A series of four 10 per cent annual hikes in the tobacco excise tax approved by Parliament will push the price of a pack of cigarettes above NZD 20 (EUR 12.53), Parliament Today reported.

Associate Health Minister Tariana Turia said a higher excise tax will reduce smoking and increase the average price of a pack of cigarette to more than NZD 20 by 2016. Parliament also approved removal of tobacco prices from the consumer price index used to determine increases in government benefits, Parliament Today reported on its website. (pi)