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Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 Initiative Faces Major Setbacks

5/13/2025

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Summary

Story summary

New Zealand's ambitious Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 initiative is in jeopardy, as over 80,000 smokers must quit by year-end. Professor Chris Bullen warns of setbacks from repealed laws and a surge in illegal tobacco sales, now at 10-15%. With youth vaping on the rise and schools near vape shops, urgent action is essential to combat these challenges.

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Story summary

New Zealand's ambitious Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 initiative is in jeopardy, as over 80,000 smokers must quit by year-end. Professor Chris Bullen warns of setbacks from repealed laws and a surge in illegal tobacco sales, now at 10-15%. With youth vaping on the rise and schools near vape shops, urgent action is essential to combat these challenges.