The Office of the Auditor-General declines Labour's request for an investigation into the government's decision to halve excise tax on heated tobacco products.
Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall expressed concerns about the tobacco industry's influence on policy-making, citing the lack of transparency in the government's decision. The Prime Minister has been urged to disclose any conflicts of interest within his Cabinet regarding associations with the tobacco industry.
Associate Health Minister Casey Costello's policy on heated tobacco products mirrors a Philip Morris strategy document, prompting questions about her motives and potential conflicts of interest. New Zealand First is also facing scrutiny for its support of policies benefiting the tobacco industry.
Labour claims that New Zealand institutions are failing to cope with interference from vested interests. The country has not implemented laws to protect smokefree and tobacco control policy from tobacco company influence, despite signing up to the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control over 20 years ago.