Treaties could compromise NZ's smokefree goal

The Government's being urged to be wary of signing any international treaties which could compromise its smokefree 2025 goal.

A report's been released into the implications treaties like the Trans-Pacific Partnership could have on achieving the Government's smokefree goal.

The report's author, Auckland University's Professor Jane Kelsey says countries involved in the treaty could mount legal challenges.

"We already see a number of countries challenging other countries tobacco laws in the World Trade Organisation, and we're seeing investors challenging them in private international tribunals.

"We can certainly not enter into any new agreements that increases the constraints on future governments in achieving that goal. The Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement is a classic example of one."

Ms Kelsey says the Government needs to be prepared for tobacco companies to fight any restrictions put in place.

Meanwhile there's a push underway to clean up a problem smoking habit.

Labour MP Iain Lees Galloway wants it made illegal for people to smoke in cars when children are present.

He says responsible parents don't do it and most probably do make sure children aren't exposed to the dangers of second hand smoke.

But Mr Galloway says there are a few people out there that still do smoke in cars around children.

"But we do know there's a few people out there who haven't got the message yet. We've tried some social marketing a few years ago to get the message across, this is just about trying to clean up the last few people who haven't quite got the message."

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