Quit smoking surge expected at $15 price tag

A standard 20-pack of cigarettes will break through the $15 price barrier on New Year's Day.

The 14.6% price rise, the result of the annual adjustment to the excise duty, is the third since June last year.

Scientist and tobacco industry whistleblower Dr Jeffrey Wigand said New Zealand had made progress at fighting tobacco addiction but more work was needed.

"I would like to see New Zealand start restricting parents or adults from smoking in the front of the car with the windows rolled up and the baby tethered in the back in a safety seat. I think that's child abuse. That child has no choice but to breathe in that toxin - and we know second-hand smoke kills."

Dr Wigand said new products like smokeless cigarettes and e-cigarettes were often simply ways of keeping people hooked on nicotine.

Quitline spokesman Bruce Bassett said he expected a surge of interest from people aiming to quit.

He said the past two tax rises had coincided with an about 93% increase in demand for Quitline services.

Mr Bassett said the $15 mark would impact on smokers' thinking.

"I think there are price thresholds and when the prices get to a certain point, it shocks people into realising how much of their discretionary income is being put into feeding their addiction."

Susan Jones, of British American Tobacco, said tobacco excise was subject to an annual calculation performed by Customs. This excise rise was partly based on the consumer price index.