The number of regular smokers in South Canterbury, and wider New Zealand, continues to fall. The number of regular smokers in South Canterbury continues to fall according to the latest Census data released by Stats New Zealand. "Smoking is the single leading preventable cause of early death in New Zealand and Māori smoking is significantly higher than smoking in the general population," Stewart said. Across all three districts, the largest category of smokers is women aged 30-64, followed by men aged 30-64, then men aged 15-29. For the past two years, the Ministry has been exploring how to improve stop smoking outcomes for Māori women, Stewart said.

Source: Stuff April 14, 2020 23:44 UTC