The Smoking Coalition no longer exists but its hope of a smokefree nation by 2025 lives on.

Their doors have closed after a government contract was not renewed last year under a new funding strategy.

The Coalition has been around for 20 years and has had great influence in the government's commitment to becoming a smokefree nation by 2025.

Chair Dr Jan Pearson said momentum towards this goal is slow and plain-packaging legislation needs to be passed before looking at accessibility.

"[We need to] restrict the supply so it's not available in a dairy next to a school and places like that which just makes it more accessible and more likely for our young people to start smoking."

Pearson said legislation regulation that helps create an environment where smoking isn't normal is crucial in order to meet the target.

"We know that it supports people to give up smoking and also helps to maintain a smokefree lifestyle after they have given up."

According to Statistics NZ, around 5000 New Zealanders die every year due to smoking or smoking-related health issues.

The number of people smoking since the Smoking Coalition was created has dropped by ten percent.