The new government is facing a plea to introduce stricter smoking laws for public places.

The country's smoking policies haven't been updated since 2004, and only cover schools and early childhood centres.

A University of Otago investigation has found there are no smokefree signs at racecourses, while only some sports grounds have them.

Associate Professor George Thomson says there needs to be legislation restricting people from lighting up anywhere where there's public seating.

"We know from a number of places overseas that things like smoking parks are very good at helping people quit. There is direct evidence that having fewer smokers means that people are able to quit easier," he says.

The government does not have a specific policy on smoking, but previous governments have been committed to the Smokefree 2025 target.