The Smokefree 2025 goal of reducing smoking prevalence to below 5% is supported by 42% of Māori who smoke, according to Wave 1 (2017-2019) of the Te Ara Auahi Kore longitudinal study. The study was conducted in partnership with five primary health organisations serving Māori communities, and included 701 Māori who smoked. Of the three key strategies now set out in the Smokefree Action Plan, support was greatest for mandating very low nicotine cigarettes (VLNCs). Participants believed that use of VLNCs would lead to high rates of smoking cessation. The most support for VLNCs came from participants who had made more quit attempts or reported less control over their life. As part of developing and implementing Smokefree Action Plan measures, it is important to engage with Māori who smoke and their communities, the study authors concluded.
