title: An annual pre-announced step-increase in tobacco excise in New Zealand.
abstract: New Zealand is implementing a policy of pre-announced 10 per cent annual increases in tobacco excise for 7 years (from 2010 to 2016). Internationally, little is known about smokers' receptiveness to persistent step-increases in tobacco excise. This article reports on data collected in 2013 (600 interviews in total). The New Zealand Smoking Monitor is a fortnightly survey of smokers and recent quitters; respondents are maintained on a panel and interviewed up to six times. We found that, one-quarter of respondents supported continuing with a 10 per cent annual increase. Eight in ten were aware that a pack of cigarettes will cost US$16.50 in 3 years, and six in ten believed knowing the future cost of cigarettes gave them a strong reason to stop smoking now. While most respondents did not want the annual excise increase to continue, how they perceived the impact of persistent excise increases suggests this policy has the potential to increase quit attempts.
authors.affiliation: Policy, Research and Advice, Health Promotion Agency, PO Box 2142, Level 4, 101 The Terrace, Wellington 6140, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Judy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Policy, Research and Advice, Health Promotion Agency, PO Box 2142, Level 4, 101 The Terrace, Wellington 6140, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Darren
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Walton
authors.affiliation: Policy, Research and Advice, Health Promotion Agency, PO Box 2142, Level 4, 101 The Terrace, Wellington 6140, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Rhiannon
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Newcombe
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand; D012907:Smoking / Q000191:economics*; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology; D013660:Taxes / Q000191:economics*; D062789:Tobacco Products / Q000191:economics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D055815:Young Adult