Background: Smokefree legislation is increasingly implemnted around the world. Evaluations largely find that the legislation is popular, compliance is high and report improved air quality and reduced exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS). The impact of the legislation on disadvantaged groups, including indigenous and ethnic minority groups has not been explored. We present the findings from an evaluation of the New Zealand Smokefree Environments Amendment Act (SEAA), which extended existing smokefree legislation to almost all indoor workplaces in December 2004. Method: Review of existing data and specially commissioned studies to identify evidence for the evaluation of the new legislation: including attitudes and support for the legislation; perceptions of key stakeholders views about the implementation process; impact on SHS exposure in workplaces and other settings; and impact on smoking-related behaviours.

Results: Support for the legislation was strong among Mâori and non-Mâori and across all income groups. Mâori stakeholders were supportive of the way the legislation had been introduced. Reported exposure to SHS in workplaces decreased similarly in Mâori and non-Mâori, and across all income groups. The increased level of exposure among Mâori in households with one or more smokers present prior to SEAA implementation had disappeared by 2006. Similar reductions in socially-cued smoking occurred among Mâori and non-Mâori. Mâori also responded to the new law with increased calls to the national Quitline service.

Conclusions: The experience of the New Zealand Smokefree Environments Amendment Act suggests that comprehensive workplace smokefree legislation will have positive effects on the health of indigenous, ethnic minority, and low income groups.

Implications: