500 signatures reached
To: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon
Demand the Prime Minister strip the tobacco and vaping portfolio from NZ First
As a coalition of health organisations and advocacy groups, we are are calling on the Prime Minister to strip the tobacco and vaping portfolio from New Zealand First.
Recent revelations have continued to expose the close ties NZ First appears to have with the tobacco industry, with decision after decision being made by the Government which benefit big tobacco. [1]
As such, we demand that the Prime Minister use everything in his power to:
As such, we demand that the Prime Minister use everything in his power to:
- Remove the tobacco and vaping portfolio from Members of New Zealand First
- Launch an independent public inquiry into the level of tobacco industry influence on public health policy in Aotearoa.
Having such an influential party in Government appearing to have a strong allegiance to the tobacco industry poses a serious threat to the health of all people across Aotearoa.
The PM must step in and take responsibility for crucial decisions around tobacco and vaping off National's coalition partner, to make it clear that public health policy in Aotearoa is not for sale.
New Zealanders have always taken pride in living in a country that values democracy. Our Government shouldn't be working in the interests of big tobacco; it's time for the PM to act now.
Why is this important?
As a coalition of health organisations and advocacy groups, we are calling on the Prime Minister Luxon: strip the tobacco and vaping portfolio from New Zealand First.
It's the responsibility of leaders in government to make informed decisions that have long-term benefits for the future of the country and the health of its people. They should use the best knowledge, information and expertise available to guide their decisions to ensure all people and communities can thrive.
That is not happening right now.
Keeping the tobacco industry away from influencing Government decisions and actions is crucial to protecting people’s health and wellbeing.
Our Government appear not to be prioritising saving lives and protecting people from harmful industries who have caused so much death and destruction in their pursuit of profits.
If action isn’t taken now, more decisions will continue to be made behind closed doors that are influenced by the tobacco and vape industry which benefits their interests.
The health of people across Aotearoa is under threat if the PM doesn’t take some action to change how health decisions are being made and who is responsible for that decision making.
We are calling for PM Christopher Luxon to take a strong stance and protect the health of all people in Aotearoa. Sign this petition to show your support!
References:
[1] Alleged ties between NZ First and vaping companies a 'dangerous risk' to New Zealanders, anti-vape group warns | RNZ News
It's the responsibility of leaders in government to make informed decisions that have long-term benefits for the future of the country and the health of its people. They should use the best knowledge, information and expertise available to guide their decisions to ensure all people and communities can thrive.
That is not happening right now.
Keeping the tobacco industry away from influencing Government decisions and actions is crucial to protecting people’s health and wellbeing.
Our Government appear not to be prioritising saving lives and protecting people from harmful industries who have caused so much death and destruction in their pursuit of profits.
If action isn’t taken now, more decisions will continue to be made behind closed doors that are influenced by the tobacco and vape industry which benefits their interests.
The health of people across Aotearoa is under threat if the PM doesn’t take some action to change how health decisions are being made and who is responsible for that decision making.
We are calling for PM Christopher Luxon to take a strong stance and protect the health of all people in Aotearoa. Sign this petition to show your support!
References:
[1] Alleged ties between NZ First and vaping companies a 'dangerous risk' to New Zealanders, anti-vape group warns | RNZ News