Health researchers want an independent body set up to take over the distribution and supply of tobacco.

It's one of several radical new ideas being put forward to tackle the harm caused by tobacco.

Otago University's Professor Richard Edwards has presented the proposal to the Public Health Association Conference.

He says a whole range of measures could then be introduced, including removing all the branding from tobacco, and doing away with point of sale displays.

Professor Edwards says the tobacco industry would be taken out of the market by the independent agency.