In February 2013, the New Zealand Government announced that it agreed ‘in principle’ to introduce a plain packaging regime in alignment with Australia.
Prior to the announcement of the Government’s position on plain packaging, the 2012 Health and Lifestyles Survey (HLS) included a question that assessed people’s opinion about introducing plain packaging of tobacco.
Methodology
Prior to the announcement of the Government’s position on plain packaging, the 2012 Health and Lifestyles Survey (HLS) included a question that assessed people’s opinion about introducing plain packaging of tobacco. Responses to this question were compared by smoking status (current smokers: those who smoked at least monthly, and ex-smokers: those who had ever smoked but did not smoke at the time of the survey, compared with never smokers), ethnicity, neighbourhood deprivation status, age, gender, and educational background. Statistically significant differences (p < .05) are reported.
Key Results
- There was a high agreement (72%) with introducing plain packaging of tobacco products.
- Responses were significantly different by smoking status and educational background.