Introduction to Smoke-free legislation

The Smoke-free Environments Act 1990 and subsequent amendments, and the Smoke-free Environments Regulations 1999, have, among other matters:
-placed restrictions on smoking in workplaces:
-required all workplaces to have a policy on smoking and to review that policy annually
-placed restrictions or bans on smoking in restaurants, bars, casinos, public transport and certain other public places
-regulated the marketing, advertising, and promotion of tobacco products and the sponsorship by tobacco companies of products, services and events
-banned the sale of tobacco products to people under the age of 18 years
-provided for the control, and disclosure, of the contents of tobacco products.
The 1990 Act also established the Health Sponsorship Council. The Council has the primary function of promoting health and encouraging healthy lifestyles through the provision of sponsorship and other means.

Changes to Smoke-free legislation

Smoke-free Environments Amendment Act 2003
Changes were proposed in the Smoke-free Environments (Enhanced Protection) Amendment Bill, which was later renamed the Smoke-free Environments Amendment Bill. This Bill became law as the Smoke-free Environments Amendment Act 2003.

Review of the Smoke-free Environments Regulations 1999

Following on from New Zealand's ratification of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (PDF, 272 KB), the Ministry of Health undertook a Review of the Smoke-free Environments Regulations 1999.

Breaches of Smoke-free legislation

If you have a complaint about an alleged breach of the Smoke-free Environments Act 1990, please contact a Smokefree Officer at your local public health service.

How to access Smoke-free legislation

Copies of New Zealand legislation can be obtained from Government bookshops or reviewed at most public libraries. You can access New Zealand legislation online at www.legislation.govt.nz.

Further information about Smoke-free law

The Ministry of Health website has more resources and information about what New Zealand's Smoke-free law means for different people and organisations.