The government remains committed to Smokefree 2025, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello says.
The minister recently cut the excise tax on Heated Tobacco Products, as she aims to make them more attractive as an alternative to smoking.
Costello told a Health Coalition Aotearoa Conference that a significant number of people had stopped smoking as they turn to alternatives such as vapes.
She said legislation was currently underway to make smoking alternatives cheaper.
University of Auckland tobacco researcher Chris Bullen called it an untested radical experiment.
He did, however, support efforts the government were making to improve regulation to smoking alternatives.
Costello also disputed that she had turned to the tobacco industry for advice.
She said she had not had any involvement with the tobacco industry.
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