This study investigated how Mäori, Pacific Island, European, and Asian school students access cigarettes, with a special focus on their disposable income. Students aged 11–15 years were recruited through schools to participate in 12 focus groups taken by ethnically matched senior student facilitators and researchers. Students reported that cigarettes are easy for young people to buy from tobacco retailers, that they are affordable (50 cents for a roll-your-own) and available on an “I owe you” basis from friends and social suppliers, or given freely by family members or adults on the street. Students used money from family, and money that was earned, “scabbed”, and borrowed from friends. Students also reported spending small amounts on cigarettes, saved out of money provided by parents for lunches and other purposes. Students were open to parental advice on how to use money but felt they should have the final say.
