New Zealand's first smoke-free legislation was the Smoke-Free Environments Act of 1990. The act covered where people could smoke, set guidelines for the presence of toxins in tobacco products, and placed limits on the marketing and advertising of tobacco. The New Zealand Ministry of Health website reports that in 2003 an amendment to the Smoke-Free Environments Act banned smoking in most public places.
Health concerns prompted New Zealand's smoking laws. The Ministry of Health reports approximately 388 New Zealanders die of second-hand smoke every year, with an additional 3,700 hospital admissions for second-hand smoke-related medical problems. New Zealand estimates that smoking-related health care costs the nation at least $200 million a year, with a total social cost of approximately $22.5 billion annually when factoring in lost productivity, financial costs of smoking and other considerations.
The New Zealand Ministry of Health reports the following areas are smoke-free zones: school buildings and school grounds, early childhood centers, any licensed premises (including bars, cafes, casinos, restaurants and sports clubs) and all workplaces. The ban also extends to certain types of work vehicles. In addition to tobacco products, herbal cigarettes also fall under the Smoke-Free Environments Act. If a public area in New Zealand is indoors, it can usually be assumed to be a non-smoking venue.
Not all of New Zealand is smoke-free. Smokers can use any outdoor area, with the notable exception of school grounds. Some restaurants may choose to offer smoking areas in outdoor areas such as patios. The act does not prohibit smoking in private residences. Residents of live-in facilities can also smoke, but only in designated smoking rooms. If you are visiting New Zealand, restrict smoking to outdoor areas away from children to prevent problems with law enforcement.
New Zealand businesses mostly comply with the smoke-free laws. The Ministry of Health reports only two workplace prosecutions for smoking violations in 10 years. New Zealand does not fine people for smoking in restricted areas (with the notable exception of smoking on airplanes). However, the Smoke-Free Environments Act legally requires business owners or employers to remind smokers of the non-smoking rules and ask the smoker to refrain from smoking or to leave the establishment.
