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.

References:

[1] Revealed: NZ First Minister Casey Costello's notes on tobacco tax freeze

Also Read:

[1] Controversial New Zealand Proposal: Freezing Cigarette Tax for Three Years

[2] Chinese E-cigarette Exports to New Zealand in November 2023

[3] Rising Concerns: E-cigarette and Smoking Issues in New Zealand Schools

[4] Teenage Smokers' Parents Worry as New Zealand Government Plans to Scrap Smoke-free Laws

#Traditional tobacco #Legislation #Oceania #New Zealand #Legislation New Zealand #E-cigarette Taxes

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

2Firsts Interview with IBVTA: UK Vape Tax May Weaken Harm Reduction Efforts

As the UK prepares to introduce its first-ever vape tax in 2026, questions are growing about how the measure will reshape the country’s harm reduction landscape. IBVTA tells 2Firsts that while it was not in favour of the new duty, it accepts that it is being implemented and is working with regulators to ensure a smooth rollout — warning, however, that higher costs could slow smokers’ transition to safer alternatives.

Oct.07

Abu Dhabi Closes Two Stores Near Schools Over Vape Sales Violations

The Abu Dhabi Business Registration Authority (ADRA) closed two commercial establishments and issued 61 warnings and 18 fines to outlets near schools for violating tobacco and e-cigarette sales regulations, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM). The measures aim to protect youth and ensure compliance with the Federal Anti-Tobacco Law.

Nov.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai

WHO MOP4 Focuses on Justice and Prosecution to Combat Illicit Tobacco Trade

The Fourth Meeting of the Parties (MOP4) to the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products opened in Geneva on November 24, 2025. With 60 Parties participating, the meeting focuses on strengthening legal action and international cooperation to combat illicit trade, which accounts for about 11% of the global tobacco market and costs governments billions in lost tax revenue.

Nov.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai

UK Experts Raise Concerns Over High-Dose Nicotine Pouches Amid Rising Sales

According to The Guardian, health experts in the UK are warning about the potential health effects of high-dose nicotine pouches as their sales continue to rise. Recent studies show teenagers reporting nicotine rushes, sickness and fainting, while researchers say packaging and marketing increasingly appeal to younger age groups. Although viewed as less harmful than cigarettes, experts remain concerned about their use among non-smokers, especially adolescents.