Smoking kills many people prematurely and is a significant cause of health inequities. Around 4500 New Zealanders die each year from a smoking-related disease, among whom 350 die from exposure to second‑hand smoke and the remainder die from the direct effects of smoking. In 2020, 12% of all New Zealanders smoked tobacco every day, with rates higher for Māori (29%), Pacific peoples (18%), people with mental health and addictions, and people living in the most socioeconomically deprived areas compared with the population as a whole.

In 2011, the New Zealand Government set a goal of reducing smoking prevalence and tobacco availability to below minimal levels (below 5%) by 2025. New Zealand is not on track to meet the Smokefree 2025 goal at the current rate of decline, especially in Māori and Pacific peoples.

The Guidelines are one way of tackling our Smokefree 2025 challenge. They aim to empower health workers with up-to-date knowledge about the evidence for effective smoking cessation interventions available in New Zealand. Health workers see many people who smoke and are uniquely placed to provide expert advice and support to help them stop smoking. Health workers have an obligation to help New Zealand to become smokefree.

This guide provides health care workers with updated guidance for use during their contact with people who smoke.