Ethnic, gender and age group differences in tobacco use require better information about similarities and differences that exist within Pacific populations to enable more effective interventions to be developed. A review of major population-level tobacco control interventions in Aotearoa/New Zealand showed a lack of evidence of what works among Pacific Peoples. Continued reliance and adaptation of mainstream tobacco control interventions is unlikely to reduce tobacco use among Pacific Peoples in Aotearoa/New Zealand. More specific programmes for Pacific Peoples are urgently needed, with particular focus on young men. Effective interventions to reduce tobacco-related deaths will substantially reduce health inequalities in the country. Pacific communities need to be resourced and supported to own and participate more effectively in the provision of tobacco control programmes.

In the Pacific region, ratification of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control provides a golden opportunity to scale-up tobacco control efforts in the region. Despite these promising developments, political will varies widely in the region and more effective actions are needed.

This presentation will discuss interventions needed to prevent tobacco-related diseases and protect the health or Pacific Peoples in Aotearoa/NZ and actions needed within NZ to control tobacco use in the region.