Casey Costello Engages Frontline Providers to Drive Smokefree 2025 Goal

“The forums will contribute to a detailed plan designed to boost smoking cessation rates and achieve the Smokefree 2025 target,” Ms. Costello said.

Associate Health Minister Casey Costello is convening a series of regional meetings this week with New Zealand’s frontline stop smoking service providers, aiming to accelerate progress toward the Smokefree 2025 goal. The meetings, starting today in Wellington, will continue in Christchurch on Wednesday, Rotorua on Thursday, and conclude in Auckland on Friday.

“The forums will contribute to a detailed plan designed to boost smoking cessation rates and achieve the Smokefree 2025 target,” Ms. Costello said.

New Zealand has recently seen significant declines in smoking rates, with the latest NZ Health Survey reporting that 55,000 smokers quit in the year leading up to June 2023. The daily smoking rate has fallen to 6.8%, down from 8.6% the previous year and 16.4% in 2011/12. If these trends persist, New Zealand is on track to meet its ambitious goal of reducing daily smoking rates to below 5% by 2025.

“Stop smoking service providers play a crucial role in meeting our Smokefree targets,” Ms. Costello emphasized. “Data indicates that individuals are approximately four times more likely to quit smoking with the help of these services compared to attempting to quit on their own.”

She noted that these providers have deep insights into their communities and can effectively direct resources to areas with higher smoking rates. The coalition Government remains dedicated to enhancing health outcomes by equipping smokers with the necessary information, tools, and support to quit. This week’s meetings are expected to refine the Smokefree Action Plan and strengthen the nationwide effort toward a Smokefree New Zealand.