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

Philip Morris Japan Launches New TEREA “Stellar Pearl,” Featuring Mint and Yellow Citrus Notes
Philip Morris Japan Launches New TEREA “Stellar Pearl,” Featuring Mint and Yellow Citrus Notes
Philip Morris Japan announced the launch of a new TEREA heated tobacco stick for the IQOS ILUMA series, “TEREA Stellar Pearl,” featuring a crushable capsule mint profile. The product will go on sale in Japan through offline retail channels from Jan. 19 and will be rolled out on the company’s official e-commerce store from Jan. 29, priced at 580 yen (about $3.6) per pack.
Jan.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai
DTI drafts administrative order proposing an open-pod and e-liquid ban and opens it for public consultation
DTI drafts administrative order proposing an open-pod and e-liquid ban and opens it for public consultation
Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) proposed move to restrict harmful vape products to protect young people, but said only a total ban on all vaping and novel tobacco products would effectively safeguard public health. The group warned that limiting rules to certain products such as open pods and e-liquids could create a “dangerous behavioral loophole,” leading users—especially youth—to switch to disposable or closed-system alternatives instead of quitting.
Feb.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK Disposable Vape Ban Fallout: Convenience Vape Units Down 20.8%, Retailers Hit by a “Triple Whammy,” Talysis Says
UK Disposable Vape Ban Fallout: Convenience Vape Units Down 20.8%, Retailers Hit by a “Triple Whammy,” Talysis Says
UK convenience insight agency Talysis says vape unit sales in convenience stores have fallen 20.8% and value sales 12.7% nearly eight months after the disposable vape ban took effect.
Jan.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Juul, NJOY and Altria Clash Over Use of UCSF Public Documents in U.S. Patent Litigation
Juul, NJOY and Altria Clash Over Use of UCSF Public Documents in U.S. Patent Litigation
Juul Labs has asked a U.S. federal court to prevent NJOY and Altria from using documents stored in a public UCSF database in an ongoing patent lawsuit, arguing they are protected by attorney–client privilege. The defendants say the files have long been public and may contain evidence relevant to Juul’s patent conduct.
Dec.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Guam checks 277 eligible retailers in 2025; eight found selling tobacco or disposable vapes to minors aged 16–20
Guam checks 277 eligible retailers in 2025; eight found selling tobacco or disposable vapes to minors aged 16–20
he Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center said that out of 277 eligible tobacco retailers inspected in 2025, eight were found selling tobacco or disposable e-cigarettes or vapes to minors aged 16–20, and one retailer failed to display the required “No Sale Under 21” prohibition sign.
Jan.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Milton Police Call It Florida’s Largest Illegal Vape Seizure, With 500+ Products Confiscated Across Seven Stores
Milton Police Call It Florida’s Largest Illegal Vape Seizure, With 500+ Products Confiscated Across Seven Stores
According to a Milton Police Department (MPD) news release, Milton, Florida officers and partner agencies carried out compliance checks at seven vape retailers on Jan. 27, seizing more than 500 illegal vape products and arresting employees allegedly involved in sales to minors. Authorities also reported finding unlicensed marijuana sales, high-THC products, nitrous oxide and illegal charging units.
Jan.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai