Maori and Smoking

Smoking is still most prevalent for Maori than any other ethnic group in New Zealand and is more common in areas with a significant Maori population
and in areas of deprivation. Tobacco is not a Maori tradition – before the arrival of the Pakeha, the Maori world was Tupeka Kore (tobacco
free). 

Nationally 45.4 percent of Maori adults identify as being current smokers – more than double the smoking rate of non-Maori. Tobacco smoking is a leading cause of preventable death for Maori in New Zealand with approximately 800 Maori dying every year of different smoking-related diseases. Smoking is responsible for around 10 percent of the gap in health disparities between Maori and non-Maori. Around 22 percent of Maori deaths are attributable to smoking, compared to 20 percent for non-Maori. Maori adults have one and a half (for men) to two times (for women) the rate of smoking compared to men and women in the total population. Thirty-nine percent of Maori women in New Zealand smoke during pregnancy.
Maori have much higher rates of smoking than Non- Maori, and as an ethnic group Maori contribute over $260 million in tobacco taxes each year.

Currently smoking prevalence rates are still high for Maori. The urgency required to bring these rates down into the 30s then 20s and beyond will need ongoing (re)dedication and a change in strategic direction.  Iwi leadership is a way forward as it is the community that determines and controls its destiny. But the kaupapa will need mass mobilisation and support to realise the benefits from such a commitment.

To take the journey of the impact tobacco has had on Maori click here