This presentation will showcase results from a national survey of 13 to 15 year old students – the New Zealand Youth Tobacco Monitor (NZYTM). Findings will be discussed in an international context, and with reference to specific factors relating to reducing smoking initiation.

Background: Method: Results: In 2006, New Zealand made its first data contribution to the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS), a joint Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/World Health Organization initiative to 'strengthen global tobacco control surveillance systems to monitor the global tobacco epidemic and advance research to promote effective tobacco control programs'. New Zealand's results will be compared to other countries using a standardized method, including several Pacifica nations that have already participated in the GYTS, such as Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and the Cook Islands. The variation in tobacco-related policy such as youth access and smoke-free environments internationally provides interesting context for these comparisons.

Also in 2006, action began on implementing the Reducing Smoking Initiation Framework in New Zealand. The 2006 NZYTM included in-depth questions measuring young people's attitudes and beliefs related to smoking, and socio-cultural norms. These data provide insight beyond top-line smoking prevalence, and explore the risk/protective factors influencing students across New Zealand. Examples include social connectedness, the home environment, parenting styles, media use, and awareness of the tobacco industry.

Conclusions: Implications: Implementing and monitoring interventions as part of the RSI framework will benefit from the information gathered as part of the NZYTM, and build our understanding of the determinants of smoking uptake.