.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai