In 1990, New Zealand was one of the first countries in the world to introduce legislation to require indoor office environments to be smokefree, but a number of other workplaces, such as factories, pubs, clubs and restaurants, were not required to be totally smokefree.

As a result, many New Zealanders were still exposed to second-hand smoke, and it was estimated that 100 New Zealanders died each year due to second-hand smoke exposure in the workplace. [PDF, 44KB, 15 pages]

To further protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke, an amendment to the Smoke-free Environments Act 1990 was passed on 3 December 2003. The amendment (the Smoke-free Environments Amendment Act 2003) required, among other things, that;

• the buildings and grounds of schools/kura and early childhood centres/kohanga reo become smokefree from 1 January 2004


• licensed premises (bars, restaurants, cafes, sports clubs, casinos) become smokefree indoors from 10 December 2004


• other workplaces become smokefree indoors from 10 December 2004 — including offices, factories, warehouses, work canteens and ‘smoko’ rooms


• the display of tobacco products in retail outlets is restricted, and a ‘smoking kills’ sign must be erected near the display from 10 December 2004


• herbal smoking products are included in smoking bans


• the access of those under 18 years of age to smoking products is further restricted.

For more information about the new legislation, and where to access signage and other resources, visit the Smokefree Law website.

To see research on how New Zealanders have responded to the new legislation, click here.