Future directions to achieve Smokefree 2025? Stakeholder perceptions of the Smokefree 2025 goal and selected ‘game-changer’ policies for achieving it.

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Future directions to achieve Smokefree 2025? Stakeholder perceptions of the Smokefree 2025 goal and selected ‘game-changer’ policies for achieving it.

Tobacco use in New Zealand has declined in recent years, but Māori and Pacific smoking rates remain high at 38% and 25% respectively. Māori led work that resulted in the Government setting a goal to become a smoke-free nation by 2025, but research suggests that this goal will not be achieved with a ‘business as usual’ or incremental approach.

Radical ‘game-changer’ policies are needed, but which should be prioritized?

This research explored the strengths and weaknesses of five policy options currently under discussion in New Zealand, from the perspective of policy experts and tobacco control and community leaders. A secondary aim was to explore key informant understandings of the smokefree 2025 goal, and its alignment with Māori and Pacific aspirations.