Associate Minister of Health Tariana Turia said the decision by Australia’s High Court upholding the constitutionality of cigarette plain packaging provides encouragement to efforts in New Zealand to curtail pack advertising.

“We have been watching the developments in Australia with huge interest, and we are extremely pleased that the decision now confirms that Australia’s plain packaging regime is justified and conforms with the Australian constitution,” Turia said in a statement on 15 Aug, the day the High Court issued its ruling.
“We are currently engaged in our own consultation process with a view to introducing plain packaging in New Zealand. While we have different domestic laws to our Australian neighbours, it does give us a greater sense of security,” she said. (ci)