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

Philippines police seize $200k worth of illegal e-cigarette products, arrest 2 suspects
Philippines police seize $200k worth of illegal e-cigarette products, arrest 2 suspects
Philippine police in Cavite seize $200,000 worth of illegal e-cigarette products, arresting two suspects. Crackdown on smuggling intensifies.
Oct.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
WHO's First Global E-Cigarette Data: Over 100 Million Users, Youth Risk 9 Times Higher
WHO's First Global E-Cigarette Data: Over 100 Million Users, Youth Risk 9 Times Higher
The WHO's first global estimate on October 6 showed over 100 million people use e-cigarettes, including at least 15 million adolescents (aged 13–15). The report warned that in reporting countries, children are nine times more likely to vape than adults.
Oct.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
ICA Intercepts Two Cases Involving HNB Sticks and Vapes at Changi; 2,400 Heat Sticks and 4 Vapes Seized
ICA Intercepts Two Cases Involving HNB Sticks and Vapes at Changi; 2,400 Heat Sticks and 4 Vapes Seized
According to AsiaOne, Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) intercepted two separate attempts to bring large quantities of heat-not-burn (HNB) sticks and vapes into the country at Changi Airport on September 6. The cases involved a Romanian woman and a South Korean work-permit holder. In total, 2,400 HNB sticks and four e-vaporisers were seized. Both cases have been referred to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for investigation.
Sep.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Interview with IBVTA: UK Vape Tax May Weaken Harm Reduction Efforts
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
EU Cardiovascular Health Plan Consultation Highlights Tobacco Debate — 2Firsts Analysis Reveals Divide Between “Cessation” and “Harm Reduction” Approaches
EU Cardiovascular Health Plan Consultation Highlights Tobacco Debate — 2Firsts Analysis Reveals Divide Between “Cessation” and “Harm Reduction” Approaches
As the EU finalizes its Cardiovascular Health Plan, public feedback reveals a sharp divide over nicotine policy.A 2Firsts analysis of 677 submissions found that nearly one in four mentioned tobacco — highlighting tension between strict control and harm reduction approaches.
Oct.07
Russian Lawmaker Sounds Alarm as Teenage Vaping Surges—Female Use Overtakes Male
Russian Lawmaker Sounds Alarm as Teenage Vaping Surges—Female Use Overtakes Male
Russia’s Chair of the State Duma Committee on Youth Policy warns that among 11–14-year-olds, girls now vape at higher rates than boys, a trend he calls “deeply concerning.” He says the spread of nicotine products—especially e-cigarettes—among minors poses a public health risk and warrants continued policy-level interventions.
Oct.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai