New Zealand smoking ban Backstory & Prime Minister Christopher Luxon: Disastrous, terrible for public health, and a huge win for the tobacco industry is a book written by Dr. Zulfiquar Ahmed. The book is a scathing critique of the political and economic forces that led to the reversal of the landmark legislation and a passionate plea for the public to demand its reinstatement.
The book begins with a brief history of the tobacco epidemic in New Zealand, and how it disproportionately affects the indigenous Māori population, who have the highest smoking rates and the lowest life expectancy in the country. Ahmed then describes the genesis and development of the smoking ban, which was based on solid evidence, extensive consultation, and broad support from various sectors of society, including health professionals, academics, civil society groups, and even some tobacco retailers. He explains how the ban aimed to create a “smoke-free generation” by banning the sale of tobacco to anyone born after 2008, and how it also included measures to reduce the nicotine content of cigarettes, limit the number of retailers allowed to sell tobacco, and increase funding for smoking cessation services.
The book then shifts to the dramatic events of the 2023 election, which saw the defeat of the incumbent Labour-led coalition government by the conservative National Party, led by Christopher Luxon, a former CEO of Air New Zealand. Ahmed reveals how Luxon formed a coalition with two right-wing parties, New Zealand First and ACT, and how he announced his intention to scrap the smoking ban before it came into effect, citing economic and practical reasons. Ahmed exposes the influence of the tobacco industry, which had been lobbying against the ban since its inception, and how it funded and supported the campaigns of Luxon and his allies. He also challenges Luxon’s arguments, showing how they are based on flawed logic, false assumptions, and misleading data.
The book then explores the consequences of the smoking ban reversal, both for New Zealand and for the rest of the world. Ahmed argues that the decision is a huge setback for public health and a massive victory for the tobacco industry, which profits from addiction and death. He estimates that the ban would have saved thousands of lives, reduced health inequalities, and saved billions of dollars in health care costs. He also warns that the reversal will undermine New Zealand’s reputation as a progressive and innovative nation, and set a bad example for other countries that are considering similar policies. He calls on the public to voice their opposition to the reversal, and to pressure the government to restore the ban as soon as possible.
The book is a compelling and informative read, written in a clear and engaging style. Ahmed draws on his extensive experience and expertise in public health, and provides ample evidence and references to support his claims. He also shares his personal stories and emotions, revealing his frustration, anger, and disappointment at the reversal of the ban, and his hope and determination to fight for its reinstatement. The book is not only a book review, but also a call to action, urging the readers to join the movement for a smoke-free New Zealand.
