Approximately 4,000 New Zealand children, 14-15 years old, are daily smokers. Twelve point eight percent of youth aged 14-15 (Year 10) are regular smokers. Smoking is the single biggest cause of preventable illness and death in New Zealand.

Approximately 5000 deaths per year are attributable to smoking tobacco. About 700,000 New Zealanders smoke regularly and most people begin smoking as teenagers. Research continues to uncover links between smoking and poor health outcomes. A recent longitudinal study in New Zealand found that smoking is highly likely to double the risk of developing depression. Other recent research provides evidence that tobacco use is a gateway to use of illicit drugs such as heroin and methamphetamine.