New Zealand smokers are stubbing out their butts in increasing numbers.

The most up to date figures show 15 percent, or around one in seven Kiwis over the age of 15, smoke one or more cigarette per day.

Researchers say that's down from the 22.5 percent of Kiwis over the age of 15, who smoked in 2006.

The researchers from the Health Promotion Agency, Otago University and Canterbury University say their findings suggest the decline in smoking is accelerating.

Smoking is most common among young Maori women aged 25-29, with 43 percent being regular users.