Hi John,

Last week the new National-led Government announced it would repeal our smokefree laws – meaning plans to make tobacco less available and addictive will be scrapped. It will also end our hope for a smokefree generation.

Shockingly, they have confessed that the revenue from repealing our smokefree laws would help them fund tax cuts. What this says is that they are OK with an increased number of people smoking to pay for a political promise we knew didn’t add up.

I think it’s shameful that after decades of progress towards being smokefree, the new Government is sending New Zealand backwards. It will cause so much misery, thousands of deaths and billions in health care costs in the coming decades.

I’ve heard from so many doctors, nurses, parents, students and teachers who want to fight to retain our smokefree future. I think the Government has underestimated how many of us there are.

Together, we can send a clear message: New Zealanders want a smokefree future.

If you’re able to, please join me and the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists who are standing up for this on Parliament’s forecourt in Wellington at 1 pm on Wednesday 13 December, to show your support for the cause.

There will also be a march in Auckland starting from the Domain/Grafton Campus/outside Auckland City Hospital at 1 pm on Wednesday 13 December, and no doubt other events will be organised around the country too.

You can also write to the new Health Minister Shane Reti and your local MP to let them know how alarmed you are, and how crucial it is that we continue to reduce smoking rates, save lives and billions in future costs to the health system. There are also petitions to sign and share, and conversations to have with your family and friends to build awareness.

We must reclaim our smokefree future.

Thanks,

Ayesha