Photo: Unknown
An annual health survey has confirmed Census figures that show the number of people who smoke is in decline.
The results, revealed in the New Zealand Health Survey, and published by the Ministry of Health, show a drop from 17.8 per cent last year to 15.5 per cent this year, similar to the census result of 15.1 per cent.
The chairperson of the Smokefree Coalition, Dr Jan Pearson, says the decline means a target of a smoke-free New Zealand by 2025 is achievable, but more needs to be done to reduce smoking among Maori and Pacific people.
The survey has an annual sample size of about 13,000 adults and 4500 young people.